Disclaimer: I don't Own Harry Potter. If I did... Oh the horror!
AN: Un betaed, Will re upload once My beta is finished.
Chapter 15 – Peer pressure sucks (a different perspective)
Poor Harry.
I'm watching him get mauled by the expectant eyes of his housemates. I'm glad I don't like quiditch… or at least not enough to play.
I ran into Harry as usual… literally of course.
I have to admit, I never enjoyed being knocked over so much as I do with him. Maybe it's because it's our own little thing, I'm honestly not sure, usually I am; 'sure' that is.
But … oh look at that, Ronald caught the red ball thing. Good for him.
I tap my hat and it roars approvingly.
I smile… Ron smiled at that, he usually looks at me queerly, but for once he smiled, I think he appreciated my support. I admit I had had a little bit of a crush on him; it started when we were younger, and when I used to visit Ginny. Being the only boy close to my age in the area…
…well there were the twins of course. They were nice enough, but honestly I could never tell the two apart, I had to resort to guessing with them… what was I saying?
Anyway…
Usually, when I guess, I'm right. Ginny always assumed I just knew which twin was which; I never bothered to correct her.
Ginny's angry with me… I am a little upset by that.
No, that's a lie…. I am very upset by that.
She was, and is my oldest friend. Growing up in the same area, and being the same age, it was inevitable, but that never made the friendship and acceptance any less special. I can pretend that I don't know why she hasn't spoken to me in almost a month, I can pretend I don't know what the glares are for, but I won't.
It's because of him.
Last year, he was nice to me, he didn't believe everything I said or most of it even, but he was kind, and he never made fun of me.
That was nice of him, and I appreciated that.
Last year, he was Ronald's best friend, the one that my crush spent most of his time with. I knew that.
Last year he was very upset… and I understand now why that was, or at least most of it.
Last year we were friends… I don't think that's the case anymore.
I watch as he sits next to Hermione, she's routing on Ronald, and so is he, when he isn't facing the glares.
I actually like Hermione. She has her beliefs, she's quite smart, and she is talented. I can respect that. In a way she's a lot like mum… but in all the ways that matter, she's completely different. I don't think she likes me, and I think she likes me less because of him.
It's a little depressing. For once in my life I'm starting to make real friends; and they aren't just accepting me because of him, although I won't deny that he is probably the reason why they gave me the chance, I think they genuinely like me. That's rare…
But the depressing part is I'm loosing my first friend, Ginny is important, and I don't want to loose her, but she isn't the same as she was when she was younger.
I'm not the same either, for that matter.
Oh Ron made another save… Tap Tap.
"ROAR!" my hat bellows. He looks over and salutes me with a smile. I smile back, I try and hide my blush, I don't like him like I once did, but if this had been last year, such a act might have given me heart palpitations… Old habits are hard to break.
Oh… he noticed. Not Ronald… him. I try not to get too excited by the fact that he frowns at Ronald. I think he's jealous… he doesn't clap as loudly as he did last time…
He's jealous because of me… I have to try to not smile to widely, someone's jealous over me… it's a nice feeling.
Am I a bad person because I'm taking pleasure in the fact that he isn't as happy anymore?
Either way, I allow myself to revel in the fact.
Oh… no.
Ginny's up next… She's trying out for the chaser spot; she really doesn't like seeking for some reason. She's not bad at it, but I guess she really just wants to be a chaser.
Who do I route for… Ron or Ginny. If she misses and I applaud Ronald, Ginny won't be too happy, but if I don't applaud for Ronald… he won't… he…?
What am I thinking, Ronald won't care.
"Go Ginny!" I yell loudly. I'm not sure if she heard me. She doesn't turn or anything to indicate it.
"Woo, Ginny!" Harry calls out; Hermione is clapping too in encouragement.
Ginny stops and turns her head at them, and smiles brightly.
Oh…
No matter, I'm going to keep trying.
"Luna… get over here." Harry calls out. Hermione gives a pointed stare that he misses as he waves me over.
I stare blankly at him for a moment. I was trying to keep my distance from him this once, if Ginny see's, but now I have no choice.
I walk over and thank him for the seat. I turn and look up. Ginny doesn't look too happy.
Hermione for that matter doesn't look that pleased either, I always thought she liked Ronald though, but every now and then, I don't think even she has made up her mind on the matter.
I think she would prefer Ginny dating Harry rather than…
…well speaking of Ginny.
She stares down Ronald, and starts her run… she's going for the far right hoop.
She shoots….
Damn it.
Ronald just has to have a good day today. Ginny is scowling as Ronald teases her… something along the lines of "can't get past your older brother..."
She has two more tries…
I frown as I watch her shoot and he saves each one.
At least Ginny gets to stay on the team… She is already the seeker, and no one was better than her when they tried for the position. But still, she will not be in a very good mood for a very long time…
… .. … .. …
The tryouts are over. One of the great things about being considered crazy is no one questions me being anywhere. I remember other people from my house trying to watch tryouts of other houses; they were soundly evicted under suspicion of being a spy. But I'm just the friendless, crazy girl; I'm Loony. No one bothers to question why I'm here… or anywhere for that matter.
That probably sounded very dramatic and self pitying; oh well… it's the truth.
On second thought…
"You did great Ron…" Hermione cheered.
"Thanks." He states with a rapidly reddening face.
I do have friends… the crazy bit… well who knows.
Ginny begged off coming with us to celebrate, she said she had homework to do, but I know she was just upset. I wonder if she would have gone if I had not been there.
Neville's here as well, he wasn't at the practice, but he caught up to us when we entered the castle. A lot of the gryffindors have been giving Harry sour looks; it's been going on for a few days now. Apparently he had to give up his position on the Quidditch team. The way he explains it McGonagale said he would have had to for his class schedule to work.
I don't understand some of the students reactions… he's in school to learn, hence that should be his priority. They seem to think it's about which house is better.
Even the first years are getting into it. They weren't even sorted the same; for all they know, they are all Slytherin's or Hufflepuff's at heart. Yet they adopted the same overzealous pride the rest of the school seems prone too.
I won't even try and remember the reaction I got for my Gryffindor hat.
It's sad really. But I am proud of Harry for setting his priorities straight. Matter of fact…
"Good for you Harry" There, he needed to get some support.
He looks at me funny; I don't think he understands why I'm congratulating him… I admit I kind of like to confuse him… and the rest of the school.
"Thanks…?" he asks perplexed. But there is a hint of a smile there, it wasn't there before when he was confused at my random proclamations, but it's there now.
Apparently were all heading towards the great hall.
The hall is bright and cheery today, the walls seem to sparkle and I'm sure that if Hogwarts had a face it would be smiling.
I smile brightly at the wall conveying a greeting. A few students look behind them and at me. I think they think I'm smiling at them. I decide I should smile at them as well… why exclude?
They seem confused. It's sad how common that is in this school.
But Hogwarts get's my message, I feel it brighten at my greeting. I don't think it gets a lot of attention. Although, it's not always like that… some place's he seems downright grumpy. I don't think he likes those places, like the dungeons or the battlements. It's a bit odd to hate one's self, but then again people do that all the time.
Oh wait someone's saying something…
"Hmm?" I ask dreamily.
"I said, don't you think Harry should restart the D.A.?" Hermione asks me. She's asking me for my opinion… that's new.
