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.

CHAPTER 19: SECRETS AND SURPRISES

As Tonks and Remus led the teens through the halls of Hogwarts Castle they encountered frightened students at every turn. Details of the battle had flashed around the school like wildfire, and the students had lined up to watch the returning teens in fearful silence. Harry and Luna were used to the staring, and even the fear, but the others found it a very uncomfortable sensation.

"Why don't they say anything?" Susan asked in a whisper.

"Because they're afraid," Harry answered with just a touch of sadness.

"Of us?" Susan asked in disbelief.

"People always fear those who are different. We were willing to fight back where they couldn't; and that makes us different," Luna said logically.

"Now I think I understand how you felt, Harry," Susan said with a shudder.

"But at least we have each other, Harry and Luna were facing it all alone," Neville said bitterly.

Susan nodded her head sadly and moved closer to Fred, who walked by her side.

"Gingersnap," Tonks said firmly as she reached the gargoyle that guarded the Headmaster's office. The stone statue jumped aside and the young Auror led the six teens up the moving stairs to the office. Once they were all seated, Tonks found that she could contain herself no longer.

"Alright Harry, now tell me what happened," she demanded with all of the eagerness of a nine-year-old girl.

"Perhaps we should wait until Professor Dumbledore arrives," Remus suggested carefully.

"No, I want to know now. Come on Harry, tell me what happened," Tonks said determinedly.

"Now Tonks, please; we do need to wait for Albus," Remus repeated patiently.

Tonks looked at Remus with a pouting expression, which was quickly replaced with one of pure evil. "If you don't let them tell me what happened I'll tell them all about your favorite game. You know, 'The Wizard and the Serving Witch,'" she said mischievously.

Harry had never seen Remus as embarrassed as he was at that moment. "You wouldn't dare," he declared in horror.

"Oh wouldn't I?" She said wickedly. Seeing the evil glint in her eyes, Harry was left with no doubt that Tonks was indeed related to the notorious Black Family.

"All right, all right, you win," Remus admitted in defeat as he waved his hands in surrender.

"But aren't you going to tell us about that game you like?" Luna asked innocently.

"Ah Luna, we really don't want to know about that," Harry said with a shudder and Ginny and Neville nodded their heads in agreement. Fred Weasley, however, looked oddly interested.

At that moment Professor Dumbledore and Madam Bones entered the office, and all further discussion about adult games ceased immediately.

"Tonks, would you and Remus please excuse us while we interview Mr. Potter and his friends about today's events?" The Headmaster asked patiently.

"No, we would like them to stay," Harry said firmly, his words earning appreciative smiles from Tonks and Remus.

The Headmaster saw the agreement on the faces of the other teens, and relented in his request. "Very well; I believe that I can understand your feelings. Let me begin by saying that I stopped by the Hospital Wing on my return to the school. Madam Pomfrey said that Mr. Weasley is doing just fine and she will release him shortly; then he and Miss Grainger will be able to join us."

It was at that moment that a knock was heard at the door, and Ron, Hermione and the senior Weasleys' entered the office as a group. Molly Weasley immediately rushed forward and wrapped Ginny in a bone-crushing hug; so much so that the young girl was having trouble breathing.

Fred, who was sitting near Harry and Luna, gave his friends a smirk. "She'll be black and blue for a week," he whispered with a grin. But apparently the youngest Weasley wasn't the only one destined feel the force of Molly's love, because she had soon bestowed a similar hug on every other teen in the room.

"Molly, if we may get started we do have much to cover," Dumbledore said gently.

"Oh, of course, I'm terribly sorry. I don't know what's gotten into me," she said as she dabbed her eyes with a hankie.

"It's alright old girl, all's well that ends well," Arthur said reassuringly as he put an arm around his wife.

"Are you certain that you feel well enough to attend this meeting Mr. Weasley, we could postpone your part of the interview until later?" Dumbledore asked.

"Actually, I'm feeling rather better than alright. Madam Pomfrey did a number of tests and she said that physically I'm perfect; that was the only reason that she agreed to release me," Ron answered with a grin.

"What do you mean by 'perfect, Ron' Molly asked in confusion.

