HARRY POTTER AND

HARRY POTTER AND ICE CREAM DELIGHTS

Author: Luckner

Disclaimer: The characters and their world are the property of J.K. Rowling, various publishers and Warner Bros. No money is being made and no copyright infringement is intended.

Author's Note: Sorry for the delay in posting this chapter but vacations do happen, thankfully. Those who read my stories know that I love mythology, or my twist on it, so they should be expecting a chapter like this one.

CHAPTER 6: THE LADY OF THE LAKE

Harry woke up the next morning to bright golden sunlight streaming in through the windows of his bedroom. He looked out into the green meadow, and the dark forest beyond, and felt rather good. He had struck a real blow against Voldemort without suffering any causalities. As he started to get dressed he wondered how Tonks and her team had fared.

At that moment a brown Barn Owl alighted on the sill outside of his window and tapped on the glass patiently. As Harry raised the sash the bird took flight and glided into the room, landing on his dresser. Hedwig ruffled her feathers at the intruder and issued forth with a couple of challenging hoots. Harry could tell that the young bird wanted nothing to do with the larger and more aggressive owl, and he quickly removed its message so the bird could be on its way. Once its burden was removed the owl hastily retreated out the window and flew back the way it had come.

"That wasn't very nice Hedwig, he was only trying to do his job," Harry said with mild reproof as he stroked the feathers of one of his oldest friends. Hedwig ruffled her feathers proudly, making it clear that she was not the least bit sorry for her actions.

After accepting his inability to control the natural instincts of his winged friend, the young teen turned to the letter. As he started to read the message his smile disappeared and a dark feeling of sad resignation took its place.

Dear Harry,

Thanks to your information we were able to capture three Death Eaters yesterday,

including Peter Pettigrew. I know wherever Sirius is he can rest a little easier. I'll see

you soon and we can talk.

Tonks

Harry's mood was quiet and reserved as he went down to breakfast, lost deep within his own dark thoughts. He silently took a seat at the table, unsure if he even wanted to eat. Luna took one look at him and knew that something was very wrong. She removed the frying pan of bacon from the fire and came over to sit down beside him. The two sat quietly together for some time before Luna broke the silence.

"Tell me, Harry," was all that she said.

He passed her the note without hesitation. "Pettigrew betrayed my parents to Voldemort and was responsible for Sirius being sent to prison," he said sadly.

As she laid the parchment on the table, Luna reached out and took Harry's hand. She studied his face intently for a moment before beginning to speak in a soft and reassuring tone. "Let's go for a walk Harry," she whispered as she stood up, and still holding his hand she led him out the back door towards the forest.

"I'm really alright Lu, I really am" he said in a rather unconvincing way as they walked together, realizing that she was concerned about him.

"No…no you're not; but I think I know someone who can help you," she said with a mysterious smile as they entered the shade under the trees.

Harry was a little surprised when she used the phrase 'someone that can help you.' Luna had always seemed so independent that it was hard for him to imagine her ever relying on the help of anyone. The two continued in silence, each of them immersed in their own thoughts, but somehow comforted by the presence of the other.

As they ventured deeper into the woods the trees and bushes seemed to crowd close around the trail, forming a living cocoon for the two. If Harry had been claustrophobic he might have found the closeness rather uncomfortable, but with Luna holding his hand he felt only curiosity about what was to come. Finally leaving the green tunnel the boy found himself on the bank of a small lake surrounded by tall trees. The profoundly blue water was completely still, without a ripple, reflecting the blue sky from above like a mirror. In the center of the lake was a small, wooded island; and as Luna directed him to a small boat he deduced that the island was their eventual destination.

Harry helped the young girl into the rear of the craft, and while she handled the tiller he took the oars. The boat skimmed easily through the crystal water; leaving a silvery wake that was the only disturbance in the mirror-like surface. As they neared the island more of it became visible.

At the south end there was a beach of dark-colored pebbles that sloped gently into the water, and seemed the only possible landing place. As he ran the boat gently up onto the pebbles, Harry could hear the soft grating sound of the smooth pebbles on the bottom of the craft. From his seat he could see three blue standing-stones and a small stone bench clustered together in a group, as if they were patiently awaiting the return of the ancient people who had once worshiped there.