Wait I should focus on the question… D.A., I liked the D.A., Harry was a good teacher.
"I would like that, The D.A. was nice." I reply out loud.
Hermione is beaming at me. So are a couple of other students… there all D.A. Students. When did they get here…? I should pay more attention.
Why is Harry frowning though?
He looks at me with exasperation, it doesn't seem like he is angry with me, but I don't think he wanted me to answer that way… how was I supposed to answer?
"Fine…hold on to your coins, I'll set up a meeting time." He relents grumpily.
We're starting the D.A. again… I can't help but smile, that group was nice, I'm not sad to have some place to be.
Everyone seems happy with his answer; Colin seems to be really happy. There is something very disturbing about that boy. I can't place it, but I wouldn't want to be locked in a room with him, alone.
Hermione is still smiling though; I'll admit that I'm glad she's smiling at something I did. In a way, I admire her. She speaks her mind and is respected for it; I can't seem to manage that with out being criticized.
"Hermione… why did you do that…" Harry scolds Hermione.
Huh?
Why is he so unhappy?
"I don't know what you're talking about…" Hermione says with a smug smile… even I know she knows what he is talking about… though I still don't.
"Don't give me that… you know I didn't want to start up the D.A. again." he whispers harshly.
Oh… That explains it; I'm a bit embarrassed now that I helped make him do it.
"You were being silly, you'll enjoy it. Trust me." Hermione replies back matter of factly.
I think Harry is annoyed by that statement. He seems to be getting annoyed by her a lot lately. A lot of it seems personal so I try not to get myself involved. But it's hard not to notice. I am siding with Harry with what I have seen though. But then again, I don't know her side of it so I can't really pass judgement.
Ronald seems uncomfortable; I think he's afraid a blow-up like the first one at the citadel will happen again.
"Well it's done now… you guys think we should meet in the Room of Requirement again? Malfoy knows now so he might try and bug us or get us in trouble like last year." Ron asked.
That's a good point. The Room of Requirement is known now to everyone, even though the decrees were rescinded, I can't see the teachers being too happy with students meeting in a room that could give them whatever they want. It seems like a scenario that is filled with …
…something, the teachers should disapprove of.
The only way I can see them allowing such a group, would be if there was supervision, and that would ruin the group slightly, as it would seem too much like class when there are teachers there to supervise, and I can't see Harry being able to convey information then. He is confident at times, but I'm fairly sure with an instructor their, he would clam up and become unresponsive.
"Well where else can we go?" Hermione scolds him. I think she is upset that he is poking holes in her plan to get Harry to teach the D.A.
I am momentarily worried that Harry will suggest the green house. It's large enough, and definitely secret, but I want to be selfish and call it ours and ours alone.
I suppose if he wants to give it away that will be fine, but I hope he doesn't.
Harry looks at me for a second; I think he was thinking of the greenhouse as well.
I prepare myself for his inevitable offer.
"We could practice on the grounds I suppose, there's no real need for secrecy now."
I am relieved and smile brightly at him. He spares me a quick smile as he acknowledges the fact that he isn't willing to give up the information as well.
"But if there's no reason for secrecy then we could still use the room of requirement." Hermione reminds them.
That's true, but I'm not as excited by the group now that I know that Harry doesn't want to do it. It seems forced… which it is.
For a moment I wonder whether he's only doing this because I said I would have liked it… I scold myself for thinking it right away. The world does not revolve around you Lovegood.
Eventually they decide that the room of requirement would do for now, Hermione brought up the topic of informing a teacher. It is in-fact a very Hermione thing to say; she adores authority figures, and I think she want's some credit since she is helping Harry plan some of his lessons. Harry's smart, but no one is fooled, the D.A. was Hermione's project and Harry is just the endorsement. Although I doubt anyone would be as interested if it weren't for Harry, and certainly would not be as interested in it as they are now as Harry certainly made it his own.
Something about his presence when he becomes confident and authoritative is very enticing. It certainly reminds people that he is a powerful wizard. Harry concedes Saturday's at night for the best time. Ron pointed out that some of the houses are doing tryouts and we should check to make sure the times don't conflict. Harry seems very annoyed by this.
"Well Saturday is the only day I'm available to do this, I'm busy the rest of the week." Harry admits in frustration.
Harry has been hard to find lately, and he seems dead tired most days.
"What about Sunday?" Ron asks.
"Can't, I have plans for that day." Harry sounds evasive.
Today's Sunday, I wonder whether he will be doing what ever he plans starting today.
"What plans?" Hermione asks immediately.
As much as I admire and respect the girl, she does not learn. No tact at all…
"Plans, I can't change" Harry says in warning. He definitely doesn't want to let on what these plans are. Ron is looking shifty.
Hermione looks like she wants to dig further but Ron thankfully intervenes.
"I suppose, we could get Smith to schedule the practices for another day. Cho too. Katie should be fine with it also…" Ron said in haste. Hermione looked at him strangely; I think she suspects that Ron knows more than he is letting on.
"What about Slytherin…" Hermione asks after staring down the fidgeting boy.
"What about Slytherin?" Harry asks in surprise. Even I'm curious as to what they have to do with this.
She huffs in exasperation as if it were obvious. "Honestly, how are they going to make it to the meeting?"
"There aren't any Slytherin's in D.A.?" Ron asks in confusion as he looks to me and Neville for confirmation. I shake my head, confirming his belief. I think I have an idea what Hermione is on about… honestly I don't know how I feel about that. This is assuming I am right that is.
"That was last year; we should invite some Slytherin's to join though." Hermione declared loftily.
"Why?!" Harry, Neville, and Ron question at once. I would have asked as well if I wasn't to busy congratulating my intuition for being right once more.
"Well isn't it obvious, we have to promote house unity, what do you think the sorting hat has been on about all this time?" Hermione replies back in defence.
"Why is it suddenly our responsibility to foster house unity?" Ron asks with distaste as he looks at the girl with a look he had reserved for me a year ago.
"You're a prefect Ron; you should be setting a good example…" Hermione scolds. "It wouldn't do to judge all the Slytherin's; they're probably used to being excluded. They don't have any one to turn to." Hermione replied back heatedly.
It sounded like Hermione was trying very hard to paint the Slytherin's as tortured souls who were drawn the short straw in life. I find that hard to believe, as I try to meet Hermione's Slytherin with the Slytherin girl who liked to taunt me about Daddy being insane back in first year, or that other boy who liked to remind me that no one believes anything I say so I had best watch myself. I'm probably biased but I'm not entirely fond of some of those Slytherin's.
"You're Daft!" Ron cried out in exasperated askance. "For one thing, I'm a prefect for Gryffindor, meaning I deal with Gryffindor house mostly, it says so in our rule book, and you know it." Ron reminded her. I get the feeling she was about to contradict Ron before he cut off her reply.
"Second, if the Slytherin's were to join, the D.A. would break down into a brawl sooner or later, can you imagine Malfoy being willing to follow a word Harry say's." Ron reminded her.
He does point out a few flaws in her plan. Hermione seems to know this but isn't willing to back down. "Just because were prefects for Gryffindor doesn't mean that we can't try and set a good example for the rest of the school. And you shouldn't judge all the Slytherin's based on Malfoy." Hermione scolded.
