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. Fairy tale titles taken from The Tales of Beedle the Bard, by J.K. Rowling, and no copyright infringement is intended.

Author's Note: This chapter is rather sticky, but I always get that way about Christmas.Voldie and his friends will be back in chapter 17 so it will be much more confrontational.

CHAPTER 16: CHRISTMAS SURPRISES

Harry woke early the next morning, and in spite of it being Sunday he decided to have an early breakfast. Looking around the semi-dark room he noticed that three of his roommates were still deep in sleep, but surprisingly Neville Longbottom's bed was unoccupied. Glancing out the window he noticed that the sun was just peeking above the horizon. It would be a beautiful morning and the young man smiled at the thought of the surprise picnic he had planned for his girlfriend.

The previous week, while Luna was busy studying for her end of term tests, he had slipped down to the kitchens to make arrangements with his friend Dobie. The hyperactive House Elf was all too willing to help the young man with his plans and even added a few imaginative touches of his own. When the time was right Harry would simply ask Luna to go for a walk with him and they would discover the picnic at a sheltered cove along the shore of the lake. Harry had considered asking Neville to join them and bring Ginny, but had decided that he just wanted to make it Luna and himself.

In happy anticipation Harry descended the stairs to the Gryffendor common room. He was surprised to see Ginny Weasley and Neville Longbottom were the only ones present; they were sitting by the fire and talking in hushed tones. When they saw him coming the two teens stopped talking and Neville motioned Harry to come over. Neville looked very pale and apprehensive, and it was clear to Harry that the boy had not slept well the previous night.

"Harry…I had a dream last night….It couldn't have been real, could it?" Neville asked with a tremble in his voice.

Harry sensed both hope and fear in Neville's voice, and wondered what his dream could possibly have been. Harry knew that Vivienne was sending Neville and Ginny a vision of their future, but he had assumed it would be the kind of happy future the he and Luna were anticipating.

"Why…what did you dream?" Harry asked with his fears mounting.

For a moment Neville seemed unable to speak, and Ginny stepped forward to take his hand.

"It was…our wedding, Harry. Neville and I were getting married," Ginny said with a slight blush.

"But that's wonderful; I thought it was something bad," Harry declared with relief.

"Not bad; but it can't be real…it just can't," Neville said with emotion.

"Luna told me that Vivienne has sent her family visions for centuries, and they've always been true. Why would you doubt this one?" Harry asked.

"My parents…they were there. They were sitting in the front row watching Ginny and I get married," The boy answered in a hoarse voice.

For the first time Harry's expression showed true amazement. He knew that the minds of Neville's parents were irreversibly lost, and nothing known to medicine could bring them back.

"I don't know how Neville, but I believe it's true," Harry said with conviction.

"But how?" The boy asked with a faint glimmer of hope.

"I don't know, but maybe Luna will," the young man said. And then in his mind he asked, 'Are you listening, Luna?'

'I'm almost there, Harry,' was her immediate and sober reply.

"She'll be here in just a minute," the boy said confidently.

"But how do you know that?" Ginny asked in confusion.

Harry looked a little embarrassed at having to reveal the source of his information, but knew that he could trust his friends. "Well…Luna and I seem to have developed some kind of a psychic link. It allows us to know what each other is thinking," Harry replied with a bit of shyness.

"That's convenient; do you two have any other surprises?" Ginny asked with a smirk.

"Maybe a few," Harry answered mischievously.

It was at that moment that they heard a rapping sound coming from the common room entrance. It persisted long enough for Harry to take notice and walk over to the entrance door. He pushed the portrait open to find Luna patiently waiting in the hallway and a very annoyed Fat Lady glaring down at the young Ravenclaw.

"Why didn't you come in, I gave you the password?" Harry asked in surprise.

But before Luna could answer, the Fat Lady angrily entered the conversation. "Because I wouldn't let her; she doesn't belong here! And how dare you rap on my frame, young lady; I have never been so humiliated in my entire life," the Fat Lady declared.

"Actually, you aren't alive. You are the charmed painting of Godric Gryffindor wife," Luna explained patiently.

The Fat Lady began to sputter incoherently; thrown off her train of thought by the young girl's logic. "Never mind that, I will not let you into this common room," the Fat Lady declared as her cheeks turned from pink to crimson.

"If she has the password you must let her in," Harry declared, his own anger rising.

"It's alright Harry, I don't mind waiting," Luna said soothingly.