As the two teens walked up to the shrine Harry noticed a shallow blue-green bowl sitting on a flat rock before the center stone, which was slightly taller than its compatriots. The stones were cracked and weathered, with ornate runic symbols carved into their gray faces, and it was clear that they had stood on this tiny island for many centuries. Luna guided him to a stone bench opposite the three standing stones.

"Now close your eyes," she said in a soft and reverent voice.

The young boy did as he was told, but felt rather foolish in doing so. He fell asleep almost instantly, and Luna held him to prevent his falling to the ground.

"Harry," a gentle and very familiar voice called. Harry opened his eyes to see Sirius Black standing in front of him, a broad smile on his face and looking years younger than Harry had ever seen him.

"Sirius!" Harry shouted and leaped up to embrace the man that he had thought he had lost forever.

"It's good to see you again, son," Sirius said as he hugged his godson tightly. "There are two other people here that you might want to meet as well," he added as he directed Harry's vision past him. There stood James and Lily Potter beaming proudly at their son. Lily Potter opened her arms and Harry rushed forward to embrace the mother who had sacrificed herself for him so many years before.

"My Son," Lily whispered softly as she held the boy tightly in her arms, and at that moment Harry realized that tears were running down his cheeks. Finally to be held in his Mother's arms was a dream come true for the young boy. He felt strong hands on his shoulders and realized that his Father had joined the hug.

After the three broke apart Harry remembered that Luna was still behind him. He turned back towards the bench, wanting to thank her and to introduce the young girl to his parents. There she sat, frozen as if made of stone, holding a sleeping Harry Potter tenderly in her arms. Her arms were wrapped lovingly around his back and there was a soft smile on her face.

"Is this a dream?" Harry asked his parents in a shocked voice.

"No Harry, not a dream. Somehow your friend has managed to bridge the gap between life and death for you; if only for a second," James Potter said in admiration. "It's really quite a remarkable feat of magic; I don't know what could accomplish it."

"I do," Lily said mysteriously. "Only love is strong enough to bridge that gap. You've chosen a very special friend, my Son."

The four spoke for what seemed to be hours, but was in reality only a frozen fraction of a second. Harry told his parents about his life at Hogwarts, his friends, his adventures and about a young blond girl who had become something special to him. There were times when Lily smiled, times when she cried, and times when she was absolutely furious.

"I can't believe that Albus gave you to my Sister, she shouldn't be trusted to care for a Goldfish," Lily declared in a rage, and Harry noticed that both James and Sirius took a step back as she spoke. Harry realized that he must have inherited his temper from his Mother.

But when the young man spoke of his friend, Lily Potter smiled at him knowingly. "I like that girl, Son; you take good care of her."

"Always Mother," Harry answered sincerely.

"I'm sure my godson knows how to romance the girls," Sirius said boastfully. But a withering glance from Lily silenced him completely.

"My Son doesn't need any of your lame advice, Sirus Black. It was only because of my help that you were able to get a date to the Graduation Ball. Harry knows the right way to treat a lady," Lily declared forcefully.

Harry heard his godfather sigh and the young teen couldn't help but snort with laughter.

Finally they all seemed to realize that their time together was ending, and sad goodbyes were said. Lily Potter took both of Harry's hands and focused his eyes onto hers. "I love you, Son; more than anything else in the world. We'll be waiting for you when the time comes, but for now I want you to live a happy life." She glanced over at the young couple sitting on the stone bench. "I'm very proud of you Son," she said with a loving smile and gave him a hug to last until they met again.

The scene before Harry's eyes blurred and he knew the time he had with his parents had come to an end. When he opened his eyes he found that his head was buried in Luna's soft hair, her arms still holding him. He wrapped his arms around the young girl and hugged her tightly. He tried to think of something to say to express his tremendous gratitude to his friend, but he lacked the words. Finally he pulled back and looked into her bright silver eyes and whispered a very hoarse "Thank you, Luna."

She smiled at him warmly and rose to her feet, reaching down to help him up as well. "When my Mum died my Father brought me here so I could say goodbye until we could be together again. It helps," she said wisely. Then she reached over and pinched off a red, Hibiscus-like flower from a bush nearby and carefully placed it in the bowl below the stone.

"Who is that for?" Harry asked.

"The Lady," was Luna's simple reply.

"Lady?" Harry asked curiously.