Those were magnificent points, but far too lofty, it's like she expects us to suddenly solve a millennia old problem within this one school year. She is definitely an ambitious girl, that's for sure.
Ron seems to be building himself up for a rebuttal but Harry cuts in.
"It doesn't matter either way; there won't be new members this year, only those who came last year can join." Harry said with finality.
"What why!?" Hermione asks in slight outrage.
"Simple, I'm not going to bother re-teaching every new student to catch up to the rest of the D.A. and I can't handle teaching more people. Those who already came and wanted it to restart… I'll work with, but otherwise, no new members." Harry replied succinctly.
Hermione looks like she wants to argue, she does a remarkable impersonation of a goldfish. But for once… words fail her.
I think that may have been for the best.
There's silence for a bit. I sit and wonder whether this will be the last I hear of this topic. I'm interrupted of my musing by Neville breaking the ice.
"So I was thinking 7:00 would be a good time. No need to meet so late and risk being out past curfew this year." He offered.
"Sounds good to me… Start of where we left off you recon?" Ron asks.
Harry nodded stiffly. He really doesn't want to do this… I'm not so excited about the meeting anymore.
… .. … .. …
What ever had happened last Sunday had definitely had its effects on Harry. There was a confidence in his step, and glimmer in his eyes that was very different from before Sunday. The week wore on, and Harry gradually started to loose some of that confidence as his standard tiredness set in, but the change was still there.
He was also very introspective lately. More than once I had caught him staring at his hand in deep contemplation. He seemed like he was unravelling the mysteries of the universe, while also contemplating the simplicity of evil.
It was both inspiring and unnerving to watch.
… .. … .. …
I had been in transfiguration on Friday when I had felt it. The coin had immediately warmed up and I fought the urge to whip it out and discover the meeting time. I had already known what time and place, but to have the coin warn me set a kind of finality to it.
After class I had allowed myself a quick glance. Saturday at 7, it was happening. I couldn't help the excited feeling that passed through me. Even though I knew Harry was reluctant at best, miserably beaten into submission at worst.
I was a bit surprised to see many of the other students as excited as I… had Harry chosen to allow in new members after all.
I was far too distracted the entire day, the teachers had chosen not to assign anything new, Hogwarts was being very quiet, and I had been late to breakfast so I had not had a chance to meet with my friends…
It feels so strange to use the plural form. Almost like a dream about another person's life. It was a mediocre life, that was for sure, but if this all ended up to be a dream… well it would have been a good dream.
I make my way towards the great hall, the suits of armour are gleaming from fresh polish, and the forbidden forest is a beautiful array of reds and oranges. The air was brisk, and although I did not particularly like being cold, it held the promise of winter, and snow was always something to look forward to.
For a moment I wonder what it would be like to have Hogwarts in Japan… the school year, I believe, starts and ends around winter instead of summer, or that is what I was always led to believe. That would be interesting.
I make my way into the great hall… I pout as I see not a hair of messy black along the Gryffindor table. Neville is the only one there, but I was looking forward too… that is to say, I wanted to talk with…
I make my way over to Neville, he's a quiet boy but he is remarkably insightful, I think he is a little unnerved by me, but he and I share a sort of new initiate status amongst our friends. Ginny always was well known to the three gryffindors, and had a in with Ron, and all the time she spent with Hermione, but she chose to hang around with other girls her age. Sadly I had seen less and less of my friend once we had started Hogwarts… No matter, I was hopeful that we could re-attain that.
"Hi Luna" Neville greets me with warmth, and a happy smile. He pulls out a galleon from his pocket and smiles at me.
".. You get the summons?" he asked wryly, with a significant ominous look. I smile at his dark lord insinuation; we had both overheard Hermione's inspiration for the coins.
"Oh yes… I eagerly a-wait the day I get to serve…" I was about to refer to Harry as my lord but it seemed a bit too symbolic, so I decided to save my humour for another time. I'm not reading into things too much!
He smiles at me with humour in his eyes. I had never noticed but the boy has a striking Dumbledore-esque quality about him. It's not noticeable, but if you look carefully, there's a sort of hidden potential there that screams respect and authority, while calming a person with gentle warmth.
"You should grow a beard…" I advise. He looks at me in bewilderment but every now and then he feels his face for stubble.
After all, facial hair is key for the everyday, supreme, kindly, Merlin like wizard.
"Ginny, Hi!" Neville calls out, startling me as I am about to take a bite of my sandwich.
"Hi Neville… have you seen…"
I turn my head and come face to face with the girl in question.
Her face looses some of its friendliness as she spots me not a few feet from her.
"Hello Ginny" I greet her cautiously.
A war behind her eyes is taking place, I think she's wondering whether she should greet me back or ignore me altogether. I'm praying for the former.
"Luna…" she nods at me tersely.
I mentally chalk a point for me; sadly this is a milestone in my attempts to heal our friendship. But I'll take what I can get.
She turns her head and stares at Neville, who I just notice has glazed eyes as he stares at her… I look at him in bewilderment.
"Have you seen Harry?" she finally asks. She not-so-subtly lets her eyes stare at me for a moment. I wonder if I fidget as much as others do when I stare.
"No… you want to sit with us? He'll probably come by…" Neville offers. The boy is acting very different, for a moment I think he… stuttered?
I quickly slide over to give Ginny room; Neville copies my action on the other side of the table…
Why is Neville acting like he… he… oh!
Ginny stares at us for a moment, she seems to be contemplating the offer, I look hopefully at the girl, she just might give me a reason to add another notch to my mental tally.
"No, its fine… just let him know that I'm looking for him, will you?" She finally replies.
I have a hard time keeping a frown off my face, but I suppose things should go at her pace, she is the aggrieved party here. But I'm still reeling over Neville right now.
Ginny waves goodbye to Neville and gives me another terse nod. I for once ignore it in favour of turning my eyes toward the boy.
His eyes are still glazed as if he had been imperioused, and a faint red tinge marked his cheeks.
"How long?" I ask immediately.
"What was that?" he asks as he focuses back on me. He seems a little surprised by the amount of attention I am paying him though.
"Ginny how long…?" I ask in clarification.
His eyes widen slightly and he becomes shifty as he immediately stares down at his plate.
"I don't know what you talking about." He answers back in fake bewilderment.
"How long have you liked Ginny…?" I ask to clarify for the boy who knew exactly what I meant… I smile as he becomes panicky. This is fun.
"I don't… I mean I do like her, as a friend...! I like her as a friend, that's all we are, were friends... I'm full, you full, I am… I'll see you around Luna." He says rapidly as he starts to get up and grab his things… in no time at all he is weaving past students and tables as he gets up and leaves the great hall.
"So much fun…" I voice my amusement.
The hall blinks rapidly as it grows brighter and dimmer subtly… the school agrees apparently.
… .. … .. … .. …
Harry never showed up… I decide to wander to pass the time.
O.W.L. year isn't as bad as they make it out to be, relearn stuff you've already mastered, learn a couple new things, its all basically the same old same old.
I wander the halls mindlessly, thinking about how I was to pass the time.
This honestly isn't very different from what I was used to a year ago, wandering the halls to pass the time before curfew, It had never seemed so… dull before though. I suppose my mind expects more of me now; like a child demanding better tasting food, where strained mush no longer suits his pallet. My mind demanded entertainment and other things to divert my attention.
Sadly I was having a hard time providing.
