Disclaimer: I claim no ownership of Harry Potter. He and the plots surrounding his life were originally created By J.K. Rowling. [Insert amusing anecdote that will have the reader question the writer's sanity]
Pre AN: This is unbetaed, awaiting update. Thanks go to Alan for some guidance on this chapter and Neonette for working during the holidays to Beta read for me.
Chapter 30 – Beginning of the End Part (2 of 3)
The training session continued along the same line for the next few days. He was trained in emergency triage including basic spells to heal wounds and injuries. Tonks warned not to try any of the spells she had taught him on internal organs. What he was learning now was the equivalent to advanced wizarding CPR.
Tonks had taken a particular emphasis on teaching Harry different methods to buy a patient time.
Harry guessed the reason was that Tonks knew he would use the Nighting Gale charm in battle, even though it could cripple him in a fight. The only problem, none of the spells she taught him to take its place were as effective, or as useful. They all had their benefits but the Nighting Gale charm was the quickest and easiest way to staunch death.
It worked almost like a time turner, by manipulating time around a person. Drawing on their own energy to help support this time field; the drawn power would force the patient unconscious, but only for a time as the nature of the field would prevent further energy based reactions from occurring. The field would fail approximately half an hour after casting.
The only problem was that in casting this stasis, the caster formed a bond with the target (the need to sympathise with their suffering). Normal magical users would never experience any lasting effects. Those like Harry were too sensitive to the magic, making the connection a pathway for overwhelming empathy. So much so that while the target was kept unconscious, the caster would feel the rerouted pain for themselves.
But during this frozen moment, time was keeping the patient alive. Harry knew he would gladly cast this charm on those that needed it, for no other reason than he knew he could not think logically in a fight, only instinctually.
Instinctually, he could not stand by and let another suffer; no matter the pain he might endure.
Maybe not Malfoy, but everyone else was fair game.
Snape either, but that was a given.
~~~~~'*'~~~~~
Friday, February 7th 1997
This moment seemed that much more dangerous than Harry had ever dealt with before. Not even the terror he experienced when facing off against dragons, murders, monsters, and villains of any sort would ever compare with his current task.
He was to have a conversation with a silent Hermione Granger.
Sitting opposite him in the Gryffindor Common Room, Hermione sat; legs crossed primly, her head down to the side, giving awkward smiles at Harry as she waited for him to start.
Harry for his part did the same.
"How was Christmas?" He asked as a segue from the discomfort. A sudden conversation started inserted into the silence.
"It was good." Hermione stated readily, a temporary smile on her face as she answered his question.
Harry and Hermione were working on mending their friendship but the discussion that was inevitable had finally come. Somehow neither had talked to one another in the last three days, in contrast to the moments of avoidance for dislike or fear, this avoidance was at a lack of discussion topics.
Harry wondered at how similar this was to his date with Cho. All he needed was tea, Roger Davies, and frilliness; one must never forget the frilliness.
The problem was that there was a metaphorical elephant in the room, an elephant with black wings, and multiple news stories and intrigue surrounding it; neither wanted to broach the subject. Hermione wanted to avoid the issue as she was afraid she would begin to pry, and offend. The same thing she had done to almost end the friendship. Harry wanted to avoid it because… well the wings were a good start.
Going unnoticed between the two, Ron sat like a referee watching in awkward and shocked befuddlement. Shocked at just how inept the two seemed.
"I think they moved the furniture…" Harry commented idly.
"You might be right…" Hermione answered as vaguely.
Not willing to put up with much more of this, Ron took the Initiative.
"Bloody Hell." Ron groaned in frustration.
Pointing his fingers at Harry he summarised some good discussion points for them. "He has wings, Death eaters attacked him at Christmas, Magic and mystery," At this, he wiggled his fingers like tentacles as some reference for intrigue.
"Go." Ron Declared with finality, arms open as if to say, 'you're welcome.'
Harry stared at Ron in flustered annoyance. He had wanted Ron to be here for this, but now, for the life of him, he could not remember why. Based on Hermione's shocked expression, Harry guessed she was feeling much the same.
"Yes well, there you have it." Harry finished lamely.
"I guess you have some questions…" Harry asked politely, effectively tossing the ball in Hermione's corner.