"I have guarded this door for almost a thousand years and I am not about to allow an unaccompanied member from another house to enter," the Fat Lady said firmly.

Harry was about to loose his temper when he felt Luna lay a calming hand on his arm, and he felt his anger lessen.

"Well she's 'accompanied' now, so can she enter?" He asked evenly.

"No! I have been too lax with you and this Ravenclaw. I will no longer allow her entry into the Gryffindor common room," the Fat Lady declared with an arrogant smirk.

"You will let her in now and anytime in the future when she has the password or I will make you," Harry declared with a touch of menace in his voice.

She smirked at him knowingly. "Students have been threatening me for a thousand years without result. Godric himself put the protective charms on me," she declared defiantly.

"Very well," Harry responded, and thought about how his new powers might be used in this situation. Suddenly the Fat Lady's pink dressed transformed to green ivy leaves, and then fell away completely. She suddenly found herself in a very short and lacy slip.

"Mr. Potter!" She shouted in outrage, and lumbered out of her frame as quickly as her bulk would allow. The top of her head appeared at the side of the frame, her face the color of a ripe tomato. "I shall report you to Professor McGonagall for this outrage!"

"Go ahead! But unless you let Luna in every time she comes for a visit I put you in this same condition every time I see you; and I don't care how many detentions I get," Harry declared fiercely.

"Oh, I don't think you should do that…" Luna began sweetly.

"Thank you Miss Lovegood," the Fat Lady declared in relief.

"You didn't allow me to finish," Luna addressed the portrait calmly. "I was going to say that I don't think that Harry should leave you in your slip; white really isn't a good color for you. Now I saw a little pink bikini at a shop in London that would be perfect if…"

"NO!" The Fat Lady screamed in panic.

"Then you'll let Luna in whenever she comes to visit?" Harry asked, knowing that Luna's suggestion had won the argument.

"Very well Mr. Potter; but I won't forget this," the painting declared angrily.

"I hope you don't, because the next time I'll take Luna's suggestion," Harry declared with an evil smirk, as he used his magic to restore her pink dress.

It was the first time in a thousand years that the Fat Lady had been bested by a student, and she wasn't happy about it. The portrait slammed shut after the two entered the room, and they could hear the Fat Lady grumbling loudly about 'disrespectful students.' Harry and Luna exchanged a quick grin as they went to join Ginny and Neville by the fire. It was still quite early and the common room was empty except for the four teens.

"Is it true Luna?" Neville asked hopefully.

"Yes Neville, her visions are always true," Luna answered with a smile.

"But how is it possible?" Neville asked in disbelief.

"I think that is something that we need to ask the Lady herself," Luna declared logically.

The four left the castle together a few minutes later. There was a thin, cold mist hanging above the ground and a fresh layer of snow that crunched under their feet as they followed the path down to the lake. The world was still asleep as they made their way along the shore, and the noise made by their feet was the only sound to be heard. Reaching the ancient Celtic shrine, the four teens crowded together on the small bench and closed their eyes. A second later they beheld a slim woman with long blond hair dressed in a flowing white gown.

"I have known many beautiful gardens in my so long existence, but none as beautiful as this. I am well pleased," she said smiling.

"Um…um," Neville said as he tried to think of a way to begin.

"Yes Neville?" The lady said gently.

"My dream last night…ah, of our wedding…my parents were there," he stated rather than asked.

"And so they shall be," the Lady answered with a bright smile.

"But that's not possible; their condition is incurable," the boy declared.

"To your magic perhaps, but not to mine," she replied knowingly.

"You can cure them?" He asked in awe.

"Not I; I can only visit them in their dreams, like I am visiting with you now. But your friends carry my magic and they can cure them."

"But how can we do it," Harry asked in disbelief.

"You'll know when the time comes. You've only just begun to explore your power. It may take you the rest of your lives to understand it fully, but what you've accomplished already tells me that I made the right choice. I'll tell you this Neville; you'll have your true family with you this Christmas, and I'm not just speaking of your parents," Vivienne said with a mysterious smile.

Then turning to Harry and Luna, the Lady continued with a serious tone to her voice. "Mine is the power of healing and transformation as practiced in the old times. Your world is sick in both mind and body, and I hope the two of you will cure it."

The two young people felt quite overwhelmed as their destiny was revealed to them, but also rather proud. Harry reached out and took the hand of the girl who was ordained to be a part of his very special future. Together he knew the two of them would succeed.

But Harry didn't forget about his friend either; Neville had waited all his life to hear the words that Vivienne had just spoken and he didn't intend to waste a minute in giving Neville back his parents.