"I believe what he's saying, Molly, is that whatever Harry and Luna did to save his life also eliminated any pre-existing conditions; and I would venture to say any future problems as well," Dumbledore said with a smile as Ron nodded his head

"But how is that possible?" Molly asked in shocked disbelief.

"That is one of the things that we will be discussing during the course of this meeting." And with that Professor Dumbledore led everyone into an adjoining room that had been set up for staff conferences. The eight teens took places on one side of the large oak table and their teachers and parents on the other.

"Perhaps the best way for us to begin is for each of you to provide us with your own description of today's events," Dumbledore suggested thoughtfully.

The seven teens sitting beside Harry remained silent, content to let the dark-haired boy take the lead in the conversation.

"Well, we were sitting in the upstairs dining room of the Three Broomsticks when Madam Rosmerta brought up a note for Ginny. She read the note, handed it to me, and then ran out the door. After she left I looked at the note myself and, well…," at this point Harry trailed off and looked at Hermione hesitantly.

"What is it?" She asked with concern.

"Well it was signed by you and it said that you needed to talk with Ginny right away and that you were 'desperate.' Madam Rosmerta said that you gave it to her," Harry said uncertainly.

"But I never sent Ginny a note," Hermione said in a bewildered tone.

"I believe that I can explain that particular mystery," Professor Dumbledore said calmly. "When Miss Parkinson was taken to the Hospital Wing for medical treatment we found that she was carrying a flask of Polyjuice Potion. We believe that she was impersonating Miss Grainger in an attempt to lure Miss Weasley outside."

"That's right; as soon as I got out of the back door Draco grabbed me and Hermione…err, Pansy went back inside," Ginny declared angrily.

"Anyway, somehow Luna knew that the note wasn't really from Hermione, and we followed after Ginny….By the way, how did you know the note wasn't really from Hermione?" Harry asked curiously.

"Really Harry, can you ever imagine Hermione being 'desperate?" Luna asked in disbelief.

"Well no, I guess not," the boy admitted, and he noticed with satisfaction the smiles that Luna and Hermione were exchanging.

"Once we left the Three Broomsticks I saw that it was a trap, but there was nothing to do but go forward. Draco was holding Ginny with a wand at her throat and we had no choice but do what he wanted. As soon as he released Ginny I created a distraction while Luna and Hermione got the others on the ground.

"And about that distraction, Mr. Potter; the first thing that the Death Eaters did upon arriving was to establish anti-apparation and anti-portkey wards on the entire area. And yet the witnesses stated that you moved back and forth through the wards without hindrance. Can you explain how you could do that?" Madam Bones asked in wonder.

"I believe Minister, that is one of the powers granted to them by Vivienne," Dumbledore said knowingly.

"You know about her?" Harry asked in amazement.

"Oh yes, she and I had a very nice conversation over the holidays. I must confess that you and Miss Lovegood do manage to find the most remarkable allies," Dumbledore said with a genuine smile.

"Vivienne?" Minister Bones asked in confusion.

"Yes, she is better known as the 'Lady of the Lake,'" Dumbledore replied, thoroughly enjoying the look of shock on so many faces.

"The Celtic goddess; but she's just a myth," Hermione said reasonably.

"No Hermione, she has been a close friend of my family for more than a thousand years, and recently she has taken Harry into that group as well," Luna said proudly.

"She has indeed," Harry said with a grin.

"Why didn't you tell me any of this?" Hermione demanded in annoyance.

"Well you and Ron haven't been around very much lately," Harry said as gently as possible.

Hermione blushed slightly as she realized that she had indeed been neglecting her friends, and she exchanged a guilty look with the red-haired boy who sat beside her.

"What about us?" Fred asked.

"Well you and Susan have tended to disappear as well," Harry said honestly, forgetting for a moment that the Weasley parents and Madam Bones were present. An elbow in the ribs from Luna made Harry aware of his slip and he hastily apologized.

Amelia Bones exchanged a look with Molly Weasley that clearly indicated the two women needed to talk about this and that parental 'talks' might be necessary. Neither Fred nor Susan missed the looks, and both knew what was likely to come.

