Anything for Harry: Chapter Thirteen
A/N: This chapter jumps around a lot more than I usually like to do but it is the only way I could get all that I needed into motion. I have tried to note where I change Point of View or time carefully.
***
(Past)
Luna was mad, possibly the worst she had ever been in her life. She felt betrayed and used, not by Harry and Hermione, they had been honest with her. It was her contract with her grandparents – Nick and Penny. She had done precisely as they had asked but not known their ultimate goal of meeting with her friends. She knew they would help, that's what Nick and Penny did. In spite of her anger she did realize that it was also what Harry and Hermione did – Harry's saving people thing as Hermione had put it.
She heard booted feet coming closer but didn't bother looking away from the beautiful horses in the pasture. When the tall boy from the porch leaned against the fence a few feet away she didn't even look at him.
After they had watched the horses for a few minutes he asked. "Would you like to ride?"
"Don't know how," she replied bitterly.
"We should have plenty of time to correct that. I don't claim to understand all of this but Nicholas said you three would be here for a year. My cousin and that guy you came with seem really attached."
Luna snorted, "They might as well be one person."
James looked at her though she still refused to look at him. "You're really mad right now, at Nicholas and Penny?"
She finally looked at him. "Very."
"I was really mad at them three years ago when they told me I had to go to America and learn their combat magic. I had to leave my girlfriend and couldn't even tell her why. She wasn't magical and, now that I'm back she's gone, moved to Bath apparently with her new husband. Made me angry all over again, but I couldn't really blame her."
Luna said bitterly, "But they're my grandparents! My mother was their daughter."
"I don't think they think the way we do."
Luna wiped away a tear, "Don't you think I know that? I just assumed they would treat me differently since I'm not some distant relative."
She flinched when he lifted his hand and he put it back on the top of the fence. Instead he just said, "Sorry."
They stood there for a few minutes looking at the horses until she changed the topic and though she knew the answer she asked anyway, "You're related to Hermione?"
He looked relieved at the change in topic. "Yes, my father is the older brother of hers. I'm James, I have a brother and sister, Jessie and Katherine, Kate is one year younger than me and Jess three. They should have dinner ready for everyone soon. Can you tell me what it was like going to Hogwarts? I can tell you about my studies, both here and the graduate work I just finished in America, if you like."
Damn another topic she hated, "I hated almost every minute of school, knowing I could have gone to another school instead, with people that didn't hate me because I was smarter made it even worst. I was picked on and pranked by nearly everyone at school, even my own dorm-mates stole my things and made it hard for me to get dressed in the morning."
He looked shocked at the venom in her reply to his simple question. "Didn't you have any friends?"
She snorted, "I had adopted a bizarre personality, most called me Loony Lovegood. Ginny Weasley was my friend, she grew up near me and knew me before school, recently we drifted apart. Harry, Hermione, and I guess Neville Longbottom I can count as friends, maybe even Ron and Bill Weasley." She shrugged.
***
(Present: That would be just after their 6th year ended)
Neville thought he was going to have a nice, peaceful afternoon in his favorite greenhouse. He had come out here after hearing of an attack on Diagon Alley to think but the Death-Eaters had a different agenda. Gran had sent Pinne to warn him the defenses had gone up after four had entered the grounds. The rest had been unable to breech the wards and they were unlikely to manage that for they were fed by the Ley lines within the earth itself. "Pinne, tell Gran I'm safe in the greenhouse and help protect her please."
She nodded quickly and popped away.
Well they had entered his ancestral lands and that made them fair game. He hurried out of the greenhouse, throwing a quick nox behind him. He silenced his feet and disillusioned himself, silently thanking Harry and Hermione for the training he had gotten in the DA. He briefly wondered just what they were up to but he had other issues to occupy his attention just now. Where were those Death-Eaters? There was a loud bang towards the south, he headed through the trees in that direction not bothering to be quiet, that's what the silence spell on his feet was for.
When he got to the far side of the trees he almost laughed, they were caught in the Tentacular Terror that covered a large section of the lawn. Two of them were mere lumps in the twisting vines, the other two were still standing but he didn't think it would be for much longer, with the wards up they couldn't apparate or even portkey out of their bindings. One of them still had his wand free and was firing reducto's wildly into the earth around him.
Didn't he know that the only way to calm a Tentacular Terror was with water? Well can't have him changing the landscaping, "Accio wands!" Four wands came flying towards him, one was snapped in two. He side-stepped and let them hit the ground behind him while he watched one of his favorite plants have some well deserved protein. When the struggling and screaming stopped he bent and retrieved the wands then walked up to the manor to tell Gran that they didn't need this month's fresh carcass from the slaughter-house and the threat was gone.
He grinned, maybe he could still salvage some of the day and have a peaceful night in his favorite greenhouse?
"Master Longbottom?" A gentle voice called from the shade of the house.
He had his wand pointed at the woman before he realized it. She was standing, twenty feet away, with her hands in plain sight and not holding her wand. She looked to be maybe ten years older than himself, had wavy blond hair that was draped over her shoulder. She was dressed in a green sun-dress and slippers, her arms were bare and in fact she was holding them so he could clearly see she bore no Dark Mark. He walked closer to her, glancing around for anyone else in hiding. "Who are you and what are you doing on my land?"
