To Bring a Smile:

Carpet and Drapes

SedMai

Disclaimer: All Harry Potter and Batman characters rights and properties goes to JK Rowling and Warner Bros Pictures/ DC Comics. No money is being made in the creation of this story. It's sole purpose is for poorly written entertainment. All other characters are fictional.

((((((SedMai))))))

What is a role model? Role models vary depending on date and culture. They could be a sports star that took their team to the championship and won the game. Maybe it's the music singer who sells millions of records and performs in front of sellout crowds. Or it could be the person who defeated a Dark Lord and brought peace to a society. The one thing they all have in common is that they are all human beings. Not one person is infallible. As humans we, by our very nature are going to make mistakes. The problem is that some people put their role models on such a high pedestal that it's inconceivable that they could make any mistakes. To take the decisions of one person without questioning those choices is to follow blindly. There is another creature where stories tell of such an act. The lemming is told, whether a myth or fantasy, that they follow in a chaotic herd wherever that leader goes. Even if it's to their own death. Following a good role model to look up to and maybe strive to become is a worthy goal. Following a role model blindly without questioning, could lead to dire consequences.

((((((SedMai))))))

Emerging from the green flames of the fireplace, Hermione and Ron stumbled out as they brushed the ashes from their clothes. "Do you think it was a Death Eater attack?"

Hermione stood up, "I don't know. They said it was a gruesome murder. His face was cut and sewn back together to give him a permanent smile. The news states that there are no eyewitnesses. That's what makes me think it was Death Eaters." Hermione, stopped talking and looked around, she was amazed how different the house looked. The gloominess disappeared and in it's place was a house that was well decorated if not slightly eccentric. Hermione stared at Ron, "Are you sure we're in the right place?"

Ron just shrugged his shoulders, "I think. I mean, we didn't speak the name incorrectly."

Taking out her wand Hermione slowly crept out of the toward the Hallway. Ron followed her actions as he stood behind her. They slowly made their way down the hallway hearing movement in one of the other rooms. Slowly making their way, Hermione silently motioned Ron to the count of three. They both emerged into the room with their wands pointed in different directions. What they were witnessing was the last thing they expected.

In the Study, the two friends watched as the third member of the golden trio was dancing with Luna Lovegood around the study. Hermione was a little peeved that she was worried sick for her friend and he was dancing without a care in the world. "Harry James Potter!" Hermione watched as her best friend twirled and waltzed Luna over to them. "What are you doing?!"

Harry and Luna looked at each other and then stared back at Hermione, they both said at the same time, "Dancing"

With her mouth hanging open, Hermione looked around the room puzzled, "How? There's no music?"

Harry looked at Luna, "I heard music Luna dear, what about you?"

"Oh, yes, I most definitely had a song in my head." Luna just smiled as she looked into Harry's eyes, "It's a Small World"

Harry just laughed, "Most excellent, in what language?"

Luna just beamed, "I do believe it was in Chinese and you Mr. J"

Harry let go of Luna, and clapped. "An excellent choice. I do think it was the Humpty Dance."

Luna pouted cutely, and then pointed to a portion of the room. "I think you did look like MC Hammer on crack back there."

Looking back at where they were just dancing, Harry nodded. "I think you're right."

"Harry!" Hermione watched as the two looked at her, "Where have you been don't you know what happened to your family. You could…"

Harry just tuned out Hermione as she was going on one of her rants. He was rubbing his chin concentrating above Hermione's hair. Nodding here and there.

"Harry!"

He didn't even acknowledge that Hermione said his name, he leaned over to Luna. "What do you think?"

Luna gave a thoughtful look at Hermione, "I believe you're right. It's the only explanation."

Harry looked at Hermione, and gave a huge smile. "Finally! After so many years, the mystery has been solved." He leaned down and whispered quietly, "What about the carpet?"

Luna scowled, "I wouldn't try it if I were you. It would be like trying to creep up on a sleeping lion."

Nodding his head, "I think you're right." He bowed his head and sighed, "Another mystery yet unsolved." Looking up rather quickly, he snapped his finger. "We just need to wait a few years, when a brave soul will march into that undiscovered country." Harry nodded, he was much happier now.

"Harry!"

"What?"

Hermione huffed, "What are you talking about?"