"Yes, I … well that is to say, of course I do, but … "Hermione started in surprise. Pausing to take a breath, she refocused and looked at Harry in a calmer manner.
"You were injured." She stated almost clinically.
"Sorry?" Harry asked in confusion.
"I watched a recording on the TV. I saw on your arm… "At this she indicated her right forearm, pointing at the area Harry had been skewered by wood.
"Oh that, it was nothing. I'm fine now" As proof of this, Harry raised his arm and flexed his fingers too and through as evidence.
"Still… are you okay?" Hermione asked. A tinge of the old Hermione shining through. Not the one Harry had argued with. There was very little of the troublesome Hermione left as far as Harry could tell. The old Hermione was the caring one, the one who was loyal and concerned for his well being.
"I'm okay; the order fixed me up right quick."
"Well that's good."
"I guess we should discuss your…" at this she lamely waved at the sides of Harry indicating the non present wings.
"Right." Harry scratched at the back of his head. "Well these are new." He started. "Sometime after Halloween actually."
"What happened on Halloween?" Hermione asked automatically, catching on that she was missing back-story.
"Well, bear in mind I don't necessarily know everything here." Harry started.
"Voldemort, he has been doing some rituals since the summer."
"Rituals! What kind?" Hermione questioned in an alarmed tone.
"That I don't know, but my scar has been connecting us whenever he does one. That means I get affected each time." Harry explained.
"But those are dangerous, how have you… I don't even have access to anything but the vaguest reference to rituals." Hermione stated in a lowering whisper.
Harry wasn't even sure if she was even talking to him anymore.
"So far it's been okay. It has made me stronger and Dumbledore has been making sure I get trained in how to use my wings." Harry stated as assurance.
Harry was careful not to spell out exactly what was occurring. He felt like mentioning his wandless powers or mental abilities were a whole other can of worms he just wasn't ready to handle.
By the looks Ron was giving him, he felt like he was catching on to what he was not saying. Thankfully he remained silent on the matter.
Hermione stayed silent for a moment; her face, pensive and worried.
"What can I do?" She asked looking up at him, an unsure look in her eyes. She was lost, and confused. So out of her element, she could not process the situations properly.
In times gone by it would be her that would state their next move, to lay out a game plan, set guidance for the group and navigate them through the next adventure. Harry realized he had somehow usurped that position and she had realized that. He had become the leader, and she realized she was not prepared to offer anything better.
She sought union, membership within this task, not sure where her place was anymore.
"When you figure that out, you let me know, I'm just winging it." Harry stated with a smile.
Ron rolled his eyes at the unintentional pun. Hermione couldn't help but laugh at the phrase.
"What" Harry questioned.
~~~~~'*'~~~~~
The following days were normal, per say. Harry continued to learn at his own pace and the relationship between he and Hermione had settled into a comfortable-ish rapport. They were still using kid gloves around one another. Being delicate with their phrases should they accidently offend the other, but they had started to laugh.
This was something they had not done in a long time in Harry's opinion.
Harry had ended up confiding that he was training with Tonks in the evening, and they were teaching him triage skills. Hermione had looked like she had wanted to ask to join him but after a moment had decided against asking and instead declared it was a good subject to learn. Harry was grateful for that as he did not want to have to tell her no.
He wondered if she had understood that herself.
It had come out so easily, this one secret of his many, considering that this was the foundation for the argument that had started their split over the winter break. Harry felt he owed her a sign of good faith.
If nothing else he felt happy that she had been the one to initiate the apology. For once he did not have to be the bigger man; he appreciated that. It was a sign of respect that he was glad she had shown him.
Unfortunately for him none of that matter; today was THE day and he had not slept.
Today was February 14.
He and Luna would be going out. Officially; on a romantic date.
The problem, he could not plan anything. He felt that taking her to their secret greenhouse was out of the question. That was something they already did together. He needed something Valentiney.
Without tea; definitely no tea, or tea shops.
In the seven days he had been plotting today's events, he had overheard many things.
Seamus boasted proudly how he was taking some random Hufflepuff to a candle lit meal at the fanciest restaurant in all of Hogsmeade. Some name that sounded French and froufrou was uttered.
Dean spoke of something similar, making particular emphasis about how he had secured privacy as girls liked that kind of thing.