She gave a short curtsy, "I believe you know precisely whom I am Scion of house Longbottom."
He looked at her again and then immediately pocketed his wand and knelt. "Gran will wish to see you."
She came to him knelt beside him and gently put her hand on his shoulder. When he looked at her face he was surprised to see tears on her cheeks. "It's very painful to see one's children and grandchildren grow old and without Nick with me I simply cannot bear it."
Neville did the only thing he could think of, he hugged her and mumbled, "Sorry."
It was perhaps a minute later that she had gained control of herself and stood, pulling him with her. "Thank you grandchild. Pinne?"
The little elf appeared and said, "Ma'am?"
"Pinne please tell my granddaughter that the threat has been neutralized and Neville is safe, please, do not mention my presence."
"Yes Ma'am" and she vanished.
He was surprised when his great-gran, it had been more than ten years since he had last seen her, put her arm over his shoulder and said, "Let's walk in the sun for a bit I need to give you some information and then send you somewhere."
He nodded in agreement and they walked towards the front of the house and the formal gardens there.
***
(Still "present")
Nicholas hated these tasks. He sighed and drank the polyjuice potion in a single gulp and rapidly turned into his 'old' self. Now he looked like he did in the muggle biographies and on his chocolate frog card. He apparated to the secure room at Gringotts where his meeting was planned.
He was greeted immediately by three goblins and not surprisingly his annoyingly interfering descendent. "Albus you are not supposed to be here."
Albus Dumbledore bowed his head slightly while the goblins feared they had angered their most wealthy client. "I just wanted to discuss destroying the stone again with you, we cannot allow such an item to exist and potentially grant Tom Riddle immortality."
"I have told you before this is my concern and not yours. This is not the timf for such a discussion. Please go."
A pained expression crossed Albus's face and he looked angry for a moment but then he bowed and left the room without a word.
Nicholas waited until the door closed before turning back to the goblins, "Director I expect better security, you will investigate how my grandchild learned I was to be here today and execute the responsible party."
Director Ragnok knelt and said, "I shall do as you request great sir."
He hated being so ruthless but this was the code by which Goblins lived, had he said less then Ragnok would not have taken him seriously. "There is a great conflict once again coming, perhaps days ahead, mayhaps a bit more. I must know that this bank will follow my directions or the goblins will need a new line of work when I and all my kin withdraw our funds."
"Does great sir require my life in payment for this misdeed?"
"Only if you are the one responsible, I am supposed to be DEAD, how can I conduct any business if word gets out that I am going to be here for a meeting?" Nicholas took several calming breaths and then said slower and softer, "Were you able to get the parties here that I requested?"
Ragnok stood, "Yes great sir, the suggested funds into the mother's private account was sufficient excuse for her to bring her son with her, they are in the waiting chamber under a stasis spell so they do not know how long they have been waiting. The child has been copied and the doppelganger will be ready soon."
Nicholas rubbed his hands together and smiled for the first time since he agreed to do this. "Very well, go wake them and bring them in."
Director Ragnok and his two assistants hurried from the room. Nicholas conjured his cane and sat on the throne like chair that was the only seat in the room. He was facing the broad double doors and slowly rotating the cane in his fingers while he waited.
Perhaps five minutes later the door opened and a tall stately woman walked in, escorting her pale, bleach blond haired spawn. The boy looked curious, he had not been told whom his mother was taking him to meet. She certainly knew whom he was and what he was capable of. She hesitated only a moment before pulling her curious son to stand ten feet in front of the chair. She curtsied and snarled to Draco to 'bow!'
He did, though it was stiff and unpracticed.
Nicholas let a small cold smile onto his face, "Thank you Narcissa for coming here today and bringing your son. I have need of him."
***
Draco snarled, "What? Mother?"
Mother slapped him hard across the face and he staggered back whipping his wand out but found himself unable to move once it cleared his pocket. He was frozen half crouched, looking sideways through his hair.
Mother ignored him to kneel before the old man and bow her head. "My son is ruled by his father's training, I have been unable to influence him with any success."
Draco couldn't believe his mother, what in the Dark Lord's name was going on? Why couldn't he move?
"Thank you child. I intend to correct his training and correct his course. The goblins will have a Doppelganger for you to take home. He will be far more sedate than this one I believe. It may take some time to undo this but I promise you he will be returned to you when I am done."
"Yes Great Father. Thank you, I had feared he would need to be put down along with the father." She stood and walked unhurried from the room.
Put-down, like a dog or house-elf! Draco had to get free so he could warn his father of mother's treachery. But his body refused to move, he was still frozen in his half crouch wand uselessly held in his fingertips. Only the burning handprint on his cheek told him he wasn't under a petrificus spell.
When the door closed behind his mother he heard the old man say 'sit facing me and put away your wand.' And he sat on the floor and spun to face the old man directly while slipping his wand back into his cloak pocket. When he looked into the man's eyes he fell into them.