It took me forever until I noticed I had passed a very familiar piece of art… trolls with tutus.
Turning around and spotting the barren wall, I decide to walk back and forth, mindlessly as I thought up a good room for it to become… a garden, a beach, a winter wonderland, a fiery inferno of molten hot magma…?
"Ow, sun of a … stop it you blasted room." A familiar voice yelps in pain. I turn and stare at the newly made door, and cautiously open it.
"Harry!?" I ask in alarm as watch him stomp on a familiar smoking robe, the room is unbearably hot.
Whoops…
"Whoops…" I mentally twitch. "I'm sorry Harry' I didn't realize anyone was in here…" I quickly apologize as he stares at me in bewilderment.
"Why did you want the room to be a volcano?!" he asks in bemusement.
"I was cold…" I defended myself.
"A volcano!?" He again reminds me…
"I was really cold…?" I offer wondering whether he would by it.
His lips twitch slightly as I look at him seriously. "Next time try a warm fire or a room full of sweaters…" he suggests. A very Harry potter smile graces his lips and I know I am forgiven for almost roasting him. Honestly I don't think the room would let Harry become hurt from its self, but I'm not willing to test that theory out.
I take a look at the table Harry was seated at… the legs are fixing themselves, as they two had been on fire. On top, lay 3 books, a notebook, and a simmering cauldron.
"Why are you doing potions in the room of requirement?" I ask.
"Huh… oh this is where I've been doing all of my potions…" He informs me.
"Why?" I ask. Maybe Snape didn't let him in his class. I think Hermione or Tonks mentioned that he received an E.E in the subject. I would assume that would be sufficient.
He looks at me with a frown for a moment, and then realizations strikes.
"Oh, I'm sorry Luna, I guess you didn't hear. I'm studying potions on the side as well as runes. I'm trying out for a magical researcher position. But I was lucky enough to convince Dumbledore that Snape and I can't get along. So hence I do it here instead of in class." He explains to me.
This would explain why he had to give up quiditch, that's a lot of free time trying to catch up on your own. I want to be pleased that he shows such dedication… but I get sidetracked by his career choice.
"I used to want to be a magical researcher when I was young…" I inform him.
I try not to look him in the eye as I walk over and look in the cauldron. For some reason I don't want to tell him about the specifics of how my mom died. I feel embarrassed. There is no reason to be, but its how I feel.
I think he knows I'm holding something back. I'm not sure if I want him to ask me why I don't want to be one now.
A moment passes and then he decides to change the subject. I think that was a better idea. I'll tell him some other time I guess… if I tell him at all.
"I'm brewing a magical sealant, you want to help?" He asks me.
"I wouldn't ask me for any potions assistance if I were you. I'm rubbish at it." I reply back airily as I stare at the book with unfocused eyes.
"Well it could just be Snape, I though I was horrible at it too but I'm doing better without him around." He answers back. I appreciate that he's trying to boost my confidence but I fear I should correct him.
"I blew up a cauldron…"
"Neville does that all the time…" He interrupts me.
"I was trying to boil water." I corrected him with a smile. That was a fun class.
He looks at me in surprise and blinks a few times. "You're right, that's bad." He admits.
But there's that smile again. I think he's teasing me. I kind of like it.
"Yes well I seem to have a knack at exploding cauldrons… I'm not sure why?" I have a theory that I angered the wrackspurtles a while back and they have chosen to disrupt my learning in potions, but Snape doesn't believe me.
I decide to inform Harry about my theory. He looks at me funny.
"Do wrackspurtles make you sleepy… because I think they've been doing that to me for Binn's class for years."
"No, Binn's is just boring." I answer back.
He smiles at my abruptness honesty.
The cauldron gave off an ominous rumble. Curse you wrackspurtles!
Harry immediately attends to it. It doesn't explode, but it's a strange colour I'm sure it's not supposed to be. Harry gives me and the cauldron a few inquisitive looks. I think I've made him wonder.
… .. … .. …
Harry quickly finishes off his potion, he managed to correct the potion but he says he should do it again to make sure.
Thankfully he decides not to do it now.
"So you know what I was doing here… what about you?" he asks me.
"Passing time…" I reply back. I'm currently seated in a comfy chair with the latest edition of the quibbler in my hands. We had passed the time with some minor conversation, but in general I let Harry work instead of distract him, I had offered to leave but he had said that he would rather the company.
I had not tried to fight him very hard on the matter after that.
My mind immediately swung back to what I was doing before I started to wander.
"Harry, Ginny's looking for you." I inform him. He nods at me in confirmation but doesn't make any move to leave the room.
"Well if you're not doing anything now, I though I might get your opinion on the stuff we would cover for the first D.A. lesson. It's tomorrow you know." He says.
Maybe it's just because I'm in a hurry to get Ginny to talk to me again, or maybe I'm a bit nervous to be around Harry in such closed quarters like this, but I want Harry to find Ginny.
It's a bit ridiculous considering all the time we have spent together, and especially considering that he's Harry, and I have nothing to fear from him. But I can't help feel that, with us in a room that could be anything that we can fantasise… considering my feelings…
"Aren't you going to find Ginny?" I ask getting up from couch and stepping closer to the door.
Harry looks at me with a frown. "I was thinking of seeing her later, we aren't…" Harry paused as he took a few steps towards me. I had automatically taken a few steps closer to the door.
What are you doing Lovegood! He doesn't have a disease. What must he think?
Harry's frowned more deeply and then a very fake smile made its way across his face.
"You're right, I guess I should find Ginny." He says cheerily. I feel a little dirty for causing him to be so… guarded.
I wonder whether I should correct him, but what could I say. 'Sorry I don't want to be in this room with you lest it become a brothel; its not too lady like to be thinking such things in front of a boy'… that would go over oh so well.
He picks up his things, and shoves them in his backpack. I watch sadly. As he speedily gathers his things to get as far away from me as he can. It hurts, but that seems to be what he thinks I want.
Way to go Lovegood
"Harry…" I call out as he is about to open the door to the hallway.
He stops and half turns towards me. The little of his face I can see is strained by the phoney smile he has on.
"I… I wouldn't mind going over the lesson with you once you are done…?" I offer. Now I hope he says yes. I suppose this must be what he felt like when he asked me. That is assuming that he feels the same way I feel. He hasn't said anything but… I hope he says yes.
His smile becomes less strained but its no where as real as it used to be.
"I'd like that, but I assume you are busy, I don't want to take up your time…"
"No take up all the time you want, I have nothing else to do." I offer. I pause as I contemplate how desperate that sounds. I am so lucky I'm not a spy; I'm no good at the subtlety thing.
But I am grateful that his smile stops being strained and turns amused as he turns to face me completely.
"Well then that's good for me…" he replies back with a grin. I would sigh if he weren't here. I allow my self a cheeky smile.
"That's what you think… how about you find Ginny, then after dinner we meet back here… It can be another all nighter." I offer.
Okay, that's not an example of flip-flopping, first you don't want to be in the room with him, now you want to spend the night with him… spend your time with him! Time!
Which happens to be at night…
Damn my one track mind.
He smiles back at me clearly excited by the idea… of spending time with me…which happens to be at night that is… but then his smile dims as he pouts…
"I can't I have plans tonight, I don't think I can be free until late." He says reluctantly.