"As soon as we get back to school we can speak to Professor Dumbledore, I'm sure he'll let us visit your parents today," Harry said reassuringly.

But Neville's reaction was not what Harry had expected. The boy was silent and appeared deep in thought for a long moment before a look of firm resolution appeared in his eyes.

"You and Luna have carefully kept your new powers a secret so You-know-who wouldn't find out; if you healed my parents now the word would be certain to leak out. We can wait a little while longer to be together, until after you've defeated him," Neville said resolutely.

Harry looked at his friend in silent awe as he realized the sacrifice that Neville was willing to make for their world. Neville truly possessed all of the courage that any Gryffindor could ever want.

"You have chosen your friends wisely, Harry," Vivienne said in admiration.

"There might be another way; one in which Neville can have his parents back and we can keep our powers a secret," Luna said conspiratorially. "Ginny said you were planning to visit your parents as soon as you return to London for the holidays. Harry and I could go with you and we could heal them without anyone seeing us."

"But they would see us going into St. Mungo's and put it together," Neville said reasonably.

"Not if Harry and I wore his invisibility cloak," Luna said with a grin. "You hear about miracle healings all of the time; people will just consider this another one.

Once again Ginny and Neville realized why Luna was in Ravenclaw, and why Harry had chosen her.

"Brilliant Luna," Harry declared as he hugged her tightly. "That's exactly what we'll do."

The last week of the term moved with glacial slowness for the four teens, as they waited to be released for the Christmas holidays. But for Neville it was the most difficult, as he could think of little else than the day that his parents would be restored to him.

At long last the day finally arrived and dozens of horseless carriages made their way from Hogwarts Castle to the nearby train station. The teenagers found an empty compartment in the back of the train and settled in for the long ride home.

- o -

As Albus Dumbledore sat in his office, his fingers steepled before his face, he considered the strange events of recent days. He gazed out his office window and saw the sun setting in the west, bringing yet another day to a close. But not an ordinary day like any other; this day just might be the most important in his so very long life. This day brought him the answer to a very important question and an understanding of his real purpose in life. His thoughts carried him back a few weeks to when it had all begun, and he marveled at the fact that he hadn't realized the remarkable nature of the events as they first started to unfold.

The lightening storms of a few weeks previous had frightened everyone, and had even disturbed the formidable Albus Dumbledore. He was aware that Harry Potter and Luna Lovegood walked in that direction almost every afternoon, and he was concerned that they might come to harm. He wondered why he had never made the connection between the two events, and he realized that a power greater than his own had prevented such a logical leap. His normal inclination would have been to investigate the far side of the lake personally, but some mental force had always prevented him from doing so. But that had all changed earlier on that very day.

A few hours before he had watched as Hogwarts carriages left the school to take happy students home for the holidays. Harry Potter in particular seemed to be looking forward to Christmas, and he laughed openly as he walked to the carriage hand in hand with Luna Lovegood. The aged Headmaster noticed the open affection that the young boy showed for his unique friend and wondered how far their relationship had progressed. Harry had never been good at showing his deeper feelings, but now they were on display for all to see. As the carriage carrying the two teens pulled away Albus Dumbledore felt a sudden mental release, and he knew that he must investigate the upper reaches of the Black Lake immediately.

After a hundred and fifty years it was no easy matter to surprise Albus Dumbledore, but that morning's walk along the lake shore certainly did so. The fields of flowers were certainly an unexpected surprise; but the Headmaster rationalized that a powerful wizard could accomplish that. But then the air temperatures began to rise and Dumbledore began to be concerned. He had the ability to change the weather over a small area and for a limited time, but he couldn't conceive of the power required to bring summer temperatures to such a wide area in the depth of winter.

Reaching the granite stairway, Dumbledore felt a rather strange familiarity; almost as if he had walked this same route sometime in the distant past. The feelings grew even more intense when he reached the leaning standing stone, and long forgotten memories began to return as he laid his hand on the weathered stone. If he didn't know better he would be certain that he was under some form of enchantment, but it was like no enchantment that he had ever seen.

He was deep in thought as he approached the ancient shrine, barely noticing the flowers that crowded in on every side. There had to be a solution to this strange puzzle if it could only be approached logically. He absently sat on the stone bench and immediately fell into a deep sleep.

"Welcome Albus," a familiar voice said, and the old man opened his eyes and beheld a beautiful young woman in flowing white robes. "I've awaited this visit for many years, my old friend," she said with a warm smile.