"Back to the subject at hand; I believe that Vivienne communicates with those who she has chosen through visions and dreams. Would it be indelicate to ask about the visions that she has sent you," Dumbledore asked with his eyes twinkling.

The two teens looked at each other and exchanged some form of non-verbal communication before Harry answered the Headmaster's question.

"Well…um, Luna and I will marry after graduation and our daughter Lizzie will someday play Seeker for Gryffindor…"

"I beg your pardon, Mr. Potter, but I believe that we were going to leave the choice of positions up to Lizzie," Luna said with an indignity that almost covered her smile.

"Err, yes you're right; sorry about that Lu," Harry said sheepishly. "But we can agree that she will play for Gryffindor, right?"

"Yes, Harry," Luna said more softly.

"Is there anything else?" The Headmaster asked, a smile causing his beard to twitch.

"Well yes," Harry said nervously as he looked at Ron and Hermione. "But it has nothing to do with the war."

"Very well; the next subject…"

"Wait! Harry, I have to know. What have you two seen about our future?" Hermione asked urgently.

Harry exchanged a look with Luna and everyone saw her nod her head. "Well Hermione, one day your son will marry our daughter."

Twenty-four hours before Hermione would have been furious at such a declaration, but much had changed in the last few hours. Instead of anger, Hermione wore a very happy smile which only increased when Ron interlaced his fingers with hers.

Molly Weasley elbowed her husband in the ribs and nodded towards their youngest son, and the senior Weasley realized that a Father-Son 'talk' needed to be arranged immediately.

"The witnesses stated that that neither you nor Miss Lovegood used wands at any time during the confrontation. Can you explain that to us?" Dumbledore asked with interest.

"That's right, you didn't use your wands; how can you do that?" Hermione asked accusingly.

"We don't seem to need our wands anymore," Harry said sheepishly as he glanced at Luna. "We just think about what we want and it kind of happens."

"We are going to talk about all of this very soon Harry Potter," Hermione said seriously. And the boy knew that he was in for a serious interrogation from his friend.

"Back to the subject at hand," Dumbledore said, much to the relief of the two teens. "The witnesses further state that it was you, Miss Bones, who cast the Reductor Curse against Miss Parkinson. I believe that Miss Granger was only given her own wand, as well as those belonging to Mr. and Miss Weasley. May I ask how you retrieved your wand after Mr. Malfoy ordered you to throw it away?" Dumbledore asked.

"You used a Reductor Curse against a fellow student?" Madam Bones asked her niece in shock.

"No Auntie, I used a Reductor Curse against a supporter of Vol…Voldemort who was trying to hurt one of my friends," the normally shy girl answered defiantly.

Madam Bones looked at her niece in disbelief; she had actually said the Dark Lord's name with barely a shudder.

"That's my 'Puff,'" Fred Weasley said with pride, ignoring the shocked look on his Mother's face.

"Under the circumstances I do believe that the response was warranted, Amelia," Dumbledore said supportively. "But there's still the question of how you retrieved your wand."

"Actually, it was a gag wand that I threw away. Fred told me that it was always handy to carry one, just in case; and naturally he was right. Those were the wands that we threw away," Susan answered sweetly.

Amelia Bones looked at her niece with a growing respect; it was at that moment that she noticed the ring on the girl's finger. Amelia's eyes widened in surprise but she knew that this was not the time to ask; but she resolved that the two of them would definitely have a talk before she returned to London.

"There's a question that I would like to ask," Molly Weasley said with fear evident in her voice. "They said that Ron was…," but it was at this point that Molly broke down into tears. Arthur tried to put his arms around her, but she struggled to be free.

"No…No, I'm alright….This is something that I need to know," she said forcefully. "They said that Ron was…dead, and that you and Luna brought him back. Is that true?"

"No, it's not. We got to him just in time. If he had been truly dead there would have been nothing that we could have done," Harry answered honestly.

"So you were able to counter a Killing Curse?" Minister Bones asked in astonishment.

"Actually, the Killing Curse was not employed. The curse that Mr. Malfoy used would have achieved the same ends, but it was slower and more painful," Dumbledore explained in a hard voice.

