Chapter 4 – The Burrow

Luna once again refused to speak to others with the exception of Ginny. She had followed the Weasleys, mainly Ginny, back to the Burrow but didn't offered any explanation about what may had Hadrian done. The night that the Death Eaters showed up for their own celebration was an embodiment of chaos. Rita Skeeter, a freelance journalist mostly for Daily Prophet, had a field day about the ministry worker's incompetence. Articles about different mess ups appeared almost in every magazine and newspapers everyday. Not even the patriarch of the Weasley family was spared.

Luna watched with one eye from her spot near the fireplace how in the three days she stayed with them he came from work only to sleep and raised up early to go back. Of course it wasn't only about the Death Eaters.

The fact that some unknown young wizard who was supposed to be still at school showed up and managed something that twenty or so ministry workers couldn't certainly left a bitter after taste. The minister of magic was particularly loud about it. He wanted Hadrian to explain himself, probably to berate him for interrupting work of the ministry just to safe his face in front of the public. Luna couldn't care less about that idiot.

To her, the biggest down side was that the magic community had learnt about Hadrian.

Ginny kept Luna updated about the articles in Daily Prophet and the white furred Hakutaku hoped that Hadrian would showed up soon. While the wizards were quite baffled by a wizard who just shoved up, saved the day and disappeared in explosion of light, Luna knew that something went wrong when Hadrian was saving that family. She couldn't tell what exactly caused the explosion only that the nearest Death Eaters ended with their magic temporary sealed.

Luna chuckled at the riot it caused when several members of prominent families ended up as the ones they loathed the most – people without magic.

The nature of the spell was such an unknown that some people who were in charge argued if it was even reversible. The events that followed were certainly hilarious. The Weasleys along with Potters cheered when one ministry worked described Lucius Malfoy's face at the possibility of loosing his magic permanently. Not that it mattered as him and many others were about to have a court trial for their allegiance to the Dark lord.

What really bothered Luna was Hadrian's disappearance. Tree days with him missing and no word made her more than just worried.

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Hadrian woke up to several worried faces watching him from above. Most prominent ones were Madame and Akieh. Blinking to get the last of his sleep out of his eyes Hadrian asked in hoarse voice. "What happened?" it hurt to speak for some reason.

"Madame sensed that something went wrong and summoned you back." if Akieh's pale face was anything to go by it definitely wasn't walk in the garden. His own body was aching everywhere and he felt as if he weight couple of tons more then before. Getting up from bed was out of question. He tried to focus and remember what happened but his mind was fuzzy to concentrate on anything other than nod to Akien and Madame.

"Luna?"

"She wasn't with you. But don't worry I can still sense her. I'm sure she is fine somewhere." Madame gently put her hands on his shoulders as to keep him in place. It was unnecessary as he was unable to move an inch. The cool touch of her ghostly hands felt nice though. It was relieve knowing that Luna was fine. He still couldn't remember where did he left her. He was sure it was important at that time.

"How long?" it was irritating that he couldn't form longer sentences but he was sure he would be back to sleep in couple of moments and needed as much information as possible to be able sleep peacefully.

"A week now. You had us really worried."

No wonder he felt like mauled by a giant. Luna will have his head for leaving her behind for so long.

"I remember something exploding."

"I'm not sure what were you trying to do but casting such a spell when you had a bag full of Alveo crystals may not have been the best idea. They acted like a channel for the spell but since there were so many of them they almost drain all of your magic and send it to the spell. That's when I felt your life was wavering and summoned you back. If you have dangerous materials with you there are certain guidelines on how to use it." Madame's soft voice held so much worry and also slight chastising note that even in his half asleep state Hadrian felt ashamed for worrying her like that.

"You need to sleep more. Now that you have regained consciousness you will get better fast."

Hadrian nodded to her soothing voice and before he drifted away he managed to murmur.

"Aki, get Luna she is with Ginny." after that he slipped into obliviousness once more. Seeing his sleeping face Madame mentioned to the rest to let him rest. As everyone cleared from the infirmary, which was located near the centre of the city, dug into the very trunk of an ancient tree, Madame put her hand gently on Akieh's shoulder to stop him for a moment.

Akieh shuddered at the cold touch of the mage, the very one everybody came to call Madame with respect and love for the sanctuary she offered them. As usually she was dressed in plain brown dress with embroiled neckline her wavy black hair bound from her face with a thin gold circlet. Her thin lips formed a worried line and Akieh couldn't but wonder if the silver dots in her brown eyes were the sign of her troubles of her exceptional magic.

The thing about her was that if you had ignored the fact that she flouted two inches above the ground and her body was freezing to touch you would almost believe she was flesh and blood. But as with every ghost her immaterial body and cold temperature was given.

Akieh was once again stunned at the sheer power the mage in front of him commanded during her life that she was able to cheat death and create, with the help of her coven, the Curabitur Luctus. Unlike the ghosts in wizard world Madame wasn't just an imprint of memory left behind. Her whole soul, the very essence of her, was freed from the confinement of her body and become the heart of the place so many called home.

It was perfect co-existence. The Curabitur Luctus existed in the separate realm while being supported by Madame's magic and Madame's soul stayed out of the realm of the Death being held by the invisible chains the city used to draw the power from her. Akieh was sure that one couldn't exist without the other.

When he thought about the modern magic he realized that the wizards and witches lost considerate amount of knowledge and in allegiance power by deciding to start using wands. It made spells easier to learn and use but it lead to laziness and overall degeneration of magical knowledge. Majority of them were using spells like for cleaning and cooking – handy but in the great picture completely worthless.

Akieh could understand why in the world still existed communities of wizards using old ways just to prevent the real kind of power to disappeared and considering the dangers that kept lurking in remote places it was more than comforting they did.

What Madame did with the city was pretty good job if he was to say himself. Expecially from a mage who died roughly around the same time as Merlin. Akieh was sure that the modern wizards would died from shock to know such a thing was possible.

"Are you going to pick up Luna for him? I can send you to where she is."

Akieh nodded in thanks. Sometimes it sucked not having magic. He consoled himself with the knowledge that he could still kick majority of their asses. As if sensing his thoughts Madame smiled at him.

"You deny it but you are still haunted by that woman's words." and with that she left him standing in front of the infirmary. Akieh smiled bitterly. Of course she would know since it was the reason why he appeared in Curabitur Luctus in the first place. With one last look at Hadrian's direction Akieh turn on his heel and set a firm step to the city square from where would Madame send him to retrieve one moody familiar.

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Usually the atmosphere at the Burrow was homely and cheerful but the last couple of days it was more then depressing. It was the day before the children had to depart back to school and the atmosphere in the house was a bit tense. Mrs. Weasly gushed over all her children and kept murmuring how it was ridiculous that her husband and son had to spent such a long hours at the work. The twins were huddled together working on god knows what and Ron along Ginny were putting finishing touches on their summer homework.

Luna was glad that it was a nice day out and she didn't have to be cooped inside. With growl she remembered how Mrs. Weasley first called her such a well behaved pet. She tried to stay out of her sight since then.

As the return to Hogwarts was approaching Ron was becoming more of a pest really. The one day when Eric Potter and his family were present he kept at nagging her what she was going to do if Hadrian had left her behind for good. She steadily ignored him but he was wearing her patience thin. His badly hidden hints how she should just choose to become Eric's familiar instead were ridiculous and she refused to be bothered with them.

As for Eric he wisely kept out of that since he didn't want to risk another tongue lashing like the one at the Cup. Besides it was safer to just watch as Ron and Hermione were annoying the beast on their own.

Hermione Granger was staying with the Weasleys the last week of the summer holiday. Once she realized that Luna is not going to disappeared on them she kept pestering her mostly trying to find out more about Hadrian. Luna abhorred the fact that aside for being annoying she was unusually sharp. Hermiona Granger was the main reason she refused to speak any more. She couldn't risk slipping up some vital information about her partner.

The last week was more than stressing for her. Who would have thought that being with the Weasleys would bring so many problems. Or maybe it wasn't just because they were Weasleys but because they were close friends with the Potters. Maybe that was the reason why the Potters along with Albus Dumbledor himself showed up with questions about Hadrian.

Luna unsurprisingly refused to speak to them. Her first impression on one of the greatest wizards of modern age was not exactly favourable.

Flash Back:

"Hello Molly, wonderful day isn't it?" the beeming voice of one Albus Dumbledor resonated from the doorway and Luna opened one eye to note the heavy rain falling behind the window. Closing it again and resuming her half sleeping state at the fireplace she tried to ignore the new quest in the house. After all why bother when Ginny was diligently brushing her fur making her almost purr in pleasure. But only almost. She had some dignity after all.

She sighed annoyed when her sensitive nose was hit with unfamiliar scent that dangerously smelled like lemon flavoured candy.

"Ms. Weasley, would you be so kind and let me talk to Luna here?"

Luna decided that Dumbledore's voice was even more annoying from up close. She felt Ginny leave with one final pat at her back and then the room dived into silence. Not that she minded.

"I would dare to say it is not nice to ignore a guest." his voice held a playful note as if he was reprimanding child. Luna wanted to threw an irritated look at him but decided to be above such things. Carefully thinking over her choices she decided to speak to him this time. Even though it was paining her to be bothered like that.

"Than you should not leave the lady of this house alone in the kitchen." who said she couldn't be cheeky.

"Maybe but then I wouldn't be able to talk to you."

"Who said I wish to talk to you, old man." she refused to give him any kind of respect that was fully booked for Hadrian only.

"I simply wanted to ask you why did you decided to protect the children and not help your master since you are his familiar." Albus apparently wasn't type of person to be thrown off easily. After short consideration she decided for truth. Partial truth to be exact.

"He wished for me to stay and protect Ginny and for your information he is my partner not a master. You didn't do your own homework, old man."

"Still staying behind like that must have been hard."

Luna knew that old goat was fishing for something but couldn't figure out what it was. Still keeping her eyes closed in faked boredom she didn't answer.

"What I really want to know is how can a wizard so young be able to work with magic so complicated as Mr. Wisps. Let alone to aid people he apparently didn't even know." straight to the core of the problem. Luna almost snorted.

"He had bone to pick with the Death Eaters, though the reasons are his own and certainly non of your business. Same goes for his powers."

"He is good acquittance of Ms. Weasley then."

Luna kept silent. The less she would say the better for Hadrian. She opened one eye again and immediately felt a surge of magic ripple through her fur.

That old bastard was using legillimens on her. Furiously, she raised faster than Dumbledore could see, sending his own magic back and watched with satisfaction as he jerked back at the impact.

"Try that again and I do worse. This conversation is over. Rest assured Hadrian couldn't care less about you idiots." challenging his with her eye her whole body ready to strike she watched as he raised from the couch he was sitting in.

"My apologies. Please tell him I would like to personally thank him for saving the muggle family. Have a nice day, Luna."

"As if, old man." she murmured darkly as he left the living room, his multicolored robes billowing behind him like a happy rainbow.

End of Flash Back:

Luna sighed at that unpleasant memory. At least Ginny was somewhat nice to be around, especially since she spent most of the time petting her fur. But that didn't change the fact that it was simply too long. Hadrian was supposed to be here and get her out ages ago. Luna huffed at the thought of Ron suggesting her becoming someone's pet. Especially Eric Potter's. The nerve of that red haired brat.

In exasperation Luna put her head on Ginny's lap and wordlessly asked for more petting. Hadrian had rarely time for indulging her. Not that he didn't take superb care of her but sometime he was too immersed in some dusty book to be paying attention to her.

As Ginny raked her finger through her fur while her other hand kept hold on her school book Luna sighed again. It was certainly boring at the Weasley's household.

"You know that today is the last day of holiday. What will you do if Hadrian doesn't show today as well. Are you going with me to Hogwarts then?" Ginny couldn't deny that she would like that a lot. In the past week she grown attached to the white Hakutaku and didn't want to just part with her for god knows how many years.

"I have to go back. If Hadrian don't show today I will go with you to the station but afterwards you are on your own. There is no danger for you once you are on that train. Besides, school full of kids is not exactly my cup of tea."

"You think he is alright?"

"Sure he is. That fool probably just knocked himself out. It sometimes happen when you mess up spell or just overestimate your strength or current physical state. He was already exhausted when he went to deal with the Death Eaters so it probably back fired on him. Either way I will know for sure tomorrow."

"Is there any was to keep in touch with you two? In the past two years I send you some letters but all of them returned to me as if Erol couldn't find you."

Luna chuckled.

"He wouldn't be able to even if he really tried. I will tell Hadrian to send one of ours aviators so you can write him a letter or something. I'm sure he wouldn't mind. Provided he will remember to write back. He is bit scatterbrained in that area."

"Still he is nice. Nicer than Percy. Have you noticed? He had been dropping hints about the great event that was happening in the Hogwarts this year and refuses to tell us what is it about always keeping us hanging." Ginny sulked at that. She really wanted to know what the big secret was but none of her out of school brothers were willing to tell her. The knowing smiles were getting excessively annoying.

Luna raked her brain what it was about. She distinctly remember some wizards in Curabitur Luctus making bets about something happening in England this year. Some kind of tournament. But that couldn't be. The Cup ended in quite a disaster week ago and she doubted those people would be so wound up over some sport on brooms.

Going through her memory more carefully she tried to remember. Something about schools. But schools from where. She really wished she paid attention at that time. Three schools. Tournament. Luna's eyes snapped open.

That's it.

The Triwizard tournament. The wizards in the City were having fits with that one. Apparently it was quite dangerous and at some point students competing in this tournament died. If she recalled it correctly they were saying only idiots would allow their children to face potentially dangerous creatures and tasks for the sake of entertainment.

Luna smirked as best as she could in her feline form. The modern wizards were indeed retarded.

Mr. Weasley probably didn't want to spoil the surprise for his kids so he kept them in the dark. She could already see their faces when they found out what was this fuss all about.

"Probably their idea of being funny. Akieh's doing it to Hadrian all the time. Best way to deal with that is to either ignore them or snap at than to say it or keep quiet." Luna remembered fondly couple of times when that happened in her warped up household.

"You are right but it still hard." Ginny whined at the unfairness of that all. Luna let her babbled about her life at school and home in general while she resumed herself to go back to sleep. When Ginny's voice turned into almost none-existent buzz her mind went fully alert at the feel of magic coming from outside of the house. Recognizing it immediately she didn't hide her relieve.

Luna gently untangled herself from Ginny and got up.

"Come on. Let's say hi." padding silently across the room after checking that the coast was clear, careful not to run into anyone from the rest of the family and the two guests staying over, Luna opened the door and slipped outside along with Ginny who hurriedly followed.

Right behind the garden fence was standing tall figure wearing a leather cloak, face hidden in the shadow of the cape. Ginny squeeled in delight but Luna looked crestfallen. She could tell immediately that the person standing there wasn't Hadrian. With that she started to fear the worst. Was Hadrian alright? Wasn't he hurt?

Luna quickly moved cross the yard and despite being feline she barked out.

"Akieh, you rotten bastard. What happened to Hadrian."

With chuckle Akieh pulled the cape out of his face making Ginny gasped in surprise. His chiselled face were open to the world but Luna refused to be fooled.

"Calm down. He is fine. Was unconscious this whole time since he is an idiot but he will be ok. Madame said so." despite him sounding nonchalant Luna knew better. The undoubted relieve she heard in his voice was more than enough.

Akieh looked at Ginny standing next to Luna unsure of what to do. She didn't know this person but Luna did and she had remembered Hadrian mentioning him as his good friend almost brother.

"You must be young miss Ginny. I apologize but Hadrian went back to sleep before he shared your surname with me. He also quite forgot to mention your astounding charms, miss." taking her hand into his Akieh went full out as he gallantly kissed the knuckles and charmingly smiled at the bewildered girl. Ginny went as red as tomato at this treatment while Luna exasperatedly rolled her eyes. Trust Akieh to act like an idiot when it was most inconvenient.

"Akieh!" Luna's growled warning made the womanising martial artist turn his attention back at her.

"Moody much, Luna? Are you ready to go then?" his voice was nothing like when he was back at the City. The silken, sugar coated words were Akieh's defence as well as attack. But he didn't need to exercise it on Ginny.

"I was ready this past week, idiot!" just as she was ready to jump over the fence a voice from the house sounded like ship siren.

"Who the bloody hell are you?"

The voice of Ronald Weasley was officially grating on Luna's nerves. Not only he had apparent knack for picking the worst time possible but he was quite adamant in making her hate him as well. The fiery red head was glaring daggers at Akieh who was yet to let go of Ginny's hand, and followed by the rest of the family minus Percy who was making himself busy doing something in his room. Luna hoped to never found out what exactly.

The sight of the red haired family made Luna wanted to bash her head against the ground. Those people really didn't know when to mind their own business. The worst part was she was certain that all this was just a ruse to keep them busy so Dumbledore and Potters could arrive as well. She was sure that would spell disaster for all of them. Herself, Akieh and mostly Hadrian.

"Time to go, Akieh, fast!" before he had time to answer her or even ask what was going on Ron grabbed his sister and forcefully pulled her away from Akieh.

"What do you think you are doing to my sister!" he yelled at Akieh. One finely shaped eyebrow went up at the same time as Ginny's face turned red again, this time in utter mortification at her brother's behaviour.

"I was merely greeting her. But maybe you should revise your way of treating women if you ever hope getting girlfriend. You are being quite rough with the young lady."

"It's my sister you are creeping out you moron."

"You are the only creep out person in here, Ronnikins." drawled one of the twins but still watching Akieh suspiciously. Deciding it was indeed the wisest to leave Akieh turned away from Ron and addressed Mr. Weasley blatantly ignoring the rest of the crowd.

"My apology, sir. My name is Akieh. I was sent by Hadrian Wisps to retrieve Luna back since he decided to regain his consciousness. I am very grateful for you to take care of her this whole time. As for my treatment of miss Ginny I was indeed only greeting her since my mother insisted on my manners. " Akieh's face didn't change and nobody of the presented would be able to tell how full of shit he really was.

"Ahh, Hadrian's family if I remember correctly, isn't it?" asked Bill before the situation got out of hand. Akieh simply nodded. At that moment Mrs. Weasley took control.

"Well if it is like that you must come and have at least tea with us. I for one would like to hear about the boy who was looking after my daughter so far." Mrs. Weasley's face looked as if she dared someone to do otherwise. Apparently she haven't met person like Akieh before.

"As delightful it would be to have tea with madame such as yourself and her family, I will have to decline and hope it will not change your opinion about my manners. Since Hadrian is not feeling fully well I wouldn't be able to enjoy your company fully. Not to mention I wish to be with him as soon as possible." the words, the tone, the smile that would make cobra fall in love. Let it be said Mrs. Weasley didn't stand a change since the beginning.

From corner of his eyes Akieh could see some of the boys opening they mouths to speak and the raven haired boy, who looked like Hadrian when he first met him, was frowning. Akieh grabbed the soft fur on Luna's neck and immediately felt as the magic raised in his body.

"It will be an honour to spend time with you shall another opportunity arise, though." and with short bow to the family he and Luna disappeared.

The stunned silence that descended on the garden of Weasley's family home was defying. The look that Molly Weasley wore for the rest of the evening said more than words ever could.

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It was dark, yet the sandy ground ground under his feet seemed to glow with an eerie light.

Two paths opening in front him.

One with spirit laughing hysterically at the sides.

Other shrouded in mist.

Hadrian was desperate to wake up. Wherever he was it was too dangerous. He needed to get back but for the love of god he didn't know how. Some unseen force pushed him forward.

'choose'

'choose'

As he was falling with death clarity he knew he will have to choose a path to take if he wants to make it out of this place alive. At the very last moment he made his decision for better or worse and let the magic overtake him.

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When Hadrian opened his eyes again he was still in the infirmary on one of the low beds, covered in light blanket, with Luna's head at his side. Testing his fingers to see if they worked better this time he let them pet Luna's head.

He was glad she was alright but than again he didn't have any doubt about that. She was one crafty cat. Thinking back at his last dream he let the smile slip out from his face. Whatever was at store for them he was sure that the peaceful days were over.

Absent-mindedly petting Luna's head Hadrian kept mulling over all the possibilities that were opening up for him.

"You are up for couple of minutes and already are making me depressed." Luna widely yawned which was a fearsome sight itself. "I'm here and so is Akieh and Madame. So cheer up a bit."

Nodding his head Hadrian asked.

"What happened with you while I was out?"

Luna proceed to tell him all about the Weasley's family, the Potters and her meeting with Albus Dumbledore. All that time Hadrian didn't pull his hand away as if he too needed reassurance that everything was indeed alright.

"... and the schools will be competing along with others. The guys talked about it since last month. It will be a big event. At least for the students. I'm sure they will will be thrilled to participate."

"We are going."

Luna blinked at his words.

"You are not healed enough to go anywhere. It will take time..."

"We are going to that tournament."

A silence covered them like a blanket.

"WE WHAT!"

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Author's note:

Hello everyone,

Another chapter done, unfortunately not much of Harry here. As much as I would like to say otherwise this chapter was a filler with a start point for the rest of the story. Most of the main characters are now introduced with couple of more to come later.

Frankly speaking I am pleased how Madame turned out as a minor character this will be probably the only chapter she will appear personally. Same goes for Akieh. I did planned to have him play more active role but then I got this interesting idea as to where to lead this story that unlikely Luna he will stay as a support character only.

Thank you very much for reading this story and dropping a review to let me know how you liked it. I appreciate it and it does keep me going.

Till next time

Murail