"I'm afraid that you have the advantage of me, Madam. You appear to know me, but I don't know you," Dumbledore said respectfully. But even as he spoke the words he somehow knew they weren't true. Somewhere in the far distant past he knew that this strange young woman had played a central role in his life.

"You know me, Albus; you above all others. Many ages ago you were my most loyal priest, and even as the people drifted away to other beliefs your loyalty remained unflagging. A village once stood on the site of your great castle, and you were once the chief of that village. Yours is a very old soul my friend, one that has been through many incarnations. But you always return to this corner of Scotland, where your heart is," she explained patiently.

"Vivienne?" He asked in disbelief as the memories came flooding back.

"Yes, my friend. You have returned in time to see my magic again return to the world; my children are carrying it forth," she declared joyfully.

"You taught them to do this," he asked in wonder as he waved his hand at the profusion of nature that surrounded them.

"No, I only gave them the means; they taught themselves. And their lessons are just beginning," she replied.

"I would that I could see the end of that lesson," Albus Dumbledore said wistfully.

"You doubt too much, my old friend. You will see their lessons completed, and live long enough to understand your true destiny," she declared. With that his vision began to blur and the bright outside light was replaced with more muted light.

"Tell us a story, Grandfather," said the voice of a little girl hopefully. Albus Dumbledore opened the eyes, which he hadn't even realized that he had closed, and was surprised to find two small children sitting in his lap. The little girl appeared about seven-years-old, and had long dirty-blond hair, clear silver eyes and a bright smile that could melt the hardest of hearts. The boy, who appeared a couple of years younger, had black unkempt hair and emerald green eyes. Both children appeared to be eagerly awaited the words of their favorite 'Grandfather.'

"Well what story do you want to hear?" Albus found himself asking happily.

"The Wizard and the Hopping Pot," squealed the young girl hopefully.

"I want 'Babbitty Rabbitty,'" exclaimed the little boy.

"Well this will never do; I guess I'll just have to tell you both stories," the old man declared joyfully. "Once upon a time there was a kindly old wizard…." And for the next hour Albus told both class fairy tales complete with animated hand gestures and funny voices.

Albus Dumbledore had never enjoyed himself as much as he did that evening, and he felt true regret when Harry and Luna appeared and said that it was time for the children to go to bed.

"Just one more story Mummy, please," Lizzie begged piteously.

"One more, please," the little boy whined.

Albus watched as Harry and Luna smiled at one another and agreed that one more story wouldn't hurt. As he launched into a third fairy tale the old man's vision began to blur and he found himself once again sitting beside the shrine, the woman in white standing beside him.

"Your true destiny has always been as grandfather to two very special children, and you will do it so well that they will treasure your memory all of their lives. You will teach them their first spell, guide them in riding their first brooms and set them on the path to happy and remarkable lives," Vivienne said with pride.

"I will have time to do all that?" Albus asked doubtfully.

"For that and for more, my old friend," the Lady said with a smile.

When Albus Dumbledore awoke from his dream a few minutes later he was a far wiser man. He pinched a bright red flower from a nearby bush and laid it reverently in the stone bowl. "Thank you, My Lady," he whispered as he turned to retrace his footsteps to Hogwarts. The old man was now confident that his world was in good hands and that the future was bright.

- o -

Ron and Hermione shared a compartment with their friends on the way home, but sat as far apart as possible. The initial anger of the breakup had passed away; but it had been replaced with a cold disregard that was almost worse. Both steadfastly ignored the other; refusing to speak or make eye contact during the whole ride south. Hermione had her nose buried in a book while Ron resolutely stared out the window at the passing scenery. It was clear that neither teen was happy about the situation, but both were too stubborn to take the first step necessary to end it.

Hermione had told Ginny that she was going to spend the holidays on a ski vacation with her parents in Switzerland. Ron was going on a short vacation as well; his to the warm beaches of southern France. The new Minister of Magic had recognized Arthur Weasley's abilities immediately, and had promoted him to direct the Department of Muggle Affairs. Along with the promotion came a substantial increase in pay, and this holiday vacation was the first evidence of that.

Molly Weasley had been somewhat reluctant to allow her fifteen-year-old daughter to spend the holidays with Neville Longbottom and his family, but finally agreed when she learned that Harry Potter and Luna Lovegood were also invited guests. Also, Molly liked the shy, good natured boy and didn't want him to spend the holidays alone.