***
Nicholas looked deep into the child's mind, until he finally found what he was looking for and smiled. "There is a brain within that head of yours. I had feared you were a total loss. You wonder why you cannot move, why your mother was so willing to hand you over to me and why she was willingly subservient as well. It is good to be curious for that is the way to true understanding and knowledge, something you have spurned in the past. I shall allow you to speak in a moment but for now only one of your questions will be answered. My name is Nicholas Flamel, rumors of my, and Perenelle deaths have been greatly exaggerated. We, Penny and I, are the founders of much of the wizarding world. Two of my sons, about four hundred years ago, changed their names and founded both the Black and Malfoy lines. The reason you are unable to move is simply that my blood runs in your veins and this gives me control through blood-magic, something very few in the world even know exists beyond warding. You may now speak but I caution you to use that brain and the curiosity within."
Draco barely kept from spouting his usual line of 'my father' and instead simply moved his jaw, he had bitten his tongue when mother slapped him. Father would likely be in the same situation if this man spoke the truth, and so far he seemed to be. "What did you mean that you have need of me?"
Nicholas clapped his hands and leaned forward in his throne. "Excellent, an actual question that has some thought behind it." His smile vanished and he grew serious, "I will send you back in time about two years, to my workshop in France. There I will re-educate you and teach you the real truths within the world. Much of this you will not like but, if you are to become anything of use it is the only path available."
"Of use?" Draco had to ask.
Nicholas nodded, "There is a great conflict just ahead, between the forces of light and darkness. Your father serves the dark and it will be the end of the Malfoy line. Draco Lucious Malfoy, I remove you from the Malfoy line, you are now a Black and will follow the guidance of the Black Head of House, Sirius."
"He's dead!" Draco spat but a shudder went through him as the impact of the man's words took effect on his magic.
Nicholas shook his head, "No, he is merely in hiding. He will join us at my workshop a while after you arrive. I am aware you will resist my re-education, so long as that resistance remains intellectual and not violent it shall be tolerated. I can argue philosophy and law with the best minds in the world, I look forward to some stimulating conversations in the past."
"What?"
"No, I will not explain at this time." He made a gesture with his cane, a simple sweeping before him in Draco's direction. An amulet on a gold chain appeared around Draco's neck. "It is time for you to go, I cannot remain here much longer."
***
Draco opened his mouth to ask about something, he wasn't sure what but anything to delay this. Suddenly he vanished in a swirl of color. This didn't feel like portkey travel, there was no spinning sensation, he felt like he was still sitting on the stone floor. It took several minutes then he noticed the floor felt different and the colors vanished.
He was sitting on a cushion in a well lit workshop, it looked similar to Professor Snape's personal lab but this person's interests did not stop with potions. If that was really Nicholas Flamel then here, somewhere was rumored to be the Philosopher's stone. He was still unable to move but he could talk and said, "What?"
The same voice from Gringotts answered, "No, where? Think about the questions before you ask them."
The man walked in front of Draco and he was astonished to see that he looked much younger, barely old enough to have graduated school.
The young man laughed, "Yes, I am Nicholas Flamel, this is the form my Elixir transformed me and Penny into. What you saw at the bank was merely the effect of a Polyjuice potion I use for public appearance. You wonder if the stone is here grandchild?" At Draco's stare he laughed, "No I am not reading your thoughts currently. Anyone with even moderate intelligence would wonder that upon arriving here. The answer is yes, it is here, but you shall not see it, do not take it as such a slight for only Penny and I have ever seen the stone."
"Why are you spending so much time on re-educating me? Why not just obliviate me and give me alternate ideals?"
Nicholas smiled, this could work out even better than he had hoped. Removed from outside influence and with his resources narrowed to his own mind the boy could think! He gestured behind Draco and said, "Sit."
Draco found that he could actually move again and slowly stood then looked behind himself, there was a comfortable looking chair with green velvet padding. He sat and looked back at Nicholas.
Nick sat in his own chair, "There is a girl, no you haven't met her yet, but in your present state if you were introduced to her you would not be a person she could like much less love."
Draco couldn't help himself, he scoffed.
Nicholas pointed a finger at him, "This is what I mean and here is where I start the re-education. The whole Pure Blood thing is pure rubbish. My blood, and Penny's, runs in about 20% of the wizarding population yet we were both born of non-magical parents. Our blood runs in your veins as you have learned, it also runs in both of your parents. Who determines just what Pure-Blood means? There is no such thing! People are either magical or not, their blood is no different. This Dark Lord who claims to fight for the Pure Blood rights is in fact himself not one by your definition."
Draco was reeling, the entire world father had educated him into had just fallen apart. He knew in his bones that what this man told him was the absolute truth. How he knew it he didn't question, this was bloody Nicholas Flamel! The man who created the Philosopher Stone and claimed immortality for himself and his wife, hundreds of years ago, and could make unlimited gold for whatever he wished. No witch or wizard was more revered or more famous than he, even Harry bloody Potter didn't have the level of fame that followed this man. "Why?"
Nicholas leaned back in his chair, "Now that is a loaded question. I doubt you even know what you are asking but the most obvious one is Why do people follow this Dark Lord? And the answer is that he is using them as pawns in his own goal of proving to the world that he is to be feared, no more, no less. It is often the same with Dark Lords, most want precisely what I have, wealth and immortality. Some claim it is so they can make the world better or right wrongs, but all they really want is to fulfill their selfish desires. Do I think there are un-selfish people in this world who deserve my help? Certainly, and that is the task I have dedicated my wealth and influence to."