"Vivienne, the Lady of the Lake. My Mother told me that this is her last shrine, and that her spirit lives here. The Lady can guide us through our dreams; but they aren't really dreams.

Harry wasn't really knowledgeable on magical history, having slept through most of Professor Bins' lectures, but he had heard of the Lady of the Lake.

"But why here?" Harry asked, confused that such an important mythological figure would choose a small pond in a remote corner of Devonshire for her habitation.

"The old gods can only exist where people still believe in them," Luna explained patiently.

"And you believe in them," Harry declared more as a statement than as a question.

"Harry I believe in everything…and especially in you," Luna replied with a warm smile.

"And I believe in you too," Harry declared, walking over to a nearby bush where he pinched off a white twin to Luna's flower and placed it reverently in the bowl next to hers. Stepping back he reached an arm around Luna's shoulders and pulled her close.

"They look well together," he said as he admired the two flowers.

"Perhaps they are meant to be together," Luna added with a dreamy smile.

Turning, Harry locked eyes with his special friend. "Yes, I believe they are," he said sincerely, knowing full well that neither of them were really talking about flowers. He took Luna's hand and led her back to the boat. As he prepared to push off he looked back to the three stones and whispered a very sincere "Thank you."

Neither teen would ever know it, but a certain nearly forgotten goddess appreciated this particular offering more than any that she had ever received. Her powers had long been on the decline, and this small pool was now the extent of her world; but she was still determined to do all that she could to help the young couple.

Reaching the shore opposite the island Harry felt extraordinarily good, and a wide grin threatened to split his face in two. Glancing over at his friend he was surprised to find her wearing a sad, rather contemplative look that rather unnerved him.

"What's wrong?" He asked with concern.

"So many girls are going to be disappointed," Luna said sadly as she shook her head.

"At what?" Harry asked, more confused than ever.

"Why you, of course; Ginny told me that girls at Hogwarts are drawn to moody, troubled boys like bees to honey. Although I think that's rather silly, because everyone knows that bees are attracted to pollen not honey," Luna declared as she veered off on her own particular tangent. "Anyway, Ginny told me that half the girls in school have a crush on you; and now they are all going to be so disappointed," she said sadly, but he caught the glint in her eyes.

Harry had learned to love Luna's quirky sense of humor, and decided to play along. "Oh, and why should I disappoint them," he said with a smirk.

"Well they won't be interested in you now; you just don't fit into the 'moody, troubled teen image' anymore," Luna declared sadly, but with a tiny smile.

"Well do you think any girl at Hogwarts might be interested in me?" Harry asked coyly.

"Well there just might be one, but she's rather odd," Luna declared after a moment's thought.

"So there's still hope for me?" Harry asked hopefully.

"Well not much; she really thinks that Draco Malfoy is cuter."

"Draco Malfoy!" Harry declared in outrage.

"Well you know, Harry. Girls really go for the 'bad boy type,'" she declared sincerely.

"Is that what Ginny told you?"

"Well yes, but I believe its common knowledge. And Draco has that long blond hair and deep blue eyes. I'm afraid you don't have much of a chance."

That was quite enough for Harry and he took a bold step forward, closing the gap between them. "I'll get you for that, Lu," he declared and made a lunge for the young girl. Luna neatly side-stepped his attack and ran laughing up the trail, with Harry in hot pursuit. He was amazed at how quick and agile she was, as she lightly dodged around trees and bushes; leaving him panting in her wake. Finally, as they neared the meadow, she slowed down enough so that he was able to catch her.

Grabbing her from behind, he spun her around and kissed her soundly on the lips. "Now tell me again that there isn't at least one girl at Hogwarts that would like me," he said, cocking an eyebrow.

"Yes, there's definitely one girl," Luna replied breathlessly, and then leaned in to kiss him again.

As the two walked back to the cottage Harry decided that Draco could have the rest of the girls, he had found the one that he wanted. As they approached the cottage they saw at least a dozen owls waiting patiently to deliver their mail. The two teens quickly collected the envelopes and carried them into the kitchen.

"Have a nice walk?" Philius asked with a slight smile as they entered, and then noticed the envelopes that the two teens carried. "More owls?" he asked in surprise.

"A few," Luna replied as she sat down and noticed several more envelopes lying on the table.