"But how did you save him?" Molly asked quietly.

"Well…Luna and I discovered that we have a gift for healing," Harry said modestly.

"Was the magic that you used on Mr. Weasley the same kind that you used to restore Alice and Frank Longbottom?" Dumbledore asked casually.

"You knew that?" Luna asked in surprise.

"Well Vivienne was always associated with the healing arts and I put two and two together," the old Headmaster replied.

"You two healed the Longbottoms? I hope you two are considering careers in healing," Madam Bones said in awe.

"Actually, we're hoping to work in both healing and zoology," Harry said as he squeezed Luna's hand.

"I'd say that you've made an excellent start on the second path. I understand that you've already discovered Centicores in the Dark Forest. I should very much like to hear more about that later; Centicores have a very remarkable history," Professor Dumbledore said with a smile.

"May I listen too?" Hermione asked hopefully.

"Of course Hermione; we might even organize a little expedition," Harry replied.

"What will happen to Draco?" Luna asked sadly, as she changed the course of the conversation.

"The law is clear. Any attempt to take a life results in a long sentence in Azkaban," Madam Bones declared in a hard and uncompromising voice.

Luna looked down sadly; she hated the idea that any living thing would be put in a cage. Harry felt her sorrow and moved closer to her, taking her hand in his.

"And that brings me to another matter," Madam Bones continued. "The three Death Eaters that you turned into trees. I'm afraid that we've been unable to return them to their human forms. We would like you to do it for us."

"What will happen if we change them back?" Luna asked neutrally.

"Given their past record I'm afraid that execution would be the required sentence," the Minister declared.

"Then I respectfully refuse to do it," Luna said honestly.

"I'm afraid that you don't understand Miss Lovegood. These men are murderers and they must pay for their crimes," Amelia tried to explain.

"They are no longer murderers, they are trees. Trees can't do harm, they only do good. They provide shelter for animals, food for the hungry and cool shade on hot days. As men they only did harm, but as trees they can be beneficial. I won't change them back," Luna said flatly.

Realizing that the young woman was adamant in her beliefs, the Minister turned her attention to Harry Potter. "I'm sure that you understand the importance of justice in this case, Mr. Potter, and I would ask you to return these men to their human forms," Amelia said hopefully.

"I'm afraid that I can't do that. I agree with Luna completely; let them live out their lives as trees and made up a little for the evil they have done," Harry said firmly.

"But what if You-know-who changes them back?" The Minister asked in desperation.

"I think that very unlikely, Amelia. I tried myself for some time to restore them to human form, and I was able to accomplish nothing. I doubt the Dark Lord would succeed any better. Besides, I suspect that after their failure Lord Voldemort would not want them back. I suggest that we leave things as they are," Dumbledore said reasonably.

Left with little choice in the matter the Minister of Magic nodded in silent, if reluctant, agreement.

At that very moment Professor Severus Snape was ascending the moving stairs that led to the Headmaster's Office, uncertain of what he would find. The stories that he had been hearing were unbelievable, but he himself had seen the three new trees in Hogsmead. It had been only a few hours earlier when he had been called into the Dark Lord's presence. There he was informed of the imminent attack on Hogsmead, and was assigned to lead a diversionary attack against Diadon Alley. As a result the Potions Master had been unable to warn the Headmaster of the attack, and had only hoped that Harry and Luna might somehow be able to escape. He understood his concern for the young girl, who against all odds had become a friend and trusted colleague. But he was surprised to find himself equally concerned about Harry Potter's safety. 'Things had certainly changed,' he thought to himself.'

Entering the office he was relieved to discover that all the teens appeared to be safe and well, and explaining the details of what happened to Professor Dumbledore and the Minister of Magic. He listened in disbelief as the two students explained the remarkable events which had occurred only two hours before; and as he listened his respect for the two teens grew. When they had each made a statement the Headmaster turned to Professor Snape.

"Ah Severus, timely as always; what can you add about today's events and Lord Voldemort's reactions to them?" Dumbledore asked.