Various puzzle pieces suddenly fell into place, "You want me to help in this task? And the girl you mentioned, she needs me somehow."
"A leap into the unknown and a very close one I must say. The girl is slightly older than you are now, in the normal time stream you are nearly three years her junior.
***
(Past)
Hermione turned to Harry as they walked into the house, "Kate has been my best friend forever, she's very excitable."
He chuckled, "You're allowed to have girl moments love."
She gave him a quick kiss then a girl was yelling from across the room, "Jae, OH, MY GOD." Harry found himself engulfed in a three way hug between Hermione and he assumed Kate. From what he could make out she was slightly younger than Hermione, which would make her older in the normal time frame. Ugh, his head was starting to hurt at that point and he decided to just enjoy the hug and responded by hugging Kate with his right arm and Hermione with his left. She had the same unruly hair as Hermione and kept it about the same length, her eyes were blue though but she was even biting her lower lip just like Hermione always did. Kate let out a contented sigh and put her forehead against Hermione's, "Did you bring it?"
Hermione nodded, "In the boot of the car."
"I've been practicing, you have to play with me!"
"Sure Kate."
"You know I'm so jealous Jae. Can you help me find a man?"
Harry tried to restrain himself but he asked the question on his mind, "Jae?"
Hermione pulled her head away from Kate's to answer but Kate spoke first, "A derivation on her middle name. When I was ten, she was eight, I couldn't think of a good nick-name from Hermione, so started using Jane, then it switched one day by accident to Jae and I've stuck with that since."
Hermione finally got a word in, "And she can't stand Katie or even the dreaded Katherine."
Kate shuddered and accidentally brushed her breast against Harry. Her pretend shudder ended abruptly and she slid away from Harry looking at Hermione.
Hermione's hand had clenched on Harry's side when it happened and he just stood there not knowing what was going on.
Kate said softly, "Sorry. I was just playing, and got out of hand. I'm not trying to be anything more than a friend Jae."
Hermione took a quick breath and visibly relaxed. "Ok, Kate, I've had to fight hard to get him to myself, even Luna, who is a very sweet girl, pushed too much."
Kate only relaxed slightly, "I'm sorry, I swear to you."
Hermione sighed, "I know, apology accepted."
Kate smiled tentatively and said softly, "Though he is a hunk."
Hermione rolled her eyes but Kate grabbed her free hand and pulled her, and thus Harry, further into the house. "Dinner's ready unless my little brother messed it up again." She suddenly stopped dead in her tracks and pulled Hermione's hand up to her face. It happened to be her left hand and Kate had apparently felt the engagement ring. "No, he didn't? Already?" Kate quickly looked between Harry and Hermione, both of whom nodded. "Merlin you're a keeper." She whispered towards Harry and pulled them into the dining room where little brother turned out to be a boy Harry's current age but much more muscular and about six inches taller.
"Jessie James Granger, call me Jess." They shook hands and Harry was very surprised when Jess did not crush his hand.
"Harry Potter, Nice to meet you Jess."
Jess glanced at Harry's forehead, Harry tossed his head to flick his bangs out of the way and Jess looked back at Harry, "Thought you'd be more, dunno, Heroic?"
Hermione shoved her cousin's shoulder, he barely swayed at the impact, "C'mon he was only fifteen months old at the time!"
Jess shrugged, "Well you read the books and he's twelve feet tall and has lightning coming out of his fingers."
Hermione laughed then looked very serious, "He does get that way when angry, this is just his friendly body."
Jess took a step back and stared at her, "Naw."
Kate laughed and shoved her brother, "Got you."
Jess smiled at her but still looked at Harry with a question. Harry just shrugged and pulled Hermione towards the table where he could smell but not quite see some delicious food. A strange warmth began to grow inside him, this was what a real family acted like, friendly banter and no accusations, mistakes made and apologies accepted. He stopped right where he was and spun to face the woman responsible.
Hermione looked at him with a raised eyebrow.
He slid directly in front of her and put his other arm around her waist then slowly moved in to kiss her ever so gently. He felt her shudder against him with pent up fear and desire. Fear over his reaction to her cousin's mistake, and desire to show him she would do what was needed to protect him. Their lips had this conversation while they exchanged several delicate kisses in the suddenly silent room.
Harry finally pulled back and mouthed 'thanks' to her.
She pulled him into a tight hug and he returned it as everyone in the room quietly went back to gathering at the dinner table.
Harry sat in the middle of one long side, Hermione on his left, no one sat in the chair to his right, apparently leaving the spot open for Luna. Kate and Jess went into the kitchen and brought out the heaping trays, he saw roast lamb, shepherd's pie, and salad with biscuit's.
Luna slid into the seat beside him a moment later and James went around the table to sit beside Penny who was opposite Luna. She looked like she had gained control of her emotions.
Harry made the introductions. "Everyone, this is Luna Lovegood and other than Hermione here is my closest friend. Luna, these are Hermione's cousins, James, Katherine, and Jessie." He gave a short laugh when Kate scowled at him, "She prefers Kate though, and their parents, Chuck and Mary."
Luna smiled at everyone but wouldn't quite meet their eyes, she seemed to be slipping back into her Loony persona, something Harry would not allow if he could help it.
When they started eating he told her softly, "Stop regressing I need you thinking."