I was about to tell him I was willing to wait but I didn't want to sound like a complete looser.
Why am I so self conscious around him…?
I never cared about being a looser before… much.
"How about after D.A.?" he asks. I quickly smile and agree.
… .. … .. …
I don't think I've ever been so excited about… well anything. After yesterday and the promise of night time adventures with Harry, I barely slept.
It's not like we had anything special planned, frankly I don't think even he knew what we were to do. But I couldn't help but shudder from excitement.
Our last adventure together… it left me smiling for days on end. I wondered whether we might head on over to the garden again.
There was something taboo about the thought that made me blush at the idea of a repeat of last time.
Hogsmead weekends had come and gone. Harry had admitted that he was under strict orders not to leave the castle. From the way he was behaving usually, I doubt he could conjure up enough energy to feel jealous of the other students. I had gone once but had quickly returned. Not having anything to get or anyone to go with, I felt no need to stay the entire day. Although I did not miss the stares. These weren't just from the students though. I was used to that. But the town's folk were specifically looking at me. I had never garnered much attention from utter strangers before.
Each one of them though held within their grasps, a copy of the prophet. Some how I new that it had something to do with it. I have never been so desperate to read the paper until that moment.
I had later snagged a copy from my common room.
Daddy always said that the prophet would report on anything they could that would garner them a galleon, but I had never imagined my personal life would help them in this endeavour.
Apparently through some 'reliable sources', in the school, Rita Skeeter had found out that Harry Potter and Luna Lovegood were now, 'an item'. Reading a quote from one of my own room mates, who claimed that she was my "gal pal"…? We were apparently trying to keep it a secret but could not hide our affection for one another.
I'm glad daddy usually at least talks to the people involved before printing his stories.
Of course this was weeks ago but some of the looks I had been receiving were starting to take on a new light. Ginny had not been very happy about that, and that was about the same time her frustration had started to turn into loathing.
I wanted to shake the poor girl, not only in frustration over her behaviour, but also anger that she was angry at me for liking Harry. She had clearly told me and anyone that would listen the year before, and the year before that, that she was over Harry Potter. I had not believed her then, but still… It was entirely unfair.
Still, I had not given up hope; I was just not willing to throw years of friendship away over a boy. Some how, some way… we would resolve this. Hopefully while Harry and I proved the prophet prematurely accurate for once.
I was always an optimist after all.
… .. … .. …
It was about 5 minutes to 7… I wondered whether I should go in now, or come late. I didn't want to seem over eager… It's strange how my actions are starting to take on double meanings now that I acknowledge my feelings for Harry. I honestly never questioned myself as much as I have now.
I almost didn't use the salt on my fork for dinner… fearing Harry might consider me a coward. But if I hadn't that would just invite trouble.
But Harry had not shown up for dinner, I assumed he was getting ready for the D.A. meeting.
Strangely enough Ginny had been unbelievably testy today. I had feared even looking at her, in case I were to trigger her hereditary ire.
3 minutes… I growled in frustration. Just go in Lovegood, nobody will question you for being 3 minutes early.
I swear if my mind could roll its eyes at me, mine just had.
Gathering my strength and fortitude I held my shoulders high, stared at the door in resolve, and pulled the handle.
It didn't budge… I pulled and I pulled but it wouldn't open. The knob twisted so it wasn't locked.
Blasted room, I need you to open… I mentally grumbled, as I kicked the door lightly.
The door swung open… swinging into the room, not away from; as my tugging had assumed.
I really hoped no one had seen that.
Letting my face go blank but cheery I walked into the room to find it filled with old D.A. members. I received a few nods and smiles, and some even said hi, but they were all waiting on Harry. Who was not there?
Frowning, I plopped down onto the floor after asking the room for some cushioning to save my tush from the cold impact of the stone floor.
A few minutes went by, well after 7 but Harry had not made an appearance, even Hermione Ron and Neville were confused. Ginny was mysteriously absent. I tried not to let my mind make connections with the two.
"I hope you haven't forgotten how to perform a Protego…" a familiar voice whispered in my ear. I quickly turned my head and tried to spot the body that the voice belonged to, but saw nothing; although I did feel a slight soft pressure on my cheek as I turned my head. I dared not believe what that pressure could have been. Especially after I felt my hair getting tussled by an invisible force.
To everyone else it looked like I had whipped my head into a frenzy as I snapped my head over my left shoulder for no apparent reason. I blushed as I pulled out my wand trying not to let my hand graze over my cheek.
"Stupefy, Incarcerus Expeliarmus, Seckae…" Harry's voice called out, sending spells in all directions from all over the room. He took out at least half the D.A. in the first volley, I was about to take cover, but stopped my dash as I noticed students who seemed to fall over mid run as if they had run into a stupefy. I had no idea how Harry was doing it, but one wrong move and I might have been knocked out. Quickly deciding on a course of action I willed the room to turn pitch black and I closed my eyes.
"What's going on…?"
"Who's attacking…?"
"Where the light go!?"
Ignoring the voices I let the darkness settle and while I kept my eyes closed I asked the room to make the room ultra bright. I could feel the light leaking through my eye lids and I could hear the cry of students as the light blinded them, not permanently of course, but enough to disorient. Hopefully I had managed to blind the invisible Harry as well.
Quickly while everyone was disoriented I started to shoot stupefies in all directions, hoping I would get lucky, while wishing for more solid junk to surround me. Hopefully creating a barrier of junk I could improvise into projectiles to banish.
I pivoted and intoned a particularly bright stupefy when I felt my wand and hand being pulled to the left and knocking out Colin. The only one's left conscious and unaffected where me, him, Hermione, Ron, Neville, Cho, and Susan.
I didn't try and fight the force who I assumed to be Harry; I just turned my head away from my hand and towards where I thought he might be.
A moment passed before I used my other hand and reached out and felt for my invisible assailant.
Feeling a liquid like cloth with a soft object underneath I pried away what appeared to be an invisibility cloak to look into the eyes of a grinning Harry Potter.
"Hello Harry." I greet. It's only polite after all.
His smile becomes even wider as he smiles at me. Something about him is very different. I can't place it.
"Hello Luna." He greets me back, letting go of my hand.
He stares at me for a moment with unreadable eyes, and quickly turns and stares at the remaining D.A.
"Well done, you've survived the first of most likely many attacks." He greets them cheerily as if he had not just been firing curses at us all.
He got a few blank stares in return, and Hermione who was panting glared at him.
"What was that?" She cried out in indignation.
"Well, seeing as how everyone was so willing to be taught by me, I figure I might as well teach them the way I was taught." He replied back confidently as he strolled around the room revving each of the fallen D.A. members carelessly.
"You were right Hermione, This was fun." He says while smiling brightly at the girl.
I started to see where Harry was going with this. If he was anything, he was creative. If I understood his logic he was going to work the group ragged until they stopped wanting to come.
I think Hermione understood as well, but decided not to voice her opinion in the matter. Which did not look too approving from what I could see.
Once everyone was woken and quieted down, Harry turned amused eyes on them all.
"Welcome back to the D.A. everyone." There was a smattering of dissent made most vocal by Zacharias smith as he not so subtlety whispered "…Some welcome."
Harry ignored them all with an uncharacteristic amount of amusement. The strange sense of 'offness' never left him.