Harry and Luna had already made arrangements for their trunks to be sent on to Luna's home, and Harry allowed Hedwig to fly down on her own. The only thing that the two carried with them was Harry's invisibility cloak, which was concealed in an ordinary canvas bag.

After wishing Ron and Hermione a happy Christmas, the two teens ducked out of sight and draped the cloak over themselves. Choosing the right moment they fell into step behind Ginny and Neville as the boy's formidable grandmother led the two off the platform.

Reaching a black limousine that was waiting by the curb outside, Neville helped his Grandmother into the back seat. Then he waited while two invisible forms climbed in after her; with Ginny and Neville the last to enter.

"Please take us to the hospital, Rogers," Neville instructed the driver firmly, and then he raised the privacy shield between themselves and the driver.

"Now will you please tell me what is this all about, Neville?" Augusta Longbottom asked her Grandson.

Rather than answer directly, Neville waited until Harry and Luna had removed the cloak. "You remember Harry Potter, and this is our friend Luna Lovegood. And you know Ginny Weasley of course," he said as he took the redhead's hand.

Augusta Longbottom looked at her Grandson with surprise; this was certainly not the shy youth that she had seen off on the train four months before. This boy literally exuded confidence, and reminded her of his Father at the same age.

"What's happened, Neville?" She asked the boy in astonishment.

"A great deal Gran, a great deal. But before we discuss it I want Harry and Luna to see my parents," Neville said firmly.

"Neville, your parent's condition is a family matter. My son and his wife are not for display to strangers," Augusta Longbottom declared in outrage.

"They aren't strangers, Harry and Luna are as much my family as if we shared the same blood, and Ginny is going to be my wife. Harry and Luna are here to heal my parents," Neville said forcefully, and not backing down from his Grandmother one bit.

Ignoring the shocking declaration that her Grandson intended to marry Ginny Weasley, or the surprising admission that the boy considered Harry Potter and Luna Lovegood to be part of his family, the old woman considered her Grandson sadly. "That's impossible, Neville," she declared with regret.

"Actually, it's not," Luna Lovegood stated dreamily, as she entered the conversation for the first time. "We carry a magic that can heal them."

"I'm sorry child, but no one has that magic. We've had the finest wizards in the world examine them, and they've all declared it to be hopeless," the old woman said softly.

"For normal magic perhaps, but not for the Lady's magic," Luna said with a smile.

Against such determined confidence the old woman had no answer; in her very long life she had seen many strange things in connection with the magical world, and perhaps she was about to see another. As she sat back in her seat Augusta Longbottom allowed just a tiny ray of hope to creep into her thinking. She glanced across at the young redhead who sat opposite her and wondered if she was responsible for Neville's increased confidence.

The Weasley family was well known and highly respected in the wizarding world. They had always been poor, but had always been on the right side in the fight against evil. The only thing that had prevented a merging of the two families' years before was that both the Weasleys' and Longbottoms' tended to run to sons. Ginny Weasley was the first female Weasley born in generations. As she watched the young girl take her Grandson's arm she smiled to herself at the prospect of their union.

When they reached the abandoned department store that concealed the entrance to St. Mungo's Hospital, Harry and Luna once again covered themselves with the invisibility cloak and exited the limousine behind the others. The two followed the Longbottoms inside and up to the fourth floor, where those with brain injuries were cared for.

Entering the semi-dark room Harry saw two occupied beds against the far wall and realized that they must be Neville's parents. Neville secured the door with a locking spell as Harry and Luna removed the long cloak.

"Ginny, will you raise the blind please," Harry asked as he approached Frank Longbottom. The sight that greeted the young man was grim indeed. Frank Longbottem, who had once been a strong and vibrant man, was now a wasted shell. Dull, unseeing eyes stared up at the ceiling, with no spark of life in them. His skin was dry and deathly pale, and his limbs emaciated from years of inactivity. More than anything Frank Longbottom had the appearance of a living corpse.

"Ready?" Harry asked Luna, who stood by the bedside of Alice Longbottom.

"Ready," Luna responded firmly.

Harry raised his arms and held them above emaciated body and concentrated intently, willing the man to be healed. Particles of golden light descended from Harry's fingers like rain, and Frank Longbottom disappeared into a cocoon of golden light. Luna was performing the same healing magic on Alice Longbottom, as her family watched in wonder.