She covered her eyes and leaned towards him, "I can't do this alone, I'm just not strong enough!"
He took her hand, "Yes. Yes Luna, you are."
Only Hermione seemed to be listening to their conversation since everyone else was having their own discussions at the time. Hermione leaned on Harry and reached around to grab Luna's shoulder. "We're not abandoning you. I need my sister around."
Luna looked at Hermione skeptically, "Sister? We'll talk later, I really don't feel like socializing right now, let's just eat."
Hermione patted her shoulder again as did Harry. Several minutes later Hermione asked Penny, "What did you mean that I'm a new strain of magic?"
Penny looked up and smiled, "I was wondering if you would let that go until tomorrow. Think of it like this, magic is genetic, like having curly brown hair, as most Granger's do. A new strain of magic is like someone suddenly being born with purple hair and that trait gets passed onto their descendents. The stronger the trait, the more dominant it is in successive generations. Such as my blond hair, both Luna's mother and she have it as do others with my genes such as Draco Black."
Harry started choking on his shepherd's pie, both Luna and Hermione hit him hard on the back, when he had recovered he asked, "Black?"
Penny looked at him questioningly, then pulled out her book and after consulting it for several minutes she turned red in embarrassment, "Sorry that hasn't happened for you yet, one of the dangers of being in the same time in multiple places. Nick is removing Draco from the Malfoy line and sending him to himself in France six months ago to try and re-educate him. He's there now with two Nicks, the one that just left here to make the Elixir and the one with my other self re-educating him, though he will only see one Nick at a time."
Hermione started gasping as she was trying to drink some tea when two Nicks were mentioned. Eventually she asked, "Won't that cause a paradox?"
Penny shook her head, "It's perfectly safe to encounter yourself in time, I do it all the time. We just put that into the rules so people wouldn't go back in time and talk to themselves and tell them what to do."
Kate tried to get them back on track, "Purple hair?"
"Oh, sorry, I got off track. Magic is genetic, like hair color etcetera, so a new strain of magic will generate new results in later generations. Hermione dear, you're good at Arithmancy right?"
"Top of the school, all grades, as of fourth year."
"Excellent, well I invented it to help document my aura hobby."
Hermione was clearly stunned to learn just who had created her favorite subject.
Penny pulled out her wand and an orange book similar to her black one. She flipped it a few times and then tapped a page. A mathematical equation appeared over the dinner table, "Notice the third set in the equation, that's my magical signature. Here is Luna's mother's, a second equation appeared over the first, "and finally Luna's." Yet a third equation appeared.
Hermione shook her head briskly and stood. James also stood while Luna seemed to be trying not to pay attention and just eat her food.
Hermione looked over the magical signature area for several minutes. To Harry the whole thing looked like a foreign language that he just couldn't make any sense out of. Finally Hermione said, "Small derivations in this section, I assume that would be the father's genetic influence?"
"Yes, now here try these numbers." Four new sets of numbers appeared over the table and the original ones vanished.
Harry asked Luna, "Is Penny always like this?"
Luna shrugged, "Pretty much, this, more than anything, is her passion."
A full minute of studying the numbers later Hermione pointed at the second one, "Wait, there's something wrong with this one. Who's aura's am I looking at?"
James answered her, "Top is my father, second is your father, third is mine, fourth's I think is yours."
"Correct James, you see in the second one the magical gene is too weak to dominate, and yes the fourth one is yours, note there is no similarity between any of the three and yours yet your magical signature is off the chart so to speak."
Hermione sat down hard and Harry could tell instantly that she was very scared about something. Before Harry could ask though she asked Penny, "Are you saying I'm not related to my parents?"
Harry already had a hand on her and squeezed her leg comfortingly.
Penny said, "No that is not what I am saying." She waved her wand at the equations and the section on magic vanished. "Look at these, this describes your genetic makeup, each section here can be traced to your ancestors."
Kate came and looked Hermione straight in the face, "Jae, look at me, we're almost sisters, same nose, same hair, only our eyes and cheeks are different. If you can't believe those numbers you've got to believe your eyes!"
Hermione stared straight into Kate's eyes for a moment then slowly nodded, Kate nodded at the same time so it looked rather comical and Harry laughed causing both girls to swivel their heads to face him and both left eyebrows rose in question. He lost it at that point and started laughing. Luna also joined him having witnessed the near mirror images react identically.
Eventually Hermione smiled and Kate went back to her chair, dinner was finished quietly with no more interruptions or life altering discussions. Jess and James both stood and cleared the table while Mary said, "We have pumpkin pie for desert I do hope everyone saved room for at least a small slice."
Kate groaned but smiled anyway Luna, for the first time during dinner said something, "Just a small piece for me, I think I ate more tonight than our friend Ronald can."
Harry laughed, "Not a chance of that."
***
An hour later Luna joined Harry and Hermione in their room, she sealed and silenced the room before sitting on the bed. She was really unsure just where she fit in all of this now but knew they had to clear the air privately. Harry and Hermione also sat on the bed facing her, but slightly closer to one another than her.
"I really feel like I've been jerked around, mostly by my grandparents but the heartache has been tremendous. First my grandparents make me swear to not tell anyone that they are still alive, then Dumbledore and Flitwick make up this bizarre excuse for me to go on this adventure with you. I think we are forming a real relationship and then it dissolves around me. Now we're back in the past with your family and I learn my grandparents orchestrated a lot of it!"