"Seeing as you all wanted me to restart the D.A. I thought I might as well teach you the way I had been taught. And that is by spell fire. For the first half of the D.A., it will be a free for all, and who ever is left conscious at the end, will be declared the winner. The second half will be the usual D.A. study group."
"Why not just keep things the way they were last year?" a dissident voice questioned, garnering some support from other members who felt similarly.
"Why you ask?" Harry rhetorically asked in a tone as if he had already rehearsed it.
"Simply put… I felt like it."
I honestly wasn't expecting that. I half expected him to spout some garbage about death eaters not caring that they were children, some declaration that they had to train as the wizarding world was at war, or even a moody style declaration of Constant vigilance.
It was nice to be surprised, and it did shut most of the mutinous members up.
But, not for long of course…
"And if we don't feel like it?" Zacharias challenged. I honestly don't know why that boy joined if all he ever did was cause trouble.
"Then you're all free to leave, and I will disband the D.A. and continue to laze about on my Saturday. But I had assumed by all your vocal enthusiasm that you wanted the D.A. back that you also wanted me to continue to teach you all as I saw fit. If that is not the case…" Harry had gotten good at manipulating a large crowd. I would have almost called his approach Slytherin.
The dissenters immediately shut up under the threat, and the non dissenters, quickly shushed them for fear of loosing the D.A. altogether.
At the acquiescence of the crowd, Harry continued the meeting as he had the previous year. Some of the students had managed to perform a better Patronus than previous attempts where near everyone had slightly cloudy but distinctly shaped creatures. Most could be classified as bird, four legged, two legged, tail… and so forth. The big surprise being Susan's perfected Patronus, a respectable Arabian horse.
Its silvery tail glinting proudly.
Harry made sure to offer his compliments for her achievement and had the class congratulate her. The girl blushed, but I had a feeling some of the blush was attributed to Harry specifically rather than the success and attention.
All in all, considering Harry's attempt at sabotaging the meeting, the meeting was a success. Some of the renewed vigour due to one of its own members being able to perform an advanced piece of defensive magic on the first day. Even if the reason was due more to Harry's involvement or her own dedication.
I was about to go up to Harry and wait out the other members to leave, but stopped as I noticed the fidgeting form of Harry's previous girlfriend.
Cho Chang, an exotic beauty if there ever was one. I wanted to find a fault with her but I could not. She was never mean to me, and she often disapproved of other members of my house teasing me. She had often, using her powers that being a prefect had given her encouraged others to cease there tormenting of myself and others, and did I mention she was stunning.
How was I to compare to such a girl. What if Harry still liked her…?
I wanted to escape the room and be away, for fear of seeing there reconciling with my own eyes, but my legs would not work. I desperately wished that I was invisible. If only to not be compared next to the girl…
Did I mention she was a beautiful?
Suddenly I felt an odd sensation of having a water like substance cover me from head to toe… I stretched out my hand and felt the silvery cloth of Harry's invisibility cloak over top me.
I practically grovelled my thanks to the room and its inventor.
I watched as all the members of the D.A. left sans Cho. Harry looked around inquisitively before stopping on the form of his ex. He seemed a bit awkward as he could not look the girl in the eye.
"Hi Harry." Cho greeted shyly.
"Hello Cho." Harry replied back awkwardly as he scratched the back of his head.
An awkward silence followed where neither party seemed to want to start.
"I honestly wasn't sure you would come…" Harry finally said.
Harry looked up onto Cho's face and quickly backtracked based on her crestfallen face.
"Not that your unwelcome, I'm glad you came." He said quickly to comfort the girl.
Cho seemed to swell with some unidentified amount of courage and smiled back in relief.
"I'm glad; you were great today by the way. It was a… intriguing lesson." Cho said after searching for the right word to describe it.
Personally I would have described it as funny or creative… but whatever.
I'm not biased.
"Thanks… I honestly didn't want to do the D.A. actually. I was trying to scare everyone away." Harry admitted. I scowled at his sheepish grin.
Cho Laughed. I was sickened as even her laugh sounded charming and feminine… like listening to a wind chime.
I felt like throwing up.
Another awkward silence followed as both tried to think up something to say.
"I made head girl…" Cho offered up. She seemed unsure when she said it.
Harry smiled brightly, and a little relieved that something was said to break the silence.
"That's great Cho. You deserve it." He complimented.
She smiled back at him with a little blush on her cheeks that made her seem unbearably sweet. "I don't know about that, Margold from Hufflepuff has better grades that anyone, and Patterson from Gryffindor is practically a prodigy in charms." She retorted modestly.
"Ya but there not head girl, now are they?" Harry retorted back with a familiar smile. Cho's blush became if anything, redder as she ducked her head and said thanks.
Taking a deep breath, Cho raised her head with that same determined poise Hermione strutted and looked Harry in the eye.
"Listen… Harry, last year… I… It was a bad year for me, I didn't treat you fairly, I was hoping, that… maybe we could try again." Cho finally asked, cutting all pretence as she asked the question I was dreading.
I might as well have thrown in the towel right now. Who was I compared to this near vela like women. Just some crazy girl who managed to share a few laughs with the boy, that's who.
"Cho I…" Harry stammered. God he's so overjoyed he can't form a complete sentence. I wanted to move and get out of the room but my feet wouldn't let me.
"… I… I'm sorry Cho, but I can't."
Huh!
I look up at Harry in shocked disbelief. He was turning her down, the perfect beautiful, smart, beautiful, funny, beautiful, sporty, and beautiful girl. I had heard the lurid remarks other boys had made about her, she was a benchmark for the school. Yet here Harry potter, the Male benchmark was turning her away. It was like Prince charming turning away snow white. It just wasn't done.
I felt bad for Cho as I watched the obvious disappointment mar her face. I was afraid she might cry, but she pulled herself together, and looked up at Harry with a bright smile that was betrayed by her watery eyes.
"No, I understand…. I…" Cho seemed to be trying to find words to help her play it cool but I feared she might make a run for it. What am I even doing here, I shouldn't be spying on her and him like this… this is a private moment. I should go… I will go… Here I go… I'm just going to move my feet, right…. Now!
Damn you feet!
"Listen Cho… its not…"
"There's no need to explain Harry, I…"
"I like you Cho… it's just that…"
"Really Harry, there's no need. I'm a big girl; I'm not going to…"
"I like Luna!" Harry all but yelled.
I stared at him in shock…
Harry looked at Cho in embarrassment from admitting it out loud.
Cho too looked shocked, I assumed by his abrupt and honest answer.
I was still shocked that he liked me. I mean I had hoped but… I mean He's Harry Potter, even if he wasn't this mythic hero in the wizarding world, he's Harry Potter. Every girl, even some of the Slytherin's, would date him in a heart beat if he had asked them.
To have him say that he liked me… there were no words to describe how dumbfounded I was. And considering my feelings for him… again, there were no words.
"I like you Cho, and I understand why you had such a tough year last year… God knows I wasn't any help to you…"
"It wasn't your fault... I heard that "Cho tried to comfort but he quickly interrupted.
"No that's no excuse… I still could have been there for you, but I was too self absorbed in my own problems to pay you the attention you deserved, and I definitely handled our first date poorly."
Cho smiled a little in remembrance. "Ya … I guess you could have done better." She said while grinning at him to let him know that there were no hard feelings.