After a few minutes the two teens lowered their arms and the golden cocoons slowly dissipated. At first the two people showed no obvious changes, and Augusta Longbottom sighed in resignation. But as they watched a change began to occur and their pale, sallow skin began to take on a more healthy appearance. Where previously only skin and bone were evident, arms and legs put on a healthy layer of muscle. Instead of a sleep of death the two people appeared to be napping lightly.

"I think they'll be alright in a few minutes," Harry said confidently as he and Luna moved away from their bedsides.

As Augusta Longbottom approached her son's bedside she saw his eyes blink open. He looked around in confusion and hoarsely whispered his first word in fifteen years.

"Alice?"

Alice Longbottom's eyes flickered open after her long sleep, confusion evident after years of dreams. At first she was unable to speak, but finally struggled to answer with a single word of her own: "Frank?" Neville hugged his Mother gently, afraid that like glass she might shatter at his touch.

"Neville darling?" The woman asked in confusion.

"Yes Mother," Neville replied as tears streamed down his face. The moment was too precious to use 'Mum;' for Neville the word 'Mother' carried far more significance.

"What a handsome young man you've become, my Son," the woman whispered.

Harry felt it was a moment for Neville and his family to be alone. Taking Luna's hand he walked over to the door where Ginny was standing, wiping away happy tears with a hankie.

"Luna and I had better go now; we are going to meet Luna's Father at the Quibbler offices in Dagon Alley. Wait a few minutes before you call the Healers in.

The young girl threw her arms around Harry's neck and hugged him tightly. "Thank you Harry….Bless you both," she whispered.

Neville looked up from his Mother's bedside, unwilling to leave her side for even a second. "Thank you Harry, thank you Luna; you've given me my family again."

Harry and Luna felt extraordinarily good as they left the hospital to meet Luna's Father; and the two took their time enjoying the sights and sounds of London as they walked to Diagon Alley.

The news of the Longbottoms miraculous recovery swept through the wizarding world like wildfire, and was the lead story on every news report. The word that was used over and over again was 'miracle,' and indeed it was. But Harry and Luna never heard any of it; they were warm and happy in a small cottage in Devonshire, wrapping presents and enjoying winter games. Harry learned that in spite of her slight size Luna had a wicked aim with a snowball, and he came out on the losing side in most of their fights.

The teens had wanted to find suitable gifts for when they visited the Longbottom home on Christmas Eve, but Philius Lovegood explained that gifts wouldn't be expected, and might actually make their hosts feel embarrassed.

"You've already given them the greatest gift possible: you've given Neville back his family and his parents back their lives," Philius explained patiently. "Just accept any gifts graciously and know that it comes from their hearts."

The two teens saw the logic in the man's words, but even then they found it impossible to go to the Longbottom home empty handed. On the morning of Christmas Eve the two baked off a double batch of Luna's delicious Chocolate Snorkacks to take with them.

That afternoon the three of them portkeyed to the Longbottom estate near Salisbury, arriving in a front garden blanketed in deep snow. Any doubts that Harry might have had about spending Christmas in the formal setting of Longbottom Manor were quickly dispelled when he was wrapped in a bone crushing hug by Alice Longbottom. In the minutes that followed the Longbottoms made it clear that they regarded Harry and Luna as family, even to the point where Neville's formidable Grandmother insisted that the two teens call her Gran.

Ginny Weasley had arrived a few minutes earlier and she seemed rather relaxed as well; in spite of the fact that she was visiting her boyfriend's family for the first time. Neville escorted his three friends up to their rooms while Philius Lovegood remained behind to become better acquainted with the other adults. Harry suspected that Philius just wanted to allow the teens their own space, and he appreciated it.

That evening they all met for a delicious Christmas Eve dinner in the great dining hall of the mansion. After dinner they moved into the living room to be greeted by an enormous Christmas tree and a cheerfully burning fire. Alice Longbottom took that moment to inform them that it was Longbottom tradition to open holiday gifts on Christmas Eve, and waving her wand a number of wrapped packages magically appeared.

The nature of the gifts received by Harry and Luna caused the teens a bit of embarrassment, but they tried to remember the words of Luna's Father. Neville clearly felt that his friends had given him the greatest gift in the world, for he once again had a family; and so the two accepted their gifts graciously and in the spirit of Christmas.

Harry could hardly believe it when Frank Longbottom levitated an enormous, green-wrapped package before him. The young teen looked at the large box for several seconds before Ginny's impatience came to the surface.

"Well open it Harry," she ordered with eager anticipation.