"They've been coming all morning. We certainly stirred things up yesterday; today's special edition of The Quibbler has received more response than any issue we've ever published. I've already had twenty new subscribers," Philius Lovegood declared with delight.

As they sorted the envelopes it was no surprise that most were addressed to Harry, but Luna had received a surprising number as well, including two bearing official seals. They opened the envelopes bearing the Hogwarts seal first, and were surprised to find they contained notes from Albus Dumbledore. Both teens were requested to attend a meeting scheduled to be held later that week at Grimmauld Place in London.

"It's a meeting of the Order of the Phoenix," Harry explained in response to their questioning looks.

"Is it really?" Philius asked in mild amazement. "I've wanted to speak to a member of that particular organization for some time. You see I received an invitation as well," he said with a grin as he held up a parchment.

The second letter carried the seal of the Ministry of Magic, and Harry felt a little apprehensive as he broke the wax impression. He saw that it came from the office of the Director of Magical Law Enforcement, and Harry wondered if they had broken some obscure law in exposing Death Eater involvement with the Daily Prophet. The letter contained a request from Amelia Bones, director of the department, for a meeting with the two teens as soon as possible.

Luna's Father noticed the concerned looks on the faces of the two teens and wanted to reassure them. "I'm certain that it's nothing more than a desire to thank you for your help, but I'll be coming along anyway. As Luna is a minor, she can't present herself for any kind of legal interview without a parent being present," Philius said.

"Does that mean I'll have to get my Aunt to come?" Harry asked in horror.

"No Harry, as long as there is an adult present to represent your interest. I'm certain that Professor Dumbledore would be willing to come." Then at the less than happy look in Harry's eyes Philius added another alternative. "Or I could be present for both of you."

"I think that I would like that better, Sir," Harry answered sincerely.

"Please call me Philius, Harry."

But the letter that touched Harry the most came from Remus Lupin, the last true 'Marauder' remaining.

Dear Harry,

Congratulations on the blow that you've just struck. I know your parents and your Godfather are very proud of you at this moment, just as I am very proud of you. I heard you mention 'The Marauders' on Wizard Radio yesterday. If a tired old wolf can help, I'd like to offer my support in any way that I can.

Sincerely,

Remus

Harry was very touched by the letter from his parent's last true friend, but it did cause him to think. His mention of 'The Marauders' on the radio had been a spur of the moment gesture to the past. He had never really considered doing anything more than bringing the Prophet down; but now he began to wonder. Should he and his friends continue their activities, and could they make a real difference in this fight.

"Well of course we can, Harry; we already have," Luna declared in response to his question, her bright eyes shinning in anticipation.

Philius Lovegood took the same attitude, and even suggested that the group gather that evening to discuss their future plans.

Harry asked Luna for a quill and parchment and hurriedly wrote Remus a response.

Dear Professor Lupin,

Could you join us at the Lovegood Cottage this evening and we can discuss what needs to be done next? We would be proud to have you join us, and I would very much like to see you again. Please don't try to come directly here as the wards are unusual, to say the least. If you can stop by the Burrow I'm sure Ron can guide you over. I hope to see you soon.

Harry

While Harry sent Hedwig off to deliver his message to Remus, Luna made floo calls to Ginny, Neville and Hermione alerting them to the planned meeting. They all gave positive responses and promised to come over that evening, and Ron promised to see that Professor Lupin reached the meeting safely. Philius Lovegood meanwhile made an appointment with Madam Bones' office for nine o'clock the following morning.

Luna noticed that Harry still had a number of unopened letters on the table and called his attention to them. He reached over and picked up the top letter on the stack, which he noticed had a perfumed scent to it. Breaking the seal he began to read the contents casually. He suddenly turned bright red and dropped the letter like he had burned his fingers.

"Are you alright," she asked with concern, noticing his change of attitude.

"I'm not sure," he said reluctantly; and then with a good deal of hesitation he pushed the parchment across the table to Luna. As she read the contents she herself colored, and in spite of the situation Harry couldn't help but laugh at the fact that they both had the same reaction. The letter was from a romantically inclined young witch who made certain suggestions that made both teens blush, and they hastily put the parchment and the rest of the letters aside.

"Well I guess I was wrong," Luna said trying to lighten the mood a bit. "You do have more than one girl interested in you."