He grinned back a little sheepishly. "Ya, suppose I could have… I like you Cho, and maybe if things had gone differently, who knows, but… well I like Luna and it wouldn't be fair to you, to lead you on while I had feelings for her." He admitted while scratching the back of his head some more.
Cho looked at him with a more sincere smile. "She's a lucky girl, that Luna." She commented.
I felt bad for my earlier jealousy… Damn Cho for being so reasonable and un-vindictive.
"Well I don't know about that… I don't know how she feels. For all I know she just wants to be friends." Harry mumbled back a little self disparagingly. I wanted to shout that he was wrong but my voice wouldn't work… and also that would have been a bad idea as I technically wasn't supposed to be here… nope feet still won't move.
"So, the article… your not …" Cho questioned. Letting her curiosity take hold.
Harry blushed. "Well… it's premature at best… I haven't told Luna yet how I … I haven't told anyone…" His deep blush deepened further.
If anything Cho's smile got brighter. "Oh… so its one of those… secret pining. The prophet would pay good gold for that information…" she said teasingly. Harry looked up immediately and grumbled that it wasn't funny, even though I could see the corners of his mouth twitch. I had no reservations and smiled fully at the joke.
"Don't worry Harry, your secrets safe with me." she said warmly. She seemed to struggle internally with herself before gathering her resolve.
Looking up she walked forward and enveloped Harry in a warm hug. Harry momentarily surprised had his hands out before wrapping them around the girl in a self conscious but steadily warmer hug.
"You're a great guy Harry. Luna would be an idiot to turn you down." She whispered, but loud enough for it to echo around the room.
"Thanks Cho… If it means anything… you were my first crush… and only kiss for that matter. I'm honestly glad it was you. I can't see anyone else being so great and I definitely don't want to loose you… as a friend." Harry said kindly, in the same eerie whisper that echoed through out the room.
Cho seemed to tighten her grip on him and hitched slightly as if she were about to cry…
Feeling vile for intruding on such a personal event, I finally managed to drag my feet and moved over by the door, where I faced the dilemma of how to exit without drawing attention. Deciding to compromise I faced the wall and asked the room to place a silencing charm around me.
Everything went silent and I stared at the mortar for what felt like forever.
Eventually out the corner of my eye I spotted Cho. I turned to face the girl and tried not to notice the silent tear make its way down her cheek. She stopped to take a deep breath and held her head up high and swung open the door to allow her a dignified exit. I followed in her wake and walked the opposite way from her.
I leaned against the wall and tried not to think about what I had just seen and heard. But that was sadly all I could do. I suppose it would have been hypocritical for me to be angry with the girl for liking Harry, I'd be doing what Ginny is doing to me, and I definitely didn't like that.
I'd like to think I would have been able to be mature about it, but I had never really been in a situation like this before so I can't honestly say that. Would I have become a crazy stalker, never being able to let go, and constantly wondering what could have been. The idea was definitely not appealing. I guess the only thing I could honestly try to do was be like Cho. Put my heart out there, and hope for the best… hopefully I would not be rejected but, I had to be open to the idea… though hearing the object of my affections already admit to having feelings for me certainly helped.
I was distracted from my musing by a door opening and a black mop of hair peeking out. A parchment in his grasp as he turned down and looked at it and then at me.
"Luna?" He asked.
"Hmm?" I asked back as I stared at him with a blush.
"Are you under my invisibility cloak?" He asked as he squinted into the darkness.
I completely forgot I was invisible and quickly pulled it off and handed it over.
"Sorry, I didn't want to be seen" I mislead. He didn't need to know that it was him I didn't want seeing me… or how I used this anonymity.
He let it slide indicating that he didn't suspect me. "No it's no problem… sorry I took so long, I … Cho just wanted to catch up is all."
I didn't call him on his lie. Sometimes I suppose its okay to lie, and I could see why he did so now. I even approved slightly as weird as that sounded.
"How is she…?" I asked automatically, unsure of why I felt the need to ask such a question seeing as I already knew.
He paused… thinking it over. "Some trouble, but she'll be fine…"
I think he said the last bit for himself than anything else.
Letting the silence pass. I tried to remember what we had planned for tonight. That's right…
"So, what do you want to do tonight?" I ask excitedly, snapping his attention back to me as he lets a grin surface.
"I was thinking maybe we could pay the garden a visit, I had dobby prepare a couple snacks for us… Dobby is one of the house elves here… he probably packed too much… We could hang out there for a while, and just see where the night takes us." Harry offered.
Cho was right; I am a lucky girl… I allow a bright smile to grace my lips as I agree.
… .. ... .. …
Dobby the house elf was great. We marched our way down to the kitchens and he showed me how to gain entrance by tickling a pear. The house elves were fun in their own right, I almost asked Harry to spend the night here with them, I could see myself helping the dozen house elves who were preparing vegetables and basting some meats for tomorrow. Dobby seemed to treat Harry with an odd mixture of reverence and pride. As we left he seemed to look at Harry as if he were his own child, sending him off on his very first date. Even the house elf that was at the citadel was there… she took on a more motherly role and I could almost see the two as short surrogate, parents to Harry.
Harry also showed me the map in detail. I had seen it last year during D.A. when we were leaving and he showed us where to go to avoid filch and the teachers, but I had not had a chance to look at the map in depth.
It was very impressive. We had used it to avoid filch, and Ms. Norris. I was a little disappointed we could not give them a slip again, like last time, but it did involve quite a bit of stealth which I enjoyed as it involved being under the invisibility cloak. The cloak being built for one, to fit me and him proved to be a very snug affair.
Finally making our way towards the fountain I tried to open the passage and managed to find the correct stone and called out the password, and watched as the passage formed. Following me, Harry and I made our way towards the green house. Somewhere along the way, he had grasped my hand. I had not pulled away. That's for sure.
Harry was acting much bolder than usual. That's not to say he was anything but a gentleman, but that offness about him was much more pronounced. Maybe it was finally revealing his feelings to another person, or maybe that's just the way he was, I wasn't sure.
The Harry I knew would never have been able to reach for my hand or if I'm right, steal a chaste kiss under an invisibility cloak in a room full of his friends and peers.
I certainly wasn't complaining but I was definitely left feeling off balance. There was a certain danger to that that I found exciting. I guess this is the excitement girls often feel over dating a 'bad boy'.
It was definitely intoxicating.
Finally making our way towards the exit in what felt like forever and no time at all, Harry used his other hand to open up the passage, and I pulled him up the stairs into our secret getaway.
It was every bit as wonderful as I remembered it. The starless sky shined down upon us and the enormous tree the glass structure was built around had turned every color between brown and yellow imaginable. The floor which had some granite stepping stones but was mostly grass was ideal for sitting on. I briefly wondered how it stayed cut to this perfect height, but I decided not to question the magic that was the green house.
Harry, who had not let go of my hand, had guided me to the base of the tree near what I realized was a small pond with fish swimming around the inside. He pulled the basket Dobby had prepared over and set a blanket down, and unloaded what could have been considered a small feast.
I'm about to comment on the fact when Harry's watch beeps. I turned and looked at my own watch in curiosity and smile.
"Happy Halloween Harry." I greet him.
His smile falters for a moment and then he chuckled amusedly.
"What?" I ask, wondering what could be so funny.