Without further delay Harry began to tear at the rich emerald-green wrapping paper with all the excitement of a twelve-year-old confronted by Father Christmas. His efforts revealed a large, ornately carved mahogany chest with runic symbols covering the lid. Frank Longbottom exchanged a smile with his wife as Harry carefully opened the lid to reveal a complete Quidditch set. But this set was as unlike the simple sets found in most wizarding households as day was from night. These were the same type of balls as used in the professional Quidditch leagues, with all the necessary spells and enchantments.

Luna could see that Harry was too stunned to speak and needed a little help, and she knew that as his girlfriend that was part of her job.

"Maybe we can play a game tomorrow," she suggested, bringing her boyfriend back to reality.

"Err…yes, that would be great. Thank you very much," he said sincerely.

"Neville tells us that you are quite a remarkable Seeker, Harry; I've already sent Dumbledore a request for Alice and myself to attend the next match played by Gryffindor. Also, we are taking Ginny and Neville to the Quidditch World Cup in August and we would love to have the three of you join us," Frank Longbottom said, hope clearly written on his face.

Harry and Luna looked at Philius Lovegood hopefully, as the older man gave away no hint of his reaction to the proposal. Suddenly he cracked a wide smile and nodded at the two teens.

"We'd be delighted to attend," Philius said sincerely.

As the positive mood grew stronger, Alice Longbotton levitated a beautifully wrapped blue and silver package onto the carpet in front of Luna. This package was smaller than Harry's, but was quite heavy in its own right. Luna began to carefully peel away the blue paper, much to Ginny Weasley's frustration.

"Just tear it Luna," her friend directed.

With a bit of a wince Luna tore off the remaining paper and opened the box that was revealed. Inside were a dozen large red leather folios, each carrying a date and the title 'Field Notes."

"Neville tells me that you have a fascination with the rare animals of our magical world; my Father did as well. Perhaps you've heard of him, his name was Roger Keyes," Alice Longbottom said a bit wistfully.

Luna's eyes widened in surprise as she recognized the very familiar name. "The Roger Keyes that wrote 'Fantastic Magical Creatures,'" she asked in wonder?

"You've read it?" Alice asked with a smile.

"It's my favorite," Luna responded in disbelief.

"My Father was very proud of that book; it was the culmination of a life's work. But I'm afraid very few people have read it," Alice Longbottom said with a note of regret.

"It's a wonderful book," Luna said sincerely.

"I had a feeling that you might think so. These were my Father's field notes, where he documented his observations and discoveries. After his passing I kept them; out of pride I guess. But now I want to pass them on to someone who can continue his work," Alice said emotionally as she hugged the young girl tightly.

It was rare for Luna to be at a loss for words, but at that moment she was. The two women hugged each other for several seconds, and as he watched Harry felt a tear come to his eye.

"I have something else for you, my dear," Alice Longbottom continued in a choked voice. "Neville told me that your particular interest is in the Crumple Horned Snorkack; my Father also had a fascination with those remarkable creatures. But I understand that you've never seen one; is that right?"

"No, but I hope to someday," Luna responded.

"Well how about next summer? My Father helped found the International Snorkack Sanctuary near Varus in Northern Sweden," Alice declared.

"There's a Snorkack Sanctuary?" Luna asked in wonder, as her eyes widened in surprise.

"Yes; the species is so endangered that its existence is kept a closely guarded secret. The current director was a good friend of my Father, and I've known him since I was a child. Yesterday I made a floo call and asked if it would be possible for the eight of us to visit the Sanctuary in June. That is a particularly special time, as the young Snorkacks will be emerging from their dens for the first time."

"Yes…oh yes," Luna declared excitedly, and then looked to her Father for approval. His smile told her all she needed to know.

"Excuse me, but did you say that 'eight' would be going," Ginny asked, hardly daring to believe that she might be included in something so exciting.

"Yes, my dear; that is if you'd like to go. I already spoke to your parents and they think it would be very educational, and as Neville informs us that you are destined to be our future daughter-in-law, we would like to get to know you better," Alice said with a smile.

Ginny blushed sweetly and looked over to Neville. "Thank you, I would love to go," she said in barely a whisper.

As the night progressed the spirit of family grew ever stronger, until they were all laughing like the oldest of friends. Neville had given Ginny a beautiful mirror and brush set, and on the card it had said that it was for the 'fairest of them all.' From anyone else it would have been terribly corny, but the two teens were so obviously smitten with each other that it came off as very sweet.