He had a general idea of what she liked but the words out of the other Gryffindor boys mouths contradicted him. They emphasized something big, and romantic. Expensive and showy.
Maybe if he had time to sleep on the matter, he would have reconsidered but Harry was too worried today. Things had to be perfect.
Deciding on the vaguest of plans, half formed and almost nonexistent, Harry set off to the Kitchens.
"Dobby?" Harry asked as he stuck his head through the entryway to the house elves abode.
"Dobby is here Master Harry Potter sir!" The elf's voice declared. Out of the sea of house elves scrambling about, a bounding stack of knitted cloth bobbed excitedly towards Harry's direction. The hats cutting through the pointy eared sea like a shark on LSD. The amphibious elf stopping every now and then to pop out of the sea of generally bald heads and re orient himself to Harry's direction; assuring Harry of his progress as he did so.
When his head appeared over the countless elves Harry could barely catch the shiny green eyes before they vanished once more.
Panting excitedly at seeing his friend, Dobby could only smile happily at the wizard as he was nudged back and forth by the group of raggedy dressed creatures.
"Harry Potter Comes to see Dobby, Dobby is so happy to be seen seeing The Great Harry Potter Come to See Dobby See Harry Pot…" At this his eyes went a little cross eyes as he raised his fingers and counted off silently in his head.
"Did Dobby see the great Harry Potter to see Dobby seeing…?"
"Dobby is Seeing The Great Harry Potter, but is The Great Harry Potter the one who be seeing…" He mumbled incoherently.
Realizing this could go on repeatedly.
"Dobby Focus…" Harry snapped his fingers to get his friends attention. Harry wondered why his friend was acting so… energetic.
Dobby snapped to attention immediately, one hand to his head in a salute. The other to his side still counting the incoherent statement he was trying to make earlier.
"Dobby be Focused sir." He exclaimed with vigour. Deciding this was as good as he was going to get from the strange fellow, Harry continued.
"Dobby can you run an errand for me, something away from Hogwarts."
"Dobby can walk, Run, Jog, or as of Yesterday, Dobby can now offer Speed walking an errand for the Great Harry potter sir." He declared eagerly.
"What happened Yesterday…. Wait never mind tell me later." Harry corrected.
Handing over a list to Dobby, Harry informed the elf, "These are the items I need. I need you to deliver it here." At this Harry pointed to an item on the piece of paper.
"Here is some Muggle money, and some galleons." Harry said.
"They might be hard to find today if they have sold out." Harry explained. He basically handed over his entire coin purse.
The elf collected the bag with reverence.
"You think you can get me that stuff? Before noon?"
"Dobby is thinking so…" Dobby said as he scanned the list.
"Great, thank you Dobby. That's a big help." Harry said in earnest.
"Dobby is wondering, if Dobby might ask…?" Dobby questioned unsurely.
At Harry's curious nod the elf continued.
"Is this for Miss Lovegood ma'am? Is this being for valentine's Day?" He questioned delicately.
"Yes." Harry said, a little pink in the face at the confirmation.
"Dobby knows just what to do. Harry Potter Sir is not to worry." The elf declared
With a snap of his finger, the ball of energy was gone.
Perhaps if Harry had taken the time to question what the elf had meant he would have been a little more worried than he should have been.
But then again, this was Valentine's Day. Rarely did things ever go as planned for him.
~~~~~'*'~~~~~
Meeting Luna outside the Ravenclaw tower, at noon, Harry felt like he waited forever. He and a few other guys stood as well, leaning against the walls in aloofness. Making awkward smiles at each other with nods interspersed to acknowledge each other's presence.
It was as if to say 'I too am waiting on a girl and find it awkward to be around you, but I want to be polite so I will force a smile and nod at you as an equal.'
Harry understood and tried his best to not catch their eyes.
The portal opened half a dozen times, slowly diminishing the crowd to nil.
All that was left was him, dressed in his Jeans, and a dress shirt. Harry's hair as presentable as he could make it.
Then there was him.
Based on his overwhelming height, and calm aura of self worth, Harry couldn't help but feel that the last remaining fellow was not only a seventh year, but better than him in every way possible. He even seemed to lean against the wall in a cooler fashion than Harry.
By his overwhelming height, and impressive prowess, Harry couldn't help but feel inadequacy shoved into his arms.
Clearly