Hermione spoke first, she looked very pensive though. "I meant what I said earlier Luna, I think of you like a sister, yes Kate's related but I can't stand to be around her all the time, she talks too much. You though like to study and think then talk when you want to make a point, I can really relate to that."
Harry took Luna's hands, "I want you to stay, I know you're thinking about leaving, Penny could certainly put you back where you belong in time. Truthfully I would be thinking of the exact same thing in your position."
Luna started crying and when they both held out their arms to her she fell into them. She relished the warmth coming from both of them for as long as she felt she could before pulling away, "I'll stay and I'm just as committed as I was to helping you before. Please don't try to ditch me or leave me out."
Harry put his hand on his heart, "Promise."
Hermione tugged her wand out and slashed it across her left palm then held it out to Luna, there was blood slowly pooling in her palm.
Luna stared at it for a bit too long, finally she did the same with her wand and left hand.
Hermione shook Luna's hand so their blood mingled, then tapped their joined hands and healed the wounds. "Now we're blood-sisters, I'll treat you as family no matter what happens from this moment on."
Luna started crying again and flung her arms around Hermione's neck.
While the girls hugged Harry rubbed both of their backs.
Luna stood slowly, "Thanks, I really needed this talk. You guys probably need to get to bed." She smiled, "I'll leave the silence spell up, I think it's strong enough!"
With that she laughed and walked out of the room, she heard their laughter until she reluctantly pulled the door closed.
Kate was waiting in the hall, "It's depressing isn't it?"
Luna smiled crookedly, "Somewhere out there are men made for us. I thought I was meant to be with Harry for a while but I don't think anyone could be such a perfect match for him. They're simply perfect for one another."
"Yea, well our men aren't here tonight. Mum wants you to bunk in my room, said you shouldn't be alone so we already moved another bed in for you."
Luna smiled, "Thanks, that sounds nice."
***
Hermione knew she was dreaming, well having a nightmare really, Bellatrix's head, being held by Peter was yelling accusingly at her for killing her. "Now I can't please my master bitch! I'm going to haunt you until you go as insane as I am!" She woke.
Harry was already awake and holding her tightly. "Bella?"
She shivered and nodded against him. "I hate nightmares."
"Yeah, they're not pleasant are they? It's 4am, do you think you can get back to sleep?"
She nodded, already relaxing in his embrace, a minute later she drifted off.
***
At breakfast Chuck said, "Daniel called at six."
Hermione's fork clattered to her plate, "What did you tell daddy?"
"I re-assured him that you were here, un-injured, safe and had brought two friends from school. Daniel guessed Harry and I told him about Luna. They were leaving the ski resort just afterwards. They'll be here about dinner time tonight and they were bringing Hedwig, your owl I believe Harry?"
Harry nodded, squeezing Hermione's hand as they lay intertwined under the table.
Hermione nodded and picked her fork up again and they went back to eating.
Kate asked, "What are you planning on telling them, Jae?
Hermione shrugged and swallowed, "The truth, I'm a lot older than when they last saw me, I'm wearing mother's engagement ring, and I'm pregnant."
Kate started stammering and then yelled at Harry, "You knocked her up before the wedding?" She was standing and had her wand pointed across the table at Harry.
Hermione shoved Harry behind her Luna joined her in physically guarding Harry. A pained expression crossed Hermione's face, "No Kate." Then she shook her head, "Well yes, it's his child. I would bear none other's, but this was my decision, our decision. We are fighting a war and in war's people die."
Luna added, "Sit down Kate, we're all family here and family protects family."
Kate looked at her and then plopped into her seat.
After a moment of tense silence Mary said, "I'm a healer, not a birth one mind you but I can certainly check the health of the fetus. How long have you known?"
Hermione and Luna resumed their seats while Harry kept an eye on Kate, he had his wand out under the table just in case, he answered, "Only a few days."
Chuck said, "Well, congratulations are in order then." After his family had echoed that sentiment he continued, "Harry, I just retired from the Royal Marines, magical division, I saw combat in the Falklands war. The Argentine's had this sorceress right out of mythology, she turned half my team into trees!"
Kate interrupted him, "Daddy!"
Chuck looked apologetic, "Sorry, no combat stories at the table. But anyway, James just finished the U.S. Magical Marine advanced training, Jess is debating intelligence or professional body building, and Kate, well, she's combat healing and sniper. We can certainly help train you in our combat techniques which involve a lot of muggle technology, stuff that has been modified to work around magic or even had the power source replaced with a magical one."
Mary shoved his shoulder and added, "Don't forget about advanced healing and mind arts."
Luna looked at her quickly, "You know Occlumency?"
"Mastery level in both Occlumency and Legilimancy and certified to instruct others in both."
Luna looked very relieved, "Good, we've been trying to self teach, mostly in Occlumency but it's slow."
Mary said, "Certainly, it will take some time but within a year you all should be fairly well along."
James said, "Well how about a ride around the farm on horseback? We have plenty of horses and I think you would all enjoy it."
Harry grinned at him, "Wicked, sounds like fun to me."