"I was called into the Dark Lord's presence early this morning. It was only then that I was informed that the attack was planned for today. I was assigned to lead a group of about a dozen inexperienced Death Eaters to Diadon Alley, create as much havoc as possible and then apparate away before the Aurors could arrive. The goal was to draw you and the teachers away from Hogwarts, if only for a few minutes. It was intended to be a lightening attack that would kill Mr. Potter and Miss Lovegood before help could arrive. I'm very sorry I was unable to warn you as I promised," Professor Snape said to Harry and Luna.

"It's alright Professor Snape, we know that you did your best," Harry said sincerely, earning him a slight smile from the Potions Master.

"Well his diversion went as planned. The minute we heard of the attack I and most of the staff apparated to London. You and your forces had already departed, and with aurors in control of the street we went immediately to Hogsmead to check on the students. The fight had already ended and we were left with little to do but calm frightened students and villagers," Dumbledore said.

"You moved quickly, Professor Snape. A force of Aurors arrived less than three minutes after the first spell was cast. I should hate it if Professor Dumbledore's agent should be struck down by accident," Minister Bones said with a grim smile.

"I should hate it too, Minister Bones," Snape said grimly.

"Come now, Severus. We are all on the same side here. Please call me Amelia."

"Thank you Amelia. We immediately returned to the mansion in Sussex to await news of the battle, which wasn't long in coming. A few minutes after we arrived the Dark Lord and Bellatrix Lestrange arrived at the mansion. He issued orders that the house was to be immediately abandoned and that his followers were to take up residence at a safe house he has in Cornwall. He and Bella left almost immediately, but I don't know what their destination was. I had a few words with her before they apparated away and gathered that the battle had not gone exactly as planned."

"Oh, how so?" Professor Dumbledore asked.

"Apparently the Dark Lord was aware of certain efforts by Lucius Malfoy to undermine his authority, and was sending the fool on a one-way mission. If he had succeeded in killing you Harry, which the Dark Lord considered highly unlikely, he would have been struck down immediately. But the decisive nature of your victory completely amazed him. I believe that the Dark Lord has gone into seclusion to consider his next move. Bellatrix said that she had never seen such magic in her life, and she was clearly shaken by it. I'm sorry I missed seeing Lucius turned into a tree," Severus said with a rare smile.

- o –

After all questions had been answered Professor Dumbledore excused the eight teens, but he asked that the adults remain behind for a moment. Harry and his friends descended the moving staircase and walked out into the dimly lit hallway. They were surprised to see two lone figures sitting on the stone bench opposite

For a minute there was an awkward silence as the teens regarded at each other warily; they had been on opposite sides for so long that none of them were exactly sure how to react. Finally it was Hermione who broke the silence.

"You did well today, both of you," she said sincerely.

"Thanks err…Hermione. We decided that we didn't want to be like our fathers," Vincent replied honestly.

"It took real courage; I'm sure the younger children would have been much more frightened if you hadn't been there to protect them," Hermione said gently.

"It was you that did the real fighting," Gregory said modestly, as he looked at his feet awkwardly.

"You helped," she replied firmly.

Both boys smiled at the girl appreciatively and her words somehow made what they had to do easier.

"We need to speak with Professor Dumbledore; do you know if he's available?" Vincent asked.

"He's with some other people right now but I think he'll be finished soon; and I know he'll want to talk with you," Hermione declared. "Let me run up to his office and tell him that you're waiting." And without waiting for an answer she turned and ran up the stairs.

The teens waited in silence as Vincent and Gregory exchanged guilty glances. There was something more that had to be said, and it had to be said now.

"Um, Harry…Vincent and I would like to apologize for all of the mean things that we've said and done over the years. We just didn't think that we had any choice but to do what Draco wanted," Gregory said honestly.

Harry looked at his old adversaries appraisingly and then a smile broke out on his face. "I think I can understand what it's like being in a bad situation. I'm glad that when you had the chance you stepped out of it. Why don't all of us start a new page today?" The boy asked as he extended his hand.

"We'd like that," Gregory said sincerely as he took Harry's hand. Vincent was equally happy to accept the offer of a new start.