"Huh… oh it's nothing… its silly really." Harry informs me.
"What…" I ask intrigued.
"No, it's just… usually something bad happens on Halloween, I doubt that …." He stops talking as my face turns pale and I look at his head in horror.
He stares at me in confusion until he feels a drop hit his eye. He raises a hand toward his forehead in confusion for a moment and draws back a bloody hand that had came in contact with his bleeding scar.
"Harry?" I asked in shocked worry. He looks at me funny for a moment. I'm alarmed as his eyes widen and his pupils start to turn snake like…
"Harry, what's happening…?" I ask desperately as I crawl over to him.
"No" he almost yells in a strange double voice as he crawls backwards and away from my outstretched hands. He looks terribly frightened.
"Harry?" I ask as I slowly make my way over. He's so scared… of me?
"Stay Back Luna… get away…"He seemed to want to warn me about something before he hunched over with his arms grasping the sides of his head in obvious pain.
"Harry!" I scream as I crawl speedily over to him and place my hand on his shoulder.
"ARHHH!" He cried out in a deeply disturbing voice that was animalistic in nature. Like the wildest of beasts roaring in pain and anger. I flinched away from him at his wail of agony but I reaffirm my courage and place both my hands on his shoulders and try to get him to tell me what is wrong. It's futile I know but I don't know what else to do. His screams aren't even human anymore, what can I do to fix that!
I'm not prepared though to be blown back in an explosion of soft black.
I slowly open my eyes, unsure if I had lost consciousness. I'm very disoriented as I look around. I find myself somewhere on the other side of the green house. I'm covered in black feathers… the entire room is layered by stuff. I wonder where it all came from but then my eyes focus on the patch of grass which is clear of it… like a bomb had gone off, a 6 foot radius is clear of the debris and I look at the slumped form of Harry at its centre.
I dare not make a noise as I run over… My arms quiver as I reach out to touch him not in fear of him, but in fear of the state I will find him in. I place my hands on him and yelp as I pull my hands back. He feels like he had been boiled, his flesh burns me at the touch. I reach out again and ignore the scalding as I place my fingers over his neck. I'm not even sure I would recognize a pulse if I felt it. But luckily a distinct throbbing convinces me he is alive.
I turn him over and try to stifle my gasp as I see the amount of blood he had been lying in. He was lucky to not have drowned to death. His face is smeared with the red fluid and I pat his cheeks while whispering his name… he does not stir. I call louder, and basically slap him, but he is unresponsive. Desperate, I run to the balcony and ignite a stream of red sparks over out locations trying to signal my distress. I can't be sure anyone saw it though… Casting a sonorous, I Try and yell "HELP!" but even I know the spell is not strong enough to carry my voice that distance.
Almost mechanically I rush back inside and grab the invisibility cloak and map. I activate it and desperately search for filch or Snape, hoping that they are somewhere around. I curse as No one wanders the halls. Although I see Madame Pomfrey has quarters within the hospital wing.
Quickly coming to a decision I grasp Harry's things, which include his wand as it had dropped a few meters away in the explosion. I grab a handful of feathers, and I whip out my wand and cast a mobilicorpus. My voice hitches at the corpus part but I am firm in my casting and watch as Harry's body lifts up from the ground like some unholy manikin, or puppet. Blood dripping from his face.
Turning away, I use Harry's wand and open up the passage.
I lead Harry down, the spell forcing me to move slowly, lest I loose control of his body and drop him. I growl in frustration as I see the long tunnel back to Hogwarts. I know it's a shorter distance that what I would have to travel if I were to use a different method but I don't care as to me it seems to lead on for eternity.
I'm basically speed walking as I pull Harry along. The Dripping driving me insane, as I finally reach the u-turn. Now heading in the other direction… Harry's body is starting to become harder to control… I realize it has something to do with Harry's natural magic fighting the foreign spell. Professor Flitwick had warned us about this when he taught us the spell. But he had made it sound like it would take hours, not minutes.
Either way, I was relieved to finally make it to the other fountain. Quickly tapping the correct stone, I agonized as I waited for the staircase to lower.
Not bothering to keep quite I dragged Harry to the hospital wing while calling out Madame Pomfrey's name. I had not even reached for the doors before they were pulled open to reveal the rapidly paling mediwitch as she spots her soon to be patient.
"Harry won't wake up…" I inform her desperately. I just now notice that I'm crying… I haven't cried in forever…
The woman doesn't waste a second as she casts her own mobilicorpus and quickly drags Harry into the hospital wing and onto a bed.
She asks me "What happened?" While waving her wand about as if she were conducting an infinitely complex orchestra.
"We were sitting and talking, he hadn't eaten anything yet, he said Halloweens were never good for him, then his scar started to bleed, his eyes turned snake like, and his head hurt. Then he screamed… It wasn't a normal scream… I didn't like that scream…" I babble… I know I'm babbling but I can't stop.
"Ms. Lovegood, Luna! Go to my office and floo the headmaster, tell him what happened." She demands me. I don't even question it as I rush into her office and spot the flower pot filled with the powder.
I for a moment pause and wonder where I'm supposed to call, before I desperately just call out Albus Dumbledore. And stick my head in the now green flames.
The world spins and I find myself facing a mahogany desk in a large circular room. I waste no time, as I scream.
"Professor!" I call out in a panic, demanding his presence at once.
He does not leave me waiting as moments later he is in the office.
"Ms. Lovegood, what is the matter?" he asks me worriedly.
"Harry's head is bleeding and he exploded in black feathers and now he won't wake up… come quick, the hospital wing!" I inform him. As I pull my head away and head toward the Harry and the mediwitch. She is still waving her wand around like a mad woman, every now and then spells wash over his body, but he does not stir.
Madame Pomfrey does not notice me or does not care, as she continues to work.
Suddenly the robed form of the headmaster rushed into the room from the office and demands an update as he joins in the crazed wand waving… Madame Pomfrey says a few phrases, like chaotic build-up, unstable cycles, need to stabilize channels. I don't understand a word she says as I step back until I find myself leaning against the opposite hospital bed. I grasp at Harry's wand tightly, it's a wonder it didn't crack under the strain I placed on it.
I stood there the rest of the night watching as the headmaster and mediwitch worked tirelessly over the disturbingly still form of Harry potter. The Boy-I-Liked.
AN: Ok this chapter took a while, finals and classes have been taking up my time. Also I admit to being slightly lazy, but I mainly blame this chapter being so hard to write. I have a couple different versions of this chapter from other perspectives but I figure this one was the best.
I'd like to point out to everyone; the offness Luna described was Harry's personality mingling with Voldemorts all through out the night. It was a off on thing so some of the night he was himself. The part with Cho he was himself in his entirety. But otherwise any instance Harry was acting a bit more confidant or sly, that was the Voldemort Harry mix.
But unlike last time with the Dursley's he is displaying some of Voldemorts more Slytherin attributes, like craftiness( the way to discourage people to joint he D.A.), confidence (the kiss and flirting).
To clear any confusion up if some of you didn't get it. Voldemort just performed another ritual. The last one had left Harry significantly more powerful, but dead with out recessitation.
Now I think you guys can see why I explained away so many of the secrets earlier. It's a whole new ball game. And notice that for once in the story, the black feathers are now real… that's significant.
Alright I look forward to your opinions. Let me know what you think.