Just then Penny, whom Harry had not seen all morning, walked in the front door with Neville Longbottom who said, "What's wicked Harry?"
Everyone except Chuck jumped to their feet at the new voice. Harry rushed over with Hermione and Luna just behind. "What are you doing here mate?"
Luna looked at Penny who then asked Neville, "And when are you from?"
Neville didn't bat an eye at Luna's odd question. "Well Harry when your gran's great gran, asks you to do something you tend to do it." He gestured at Penny, then looked at Luna, "When? Three days after school let out from 6th year, the same day Diagon ally was attacked by Death-Eaters and Dementors."
"The same day I killed Bella." Hermione said breathlessly.
Neville jumped at the name then stammered for a moment, "The Longbottom's owe you a great debt, name it."
Hermione was lost in thought about the fight, Harry grabbed her hand and she shook herself out of the trance. "Sorry got lost a moment there. I had no choice really, it was her or me. Perhaps I will think of something later Neville but for now I do not believe there is any debt owed."
"Thank you anyway."
Chuck spoke from the table, across the room, where he still sat, "Have you eaten recently Neville? We're in the midst of breakfast."
"It was just after lunch when I left but I think a second breakfast sounds excellent."
They all slowly re-gained their seats and with some shuffling Neville ended up between Luna and Chuck. Kate kept looking at Hermione, deep in thought about something, Harry thought she was going to ask about killing Bellatrix but she didn't bring it up at the table, perhaps obeying her 'no combat stories at the table' rule.
Harry kept an eye on Hermione and though she seemed a bit distracted she was not near to crying. Probably re-working their plans to include Neville, something Harry found himself endorsing. He trusted Neville and was glad he was here to help them, though that had only been implied so far he couldn't imagine any other reason for his presence.
He suddenly remembered Neville's question when he came in and said, a bit too loudly, "Horseback riding."
Most of those at the table just nodded but Luna elaborated, "That's the answer to your question when you came in Neville. We were just discussing a horseback ride around the farm after breakfast when you walked in."
Neville smiled, "Wicked, is there room for one more?"
Jess answered, "I think we have one more nag we can stick you on."
Harry wasn't sure if he was joking but Kate slapped his massive arm and he laughed so they did as well.
***
The nag turned out to be a massive black filly named Infinity, because it took infinite patience to get her to listen to a new rider. The rest of them were ready to go and waiting for Chuck to get her settled for Neville to mount.
Luna yelled at Infinity, "Behave!"
The horse took one sharp look at her and then snorted in protest but stopped shifting around so Neville could mount. Jess looked at Luna, question on his lips, but did not ask it.
They rode around the castle ruins and then through several fields, all barren in the winter cold but it was beautiful none the less. Harry found himself wishing they could do this more often and then realized that they would be here perhaps for a year and a half so that was, in fact, a very good possibility.
The ride seemed to have snapped Hermione out of her reverie and she was smiling. She had of course known how to ride already, yet another thing she had learned while growing up that he had been denied. That thought prompted his own session of melancholy until she called his name and blew him a kiss.
They stopped to rest at a small stream running along the back of their property, everyone dismounted and Harry found himself rubbing his legs while Hermione, Neville, and Luna did the same.
***
After lunch they went out into the back yard where Chuck began discussing magical combat, "I don't know how much actual combat you four have faced but by the looks on your faces you understand the reality of it. Your opponent will not wait for you to recover your balance or tie your shoe. They are usually trying to kill you while you either try to capture or kill them in return. We are going to start with a test duel between Kate and Hermione."
Harry's left hand squeezed Hermione's. He looked at her in question and she gave a slight smile and shrugged. He knew this would bring up her duel with Bella but she felt she could handle it. He watched as the girls looked at each other in question but both shrugged.
"Neither of you have any idea what the other will do in magical combat. The rest of us will go behind that short wall and erect a barrier against stray spells."
"Rules?"
Chuck shrugged, "There aren't really any in war so for this exercise nothing lethal."
Harry kissed Hermione as the others started walking, his hand lingered in hers and then he hurried after the others. He watched as Kate shook Hermione's hand and said, "Luck."
She returned the shake but he didn't hear her reply. He pulled his wand and stood outside of the barrier. He was not about to be sheltered when she was in danger. She glanced at him and he flicked his wand to show her he was ready, if that gave her any re-assurance of his support she didn't show it though.
She finally pulled her wand Kate had done the same and walked a dozen feet away.
Chuck called out, "Begin."
Hermione snapped three bludgeoning hexes towards her cousin.
Kate dove to the ground and tumbled before launching herself into the air and a wave of dirt and grass flew at Hermione.
Hermione apparated two feet behind Kate and cast another bludgeoning hex, Kate had begun to turn when the hex hit her in the left arm, shattering it and sending her flying to skid along the grass ten feet away. Hermione stalked over wand held ready but Kate wasn't moving.
Harry apparated between them and pulled Hermione into a hug, "Stop."
Chuck called out, "Sweet Merlin, stop already!
Mary was screaming and ran to her injured daughter.
Luna had started running out when Harry apparated, she was yelling, "Stay away from Hermione, give her space."
Harry picked up Hermione and she started crying in his arms. "It was Bella all over again Harry. Tell me Kate's ok?"