At that moment Hermione returned and said that the Headmaster would see them immediately. As the two boys ascended the moving stairway Ron could only shake his head. "They've changed so much," he said in disbelief.

"A wise man changes direction when confronted by the truth," Luna said sagely.

Harry put his arm around her and gave her a hug. "Words of wisdom Ron, words of wisdom," he said with a smile.

As they made their way down the hallway they all felt rather good; they had handed the Dark Lord a major defeat and two long time enemies had become what might be future friends. But as they turned a corner they were confronted by a half dozen younger students who were clearly terrified. They backed away from Harry and his friends as if they feared catching some terrible disease. As the older students passed by in silence the teens hoped that the other students would be more accepting, but Harry had his doubts.

As they neared the Great Hall, Hermione Granger saw Lavender Brown and Pavarti Patil sitting on a marble bench and talking in serious tones. The two teens had been Hermione's roommates for almost six years, and she considered them as good friends.

"Hi Girls," she said with a smile.

The two girls spun around and stared at their friend in fear, and Lavender raised her hand to her mouth as if to suppress a possible scream at the sight of Harry and Luna. The fear that the two felt was evident in their eyes, and Hermione shook her head sadly.

"Hi…Hi Hermione," Lavender said weakly, and then the two girls quickly moved into the Great Hall.

"I've known those two girls for six years," Hermione said is disbelief. "I don't think I can face dinner," she said honestly.

"Why don't we eat in the Kitchen; I wanted to thank Dobby for the wonderful lunch anyway?" Luna suggested hopefully.

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief as they turned in the direction of the kitchen. The group walked in silence as they thought about how quickly their friends had turned on them. But in the warmth of the busy kitchen, with their real friends, they would soon forget about the other students.

But in the Great Hall other events were taking place. Professor Dumbledore sat at the Teacher's Table and watched as the students assembled for dinner, and the look on his face at that moment showed only displeasure. Very little happened at Hogswarts of which Dumbledore was unaware, and he knew about the reception that Harry and his friends had received on their return to school. He noticed immediately that the eight teens were not present in the hall, and assumed that they had made other arrangements for dinner. Their absence would make what he had to say that much easier.

As he rose to his feet a hush fell over the room and all eyes had turned in his direction. So much had happened over the past few hours to shake the confidence of his students that he didn't want his words to shake it still further. And yet he needed them to understand the reality of their world, and the forces involved in the struggle for their future. He allowed his eyes to fall briefly on each table as he scanned the room, and the students nervously awaited his first words.

"Today the war has struck close to home, and many of you have seen things that you will never forget. It's a dangerous world that we live in, and to believe that violence can't touch us is to live an illusion. But we are fortunate to have people on our side who willingly risk their lives to protect us. I think all of you know who I am speaking of. They should be with us here tonight, but because of the reception they received from their classmates they've chosen to eat elsewhere."

The Headmaster paused for a moment to observe the effect of his words, and was pleased to see that even those at the Slytherin table were paying close attention. A number of students were exchanging guilty glances and appeared rather ashamed.

"Mr. Potter and his friends saved many lives today, and not only their own. Death Eaters don't discriminate in who they kill. Their aim is to incite terror, and to do that they take as many lives as possible. You should have no doubt that all of those behind the Three Broomsticks today would have died but for the actions of these brave students. They have repeatedly exposed themselves to danger to protect others, and yet today you treated them as outcasts. This behavior in inexcusable and will cease immediately," Dumbledore declared angrily, and the tone of his voice made even the teachers flinch.

The students had never heard such angry words from the grandfatherly Headmaster, and as he sat down they had much to think about. It was not surprising that those at Gryffindor and Hufflepuff tables felt the worst. The members of Hufflepuff House had always prided themselves on their loyalty, and yet not one of them had welcomed Susan Bones back as the hero that she was. Gryffindor House, which had such a tradition of courage, had failed to acknowledge that trait in six of their own members. Those two houses immediately resolved that they would make amends that very night. Some members of Slytherin and Ravenclaw Houses also felt ashamed, especially those who had been on the last carriage of the Hogwarts Express or who had stood behind the Three Broomsticks earlier that day. And yet some of the older students in those two houses felt nothing at all, and saw no reason to change their behavior.