"Oh, well you see Luna and I had a theory. You see as children we have fits of accidental magic that is caused by our emotional state." Harry motioned back and forth to him and Luna, "We feel that the bushiness of your hair is caused by the nagging rants you inflict on other people."

Hermione's eye just twitched, "and what about the carpet comment."

Harry just gave her a huge smile, "Well, we didn't know if the carpet matched the drapes." Harry looked to Luna who gave him a thumbs up.

Hermione just pinched the bridge of her nose. Harry snapped, that had to be the case. Sirius's death had caused her best friend to lose all sense of reality. "You do realize that The Order has been everywhere asking everyone if they've seen you."

He looked at Hermione puzzled, Harry turned to his most second beautifous girl. He wondered if that was a word. Well he would add it to his dictionary now. "Did they ask you Luna?"

She shook her head, "No Mr. J, did they ask you?"

"What are you two talking about now?"

"Well obviously, they didn't ask Luna. And they didn't ask moi where I was. Then obviously they didn't ask everyone. Sheesh, brightest witch of our age and doesn't know the meaning of everyone"

Ron snorted, bringing everyone's attention to him. Luna gave him a big smile, "Hello Ronald Weasley."

Ron waved, "Hi Loony."

Harry scowled, Ron was a friend and he been through much with Harry. So Harry would give Ron the rules to the new game, obviously that was what friends are for. He knew that the boy talked before he opened his mouth, but at times Harry felt Ron was too insensitive to those around him. Yes, once Harry explained the new rules to Ron, he was sure that his attitude would change. It didn't mean that he would let the comment go. Harry gave Ron a huge smile, "Ron, it's good to see you and in such good spirit. I always wonder why you wake up in such a good mood?"

Ron stared blankly at Harry, "What do you mean mate?"

"Well, I'm mean it's great that you're in a positive mood all the time." Harry started counting with his fingers, "Since you're not as good looking as Charlie, and cool as Bill."

Luna jumped up at down, "Don't forget Mr. J, smart as Percy."

"Right, and not as funny as the twins and as good at Quidditch as Ginny. You are good at a board game and can eat huge amounts of food." Harry beamed at Ron, "You do have talents over your brothers and sister. Congratulations." Harry looked at his hands, white glove? Definitely a pair of white gloves would look very nice on his hands. He wiggled his fingers smiling while doing it.

Ron turned redder and redder, until he heard enough. With a huff, he turned around and stormed out of the room. You could hear the floo activating signaling the departure of Ron. Hermione couldn't believe what Harry just said. "Harry that was so insensitive."

Harry just waved Hermione off, "Some friend couldn't even accept a compliment about his family." Looking Hermione over, he quickly stepped to the side of Hermione. Putting his arms across her shoulders, Harry leaned his head against hers. "Hermione, my dear bushy-haired friend. So easy to trust those who are put in roles of authority. So naive to think that they only have our best interest at heart. So eager to please them and follow their wishes without question." Harry ran his hand through her hair. "You are such a riddle Hermione. Always wanting the answers to your questions, but never questioning when you should" He could hear her sigh in content, "One day I hope you wake up and really open your eyes to the world around you."

Hermione quickly stepped away, looking at Harry and then Luna who were both just smiling brightly at her. "Um, I think I should go and tell the headmaster we found you. I think it's best you stayed here for tonight."

Harry just bowed to his best friend, "Don't worry Ms. Granger, I will be fine for tonight."

Just staring at her friend, "Yeah, okay." She quickly left the two.

Harry just stared at the spot Hermione was in, until he heard the floo being activated. Looking over at Luna, "Are you pondering what I'm pondering Luna dear."

She gave him a slight pout, "I think so, but I don't think we should try and make an Hungarian Horntail wear a pair of lederhosen."

Rubbing his chin, Harry thought about what she said. "Yes, I think you're right. You know what I find interesting is that a herbology prodigy has such a hard time with potions."

"Oh, are we talking about Mr. Snape."

"Luna!" Harry glared at Luna, "He is a professor and a person in such a position demands are respect."

Luna looked at Harry, her head lowered in shame, "I'm sorry Mr J."