"You're the only one that counts," Harry said firmly.

"Right answer, Mr. Potter," Luna said with a giggle and placed a quick peck on his cheek.

- o -

That evening the fireplace at the Lovegood Cottage was more active than it had been in years, as one after another the friends arrived for a most important meeting. Remus and Ron were the last to arrive, as they had traveled by way of the forest paths. Philius had warned them that Remus could only floo directly to the cottage after he had once visited it; otherwise the wards protecting the property would do strange things to him. Harry had been around the Lovegoods long enough to strongly advise Remus not to chance it.

Remus hadn't known what to think as they walked along and Ron described the cannibalistic chipmunks and carnivorous Calla Lilies that inhabited the Lovegood forest. On the darkening forest trails he could almost believe in such things, because if ever a forest felt enchanted it was this one. But then he saw the smirk on the young boys face and realized that he was being had.

"Is there a full moon tonight?" the man asked innocently. "I seem to be feeling a little strange," and then Remus made a low, guttural growl that made the young boy jump and go pale.

"Got you, Ron," Remus said with a wolfish grin. The rest of the walk was spent discussing Quidditch and the chances for Team England to win the World Cup.

Remus was welcomed warmly by all those present, and his concerns about perhaps not being accepted immediately vanished. Everyone had a positive attitude as they settled down in the Lovegood living room, joking about how Trunuffen looked like a "frightened rabbit" as the Aurors had led him away for questioning. They all felt extremely good about the successful operation; but the question that was on everyone's lips was what they should do next? Harry's question about whether they should continue their activities as an organized group was quickly answered with a resounding yes, and it was clear that no one wanted to step back after such a success.

"One thing that we might consider is investigating Death Eater connections to other major businesses in the wizarding world, I've already collected some documentation but I still need more details," Philius Lovegood suggested.

"Well we can tell you that there is something strange going on with Nightshade Potion Supplies," George Weasley said with certainly.

"We get most of our potion stocks from them, and last week they sent us a catalog of outlawed poisons and dark potions," Fred added.

"We're rather certain that it was a mistake; but who are they making those extremely nasty potions for?" George asked in wonder.

"Well they would be a good place to start; they do have a rather shady reputation. Would you two care to help me investigating some of these companies?" Philius asked with a smile.

"My brother and I are at your service," Fred declared gallantly with a flourish of his hand towards his twin.

"But what can we do?" Ginny asked, determined to see more action before she returned to school.

"We really need to get rid of Fudge," Neville suggested logically.

"I agree that would be helpful," Remus said calmly. "The trouble is we might get someone worse to take his place."

"Who could be worse?" Ron insisted.

"How about someone who is openly supporting Voldemort?" Hermione pointed out.

That terrible thought gave all of them pause to think, and they resolved to consider their next action carefully. Harry announced that Remus would be offering the group advanced training in offensive and defensive spells, and all the teens jumped at the chance to attend his first class two days hence. With that the members adjourned for the night; determined to meet again the following week.

- o -

Immediately after breakfast the next morning Harry, Luna and Philius left for an early morning meeting with Madam Bones. The first step in their journey was to floo to the Leaky Cauldron in London, and then a short walk to the concealed entrance to the Ministry of Magic. Ginny had warned Luna about Harry's 'balance issues,' and she was waiting to catch him as he stumbled out of the fireplace at their first destination.

There was quiet laughter as patrons watched the young girl grab the dark-haired boy as he stumbled into the room, preventing him from falling onto his face; but the laughter quickly ceased when they realized who he was. An aged witch got up from her table and silently walked over to the two.

"Mr. Potter, my name is Doris Spellcrafter. I want to thank you and your friends for exposing the truth about the Daily Prophet. It's good to know that there are people like you out there; it gives us all hope," she said sincerely.

"Well I…I, Harry stammered, not knowing what to say.

"Harry appreciates that very much," Luna answered for Harry sincerely, and led the blushing boy away.

"Thanks, Luna, I didn't know what to say," Harry mumbled.

"Your modesty is your most endearing trait, Harry." Luna said sweetly, causing him to blush even redder.

After leaving the Leaky Cauldron the three took the short walk to the innocuous telephone booth that marked the concealed entrance to the Ministry. Harry was rather apprehensive about the coming meeting, as he had never had a good experience at the Ministry of Magic. As always Luna seemed to understand him perfectly, and gave his hand a reassuring squeeze.