Luna loved the necklace and earrings that Harry had given her, and immediately made the connection to the vision that the two had shared. She asked him to help her put the necklace on, and for a moment the two forgot there was anyone else in the room. Luna smiled to herself when she thought about how Harry's gift to her, and her gift to him, both had a connection to their future daughter.

The most touching moment of the evening came when Luna gave Harry her present. It was a small, flat gift wrapped in purple paper; and Harry knew immediately that it must be a book. Removing the wrapping he stared at the cover in surprise and a wide grin formed on his face. In bold gold letters the title read 'Flights of Fancy; Teaching Your Child to Ride their First Broom.' Tears came to his eyes as the emotion threatened to overwhelm him, and all he could do at the moment was hug Luna tightly. The others in the room shared the emotions of the moment, and stood by in respectful silence.

-o-

Luna couldn't go to sleep that night as her thoughts lingered on what a wonderful Christmas it had been; no small part of that being that the man she loved was sharing it with her. She reached up and felt the daisy necklace still around her neck, and she smiled to herself. It was a perfect gift that she would treasure always. She never ceased to be amazed by the fact that in spite of a miserable childhood, Harry had turned out to be so sweet and gentle. Teenage boys rarely understood what it meant to be romantic, but as she fingered her necklace she realized that Harry might be an exception to that rule. In her lap lay open one of the wonderful field guides that she had been reading a few minutes earlier. She was amazed at the detail that it contained, and realized that she still had so much to learn. At that moment she heard a light knock on her door.

"Yes?" She called as she threw a bed shawl around her shoulders.

The door opened a crack and Harry stuck his head in. "I just came by to say goodnight," he said with a smile.

"Come in Harry," she said warmly.

As Harry walked over Luna noticed that he was carrying a small black book in his hand. "Thank you again, this is a wonderful present," he said as he held the book up for her to see.

"Do you really like it, Harry?" She asked hopefully.

"Absolutely, I just can't wait until our daughter comes along so I can start using it," he replied happily.

"Well come sit beside me and read me a little of it," she said as she patted the bed beside her. Her inviting smile made it clear that her trust in him was complete.

Returning her smile he sat on the comforter by her side and leaned back against the pillow that she had provided. He noticed the red-leather folio on her lap and guessed that she had been reading. "Someday you're going to make a great Zoologist," he declared as he nodded towards the open book.

Harry could see the smile fade from his girlfriend's face and he wondered what it was that he had said. "No…no I won't be," she declared with the slightest of sadness. "I've decided to become a Healer, Harry. I want to use our gift to help other people like the Longbottoms."

In a flash Harry saw once again how very special Luna was. "Well I thought that we could pursue both careers," he declared warmly.

"We?" she asked in surprise.

"Of course; it's my gift as well. Seeing Neville and his family tonight made me realize how really precious our gift is; I want to be a Healer as well. And being with you has taught me to always appreciate the rare and unique."

A rare blush appeared on Luna's cheeks, and Harry thought that at that moment she was the most beautiful girl in the world. His right hand left the book and found her left, squeezing it gently.

At that moment the door was pushed open and a familiar redhead stepped into the room. "Luna, can I borrow…" And then Ginny Weasley's voice froze in her throat as she saw Harry and Luna in bed together. Actually, Luna was in bed and Harry was sitting on top of the covers; but Ginny didn't analyze it that far.

"Yes, Ginny," Luna asked dreamily.

"Ah…ah…I just wanted to borrow…to borrow…I forget what I wanted to borrow. Good night," Ginny stuttered in panic and fled the room.

"You know what she was thinking, don't you?" Luna asked with a giggle.

"Yes, but I don't think that it's funny," Harry said in a serious tone.

"Oh, but it is; I've never seen Ginny turn that red," Luna said, her eyes sparking with mirth. "Don't worry; I'll talk to her in the morning. Right now I think I could go to sleep," she said with a yawn.

Harry started to get off the bed when Luna laid a gentle hand on his arm. "No, stay," she said as her silver eyes connected with his. Once she was sure he wasn't leaving she reached over and turned out the light.

Harry smiled to himself as he slid under the comforter and laid his head on the pillow. Immediately Luna laid her head on his chest and snuggled closer. 'I could get used to this so easily,' he thought to himself as he closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep.

The next morning Luna did indeed speak to Ginny and the young redhead seemed to relax a bit, in spite of a few slight blushes when Harry was around. The rest of the holidays were happy and relaxed, filled with good friends and good times, and when it was time to return to school everyone was sorry it was over.