But the eight students most directly concerned knew none of this; they were still enjoying the overwhelming hospitality of the house elves in the Hogwarts Kitchen. Harry and Luna had put the events of the day behind them, and were enjoying a special meal with people they knew they could always depend upon.

Later that night, when Harry and the five Gryffindors returned to their common room they expected to encounter the same unreasoning fear that they had experienced earlier that afternoon. Instead they were greeted with loud cheers and applause, and a party that was in full swing. A table in the middle of the room groaned under the weight of a huge cake and cases of Butter Beer, complements of Professor McGonagall, and the party lasted until after midnight. A similar scene was being played out in the Hufflepuff common room. But all was quiet in Ravenclaw House, although Luna had received heartfelt apologies from many of its younger members. But through the mental link that they shared Harry invited her to join them for their party, and that night she was made an honorary Gryffindor by the other members of the house.

- o -

But in a decaying manor house, far to the south of Hogwarts, there was only an oppressive and brooding silence. The home had once belonged to the Dark Lord's Father; and although he truly hated the man, he found some degree of solace in the lonely house. Perhaps it was because it was here that he had enacted the final vengeance for his dead mother, or perhaps it was something deeper that even he couldn't fathom. For whatever reason it was here that Lord Voldemort came when he needed to think. And so he sat in the darkened room and stared into a dying fire that still smoldered in the hearth, and he tried to make sense of what he had witnessed.

His plans had once again gone wrong, and Harry Potter was once again the cause. He never doubted that Potter would destroy Lucius Malfoy when the two met, but the boy's victory was so overwhelming as to be unbelievable. He had thought that while Potter would win the battle, many of his friends would die in the process. The hopeful result would be to isolate the boy still further from his remaining friends, and increase the level of guilt that was an ever present part of the boy's character. Instead, the strongest of his Death Eaters had been utterly destroyed and not a single one of Potter's friends had fallen.

At his side, and totally in shadows, sat the ever faithful Bellatrix Lestrange. At times like this she was the only one who dared be anywhere near the Dark Lord, but even she knew that this was a time to be silent.

"Did you notice Bella, they didn't use their wands? They didn't even wave their hands; nothing to focus their magic," the Dark Lord said absently,

"I noticed my Lord, but I didn't understand," she answered respectfully.

"Neither do I; wandless magic is possible, but only after years of training. And there are no spells that can do that kind of magic. Theirs is a magic with which I am unfamiliar. It's almost as if…," and then the Dark Lord hesitated.

"What, my Lord?"

"Legend says that Merlin used a similar magic almost fifteen centuries ago."

"You're not suggesting that Potter is another Merlin?" Bellatrix asked in disbelief.

"The magical forms are clearly similar, but how Potter and the Lovegood girl can possess magic of this kind is beyond me. I must think about this. The two of them make formidable opponents, and I cannot afford another misstep. I must find the source of their power and somehow overcome it. While Potter controls this power my cause is in danger," he declared as his anger began to rise. Bellatrix slipped out the door quietly and went to her room, leaving him to his silent vigil, as she knew he would wish.

That night in his dreams the Dark Lord was again visited by Vivienne; but this was not the gentle goddess who comforted Harry and Luna in their dreams. This was a dream of terror beyond Voldemort's imagination. An icy goddess with burning eyes stood above the decaying corpse of the Dark Lord and prophesized his doom. As she spoke, Voldemort watched as his body rotted away to expose his white bones, and they in turn fell to dust and blew away. Her last words were that Voldemort would die alone and be forgotten, striking at his greatest fear.

A few minutes later, from her room nearby, Bellatrix Lestrange was awakened by a series of inhuman screams. She rushed in to discover the implacable Dark Lord trembling in fear like a small child. He couldn't speak about what had happened, nor could he return to sleep, he could only tremble in fear. For the first time in his life Tom Riddle was truly afraid.

Harry and Luna were also dreaming, but the dream that they shared was altogether different. They were holding their first child in their arms, a baby girl with wisps of blond hair, and the fears of earlier days had all passed away.