They took the lift from the shabby street entrance down to the atrium level of the Ministry, where they observed dozens of witches and wizards as they hurried back and forth carrying out the work of government. They joined a short queue that was standing before the security checkpoint, and after their wands were weighed they took another lift up to the fourth floor headquarters of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. With directions obtained from a friendly clerk they found their way to the office of Madam Amelia Bones, the director of the department.

They had not even time to take their seats in the outer office before the receptionist announced that Madam Bones would see them immediately. Harry was rather surprised when a smiling and friendly woman met them at her door and welcomed them warmly; this was very different from the severe and rather intimidating woman that he remembered from his trial.

Harry started to walk towards three straight-backed chairs positioned before an imposing desk, but Amelia Bones redirected him to a group of overstuffed chairs next to a large window. Glancing out Harry noticed that Madam Bones had a rather impressive view of downtown London.

"The best view is one of the perks that goes with the position, Mr. Potter," she explained when she noticed his interest. "If you'll all be seated we should be able to start shortly. I'm waiting for one more person to arrive, but she should be here shortly. Can I get you some tea while we wait?"

Harry politely refused, still feeling a bit nervous about what was to come, but Luna casually asked for tea with lemon while her Father took his with sugar.

Seeming to understand their apprehensions, the formidable woman tried to put the young people at their ease. "You needn't worry, Mr. Potter, this is a very different kind of meeting from our last encounter. Mainly I wanted to thank all of you for your exposure of the Daily Prophet and for helping us remove some very dangerous men from the streets. The Minister of Magic really should be meeting with you but…well, I think we all know that Minister Fudge is somewhat overwhelmed as of late," Madam Bones declared, trying to defend the dignity of the office as much as she could.

'…somewhat overwhelmed as of late,' Harry thought that description possibly the most tactful way of describing the incompetence of Cornelius Fudge.

"I also wanted to thank you Harry for the instruction that you were able to give my niece last term. I know that Hogwarts has had a problem attracting and retaining a good teacher for Defense Against the Dark Arts, and it concerns all of us greatly. In my position as Director of Magical Law Enforcement I'm afraid that I've made more than a few enemies among the darker elements of our world, and I'm afraid that makes my niece a possible target. I've tried to instruct her myself, but I'm afraid that I lack your gift for teaching," Madam Bones said smiling.

"I'm really not a very good teacher, we just did what we thought we had to," Harry responded modestly.

"My niece tells me that you are an excellent teacher. In fact, if you were a few years older I would suggest to Albus that he consider you for the Defense position; in fact, I might anyway. I hope that you choose to continue training your fellow students when school starts, we all need to be as prepared as possible."

Harry was just thinking about how much he liked Madam Bones' attitude when there was a knock at the door. Seconds later Nymphadora Tonks entered the office and joined the others. She looked rather tired as she dropped into a chair next to Harry.

"You don't look well today, Ms. Tonks. Are you feeling alright?" Madam Bones asked with concern.

"After almost forty-eight hours without sleep I confess I'm feeling a bit frayed," Tonks confessed. "But I couldn't miss this meeting."

"Forty-eight hours?" Madam Bones asked.

"Yes, starting with the stake-out at the Wizard Radio Station and the capture of three Death Eaters. Then yesterday we raided Malfoy Manor and the other properties controlled by that family, and finally an all night session extracting information from our new 'guests.' All in all I'm rather done in," Tonks declared with a tired smirk.

"You raided Malfoy Manor?" Harry asked in surprise.

"Yes, and that is just one of the matters we want to brief you on this morning," Madam Bones said with a gleam in her eyes. "As your actions led to our success, I felt is only fair that we keep you apprised of our activities. After Trunuffen's confession on Wizard Radio, and his declaration that Narcissa Black was serving as an agent of the Dark Lord, I authorized Ms. Tonks to take a squad of Aurors and raid the Malfoy Estate. I've issued a warrant for her arrest charging her with conspiracy and attempts to undermine the government," Madam Bones declared.

"Unfortunately we missed her by just minutes; all we found were a half-dozen rather frightened House Elves. We did however confiscate a good deal of outlawed materials, which adds to the evidence against her," Tonks declared happily.