He glared at Luna a little longer satisfied she was scolded properly, nodding with satisfaction. "Yes, you're correct, Professor Greasy Bats has since my first year tried and thwart my quest for knowledge at our educational institute. I'm not the only one that has been blessed with his undivided attention. There has been a most timid roommate of mine that has also had trouble with the Great Greasy one."

Luna sat down in the chair, "I always wondered why Neville did so bad in potions. I assumed he had a huge wrackspurts infestation every time he stepped foot into the classroom."

Harry sat down in a chair next to Luna, as he held his hand out a house-elf appeared putting a drink in his hands and then disappeared just as fast. Taking a little drink, "Useful little blights aren't they." Setting the drink down on the side table, Harry looked at Luna, "Neville has a certain set of skills that would be a great addition to our little family don't you think?"

"Oh yes, Neville Longbottom would be a wonderful addition."

Harry would have to think about things a little more. He knew that Neville had talent, but he needed to harness that talent. Neville was a Gryffindor, but he also had a darker side to him. Especially when it came to one witch that ruined his family. "Luna dear, I think I know how to get Mr. Longbottom to play. I will need you to set-up a meeting in a few days. I have a feeling our esteemed wrinkly Headmaster will be shipping me away tomorrow."

Luna scowled, "I really don't feel comfortable with you there. That red headed hussy is going to try and get her talons into you. Did you know when we were children she would make me dress up as Harry Potter? I would have to play with her calling her Mrs. Potter."

Harry started to turn green, it seemed the youngest Weasley had an even more unhealthy infatuation than Dobby. Harry looked around the room at all the portraits of himself, and that was saying a lot. "Well, don't worry I don't plan on staying there all day." Harry laid his head on his fist, "I don't think we can do anything with Batsy for awhile. The headmaster loves his pet too much, but when I finally get to play with Professor Greasy Bats." Harry's smile went ear to ear, "I'm going to have so much fun." Standing up, "Well Luna how would you like to spend the night with me."

Instantly, Luna stood and took Harry's hands. Dragging him down the hall, "Since this is our first time. I insist, bottom."

Harry stopped them before the stairs, "Then you can have top next time."

Luna nodded her head reminiscent to Dobby. The two went up stairs as Harry looked at the different pictures on the walls. They were all of him in various poses. That would be the last time he asked Dobby to redecorate. It was as if he brought out his inner Lockhart. Opening the door to the master bedroom, Harry stepped through with Luna behind him. Heading to the bathroom he shut the door behind him.

"Winky"

Winky popped in front of Luna, "What can I do for you mistress?"

Luna bent down and gave Winky a hug, "You're so cute!" Composing herself, "Yes, can I have a pair of pajamas please." She watched as Winky bowed and popped away coming back right away, handing a night dress to Luna. "Thank you Winky." Luna held up the nightgown. She loved how it looked, it was black and red. The colors split the garment in fourths with the same colors catty corner to each other. Slipping off her summer dress, she slipped on her sleepwear.

Harry emerged from the bathroom in a pair of dark purple silk pajamas. Walking over he gave Luna a hug. "You ready dear." He looked down at Luna's big silver eyes, he caressed her cheek lovingly. "I'm glad you agreed to be my partner."

Luna leaned in to his caress, "Anything for you Mr. J."

"Well let's get started," Harry climbed on to the top of the bunk beds, "Have a good night Luna dear."

"Good night Mr J." Luna climbed into the bottom portion of the bunk beds and snuggled into her blankets.

With a snap of his fingers the lights turned off. Harry closed his eyes, content with how is life is heading. His eyes snapped opened, he realized that he was going to the Weasleys more than likely tomorrow. He was going to get smothered to death in the crevice of no return. Harry started shivering with worry about what was going to happen to him tomorrow.

Luna was sighing contently, she finally found where she belonged. Her father never paid attention to her anymore. Ever since her mother died, he lost himself in his work. This had led to her being left alone for days sometimes. This would be the first time she was truly happy. Luna fell asleep with a smile on her face.

((((((SedMai))))))

AN: Thank you everyone who had favorited this story. I'm not totally happy with this chapter. It just didn't seem to come together like I hope, but I felt that it had some good moments to it. I re-wrote it a few times and now I feel I just need to move on. Review what you think so far, and next chapter will be Weasleys, Neville and a surprise guest.