"I don't know yet love, you hammered her pretty hard."
Mary was frantic over Kate for a minute, vials began flying from the house to her waiting hand and with James's help they forced Kate to swallow them.
Chuck was trying to get over to Harry and Hermione but Luna was blocking his way, Neville had also moved to support Luna. "What was that all about? You could have killed her!"
Luna said, "The last fight she was in was a duel to the death with Bellatrix Lestrange – Hermione killed her. That was just two days ago, she hasn't recovered from it yet."
"Jae?" They all heard Kate call.
Hermione flipped out of Harry's arms and ran to her cousin. "I'm sorry, so sorry, I couldn't stop myself."
Kate tried to laugh but it hurt too much, "Remind me never to piss you off."
Hermione looked at Mary, she was red in anger, "Will she be ok?"
Mary looked mad until Kate put her good hand on her mother. "Broken bones, no internal bleeding, give the potions a day to work and she should be fine. It was very close though." Mary looked up at her husband, "That's enough combat for now, carry her into the house."
Chuck knelt and picked up his daughter, he left without a word.
Harry had kept his hand on her shoulder and when they left he pulled her into another hug, this one joined by Luna as well.
Mary ran off after vanishing the empty potion vials and picking up Kate's wand.
James, Jess, and Neville stood talking back at the low wall.
Luna patted Hermione's back and walked over to the boys.
"I almost killed my own cousin Harry, my own flesh and blood. I'm turning dark you've got to stop me."
He hugged her tighter, "You're not dark, you didn't intend to hurt her that badly, you just used the same tactics that worked when you fought for your life."
He looked over her shoulder at Luna who, though standing with the boys, was watching them intently, "Show them her memory, I'm taking her to our room."
Luna nodded grimly and turned to the boys.
Harry scooped Hermione into a bridal-carry and headed to the back of the house, she snuggled into his chest. Once in their room he gently put her on the bed and then locked and sealed the room. That done he quickly undressed then slowly helped Hermione out of her clothes, she reacted woodenly, withdrawing even from him.
Once they were both nude he climbed into bed with her and just held onto her, he wasn't expecting sex, he just wanted the physical contact and openness that only this provided. He did notice she had developed a slight pudge to her lower abdomen and he glowed with pride knowing his child was growing in there. That feeling alone could destroy every Dementor on the planet.
She cried again but this seemed to be cleansing, she held him tighter and shook less. Eventually she shifted her head and kissed him slowly. If she wanted more confirmation of his desire then his erection poking her leg must have provided it. She giggled into his mouth and climbed atop him.
***
Luna went to her trunk in Kate's room and pulled out the Pensive along with Hermione and her own memory of the fight in Diagon Alley. She had Neville carry the stone bowl to the dining room and position it on the table. Mary and Chuck were hovering over Kate on the couch. Her color looked a lot better and she seemed to be sleeping.
Chuck turned a tear stained face to Luna, "Why?"
"I'm not here to make excuses but show you the last fight she and I were in. It was just two days ago, Bellatrix Lestrange. I'll watch over Kate if you like, Neville hasn't seen this either."
Penny walked in the room with Jess and James following her, she looked panicked. "What happened?"
Luna shrugged, "Hermione nearly killed Kate, if she had chosen the same spell as two days ago she would have." She poured her memory and then Hermione's into the Pensive. "Here, all of you should watch this, first my memory and then hers of the event."
Mary came over with Chuck, both drying their eyes while Luna went and sat with Kate, taking her hand because she thought it better to have physical contact.
Twenty minutes later the six of them gasped when they came out of the Pensive. Penny sat down hard while Mary ran from the room. The boys looked at one another while Chuck just looked grim, he had seen far worse in warfare.
Neville asked Luna, "Do you think Harry will kill me if I kiss Hermione?"
When everyone but Luna looked at him strangely he explained, "Bellatrix tortured my parents and made them go insane, they've been in St. Mungo's for fifteen years."
James patted Neville on the shoulder.
Luna said, "Tell him why first and you should get off with just some broken bones."
Chuck led them over to her and he sat on the edge of the other couch. "I should have seen this before the fight. She shouldn't be involved in any combat for a week or two, unless it's to the death."
Luna nodded, "She's discovered a very efficient way to beat someone. I don't care how fast you can turn around, if she's casting when she apparates you apparate or die."
He sighed, "Can Harry handle her or do we need professional help?"
Luna said softly, still holding Kate's hand. "If he can't keep her sane then no one can. They have been the only thing the other could rely on for six years now and they're almost fully bonded."
Penny looked up at that, "How close to a full bond do you think they are?"
Luna shrugged, "Tell them the words and it'll be done."
Penny said, "Damn and she's pregnant."
Luna said, "About a week now, best I can guess. Their physical relationship didn't start until after school let out this year. At least not that I've learned."
"She's going to have that child a lot quicker than expected."
Mary was just coming in from the bathroom, she looked pale but asked, "Why?"
Penny turned to her, "My pregnancies are only three months long. My bond with Nicholas somehow changes it and that was happening even before we drank the Elixir. If you test her she's probably about a month along that would also explain some of her mood swings, her hormones are changing fast."
Luna laughed, "Nothing is ever normal where they are concerned."
Kate squeezed her hand and said softly, "Jae don't do normal."