"We had other teams of Aurors raiding the other Malfoy properties, but they came up empty. Narcissa and her son seem to have gone underground," Madam Bones said with a slight note of frustration.

Harry wondered if Draco would be returning to school in September. He almost felt sorry for his old enemy, with his Father in Askaban and his Mother in hiding. But then a question far more important than Draco Malfoy came into Harry's mind.

"How does the arrest of Peter Pettigrew affect the case against Sirius Black?" Harry asked with emotion in his voice.

Amelia Bones looked at the young boy appraisingly, Nymphadora Tonks had warned her to expect this question, and now she was determined to give Harry an honest answer.

"Without question Sirius Black was an innocent man wrongly sentenced to prison. If it were within my power I would see him immediately exonerated of all charges and publicly acknowledged as the hero I now understand him to be. Unfortunately, that power rests only with the Minister of Magic, and Cornelius Fudge is unlikely to do anything that will serve to bring public attention to the failings of his administration. What I can do, however, is to publicly announce the capture of Pettigrew and offer my own apologies for how my department treated Sirius Black," Madam Bones said sincerely.

"Tomorrow the Quibbler will run a special issue proclaiming the innocence of Sirius Black, and demanding that Fudge immediately clear his name. It's time our Minister started to do what's right, not merely what's politically popular," Philius Lovegood said.

"There is one other thing that I need to mention to all of you," Amelia said in a serious way. "By your actions yesterday, Mr. and Miss Lovegood, you've set yourselves up as targets for You-know-who. I know that you were both aware of that when you made your decision, but I want you to know that I and my department will do everything in our power to provide you with protection," she said.

"We appreciate your support, Madam Bones. I believe that the time has come when we all need to stand up for our principles," Philius said.

As the three of them were leaving the office Tonks asked if she could speak to them for a minute. She led them into an empty conference room and asks then to all sit. "I heard you mention 'The Marauders' on the radio, Harry. Sirius loved to talk about the things the old Marauders got up to in school. Judging by its beginnings, the 'new Marauders' looks like the kind of organization that will see plenty of action. I was wondering if there might be a place in it for me?" She asked hopefully.

"We would love to have you join us, Tonks," Harry answered sincerely. "What we really need now is training; I'm afraid that Hogwarts doesn't exactly prepare you to fight Death Eaters. Remus is coming over to help, but we can use all the aid we can get."

"Remus Lupin is going to help you with training? Well then I'm definitely coming; he's rather cute, don't you think?" Tonks asked with a grin.

"That's not really a question that I feel comfortable answering, Tonks," Harry declared with a shudder.

- o -

Later that night Harry and Luna lay side by side in the tall grass of the meadow, watching as the warm summer moon passed peacefully across the midnight black sky. It had been an exciting day with the promise of more excitement to come, and they were too wound up to sleep indoors.

Luna rolled over on her side to face the dark-haired boy. "Harry, would it be alright if Susan joined us for training?" She asked carefully.

"Do you think she would like to join?" The young teen asked as he rolled on his side to face his girlfriend.

"I think she would," Luna answered, a twinkle in her eye.

Harry remembered what Madam Bones had told them earlier in the day, so he was fine with the shy Hufflepuff joining them. She had always worked hard in the DA, and even if she couldn't master a spell she never stopped trying. But he knew his girlfriend well enough to realize that there was something more behind her request.

"Alright Luna, it's time to tell. What is the other reason that you want her to come? He asked with a smirk.

She blushed slightly and wondered how he had come to understand her so well in the short time that they had been together. "Susan likes Fred Weasley," Luna said with a shy smile.

"How do you know?" Harry asked, rather surprised that the shy Hufflepuff would have feelings for the very extraverted Weasley twin.

"She told me," Luna said softly.

"And you want to help things along," Harry concluded.

"That's what friends are for," she declared.

Harry hadn't realized that the two girls were friends, but did recall seeing the two studying together the previous term.

"Go ahead and invite her," he said gently.

"Actually, I already did," she said with a smile.

"That was a rather Slytherin thing to do, don't you think?" Harry asked with a smirk.

"I learned from Ginny; with six older brothers she's the best," Luna declared.

"I'll have to remember that," he said, and kissed the girl tenderly on the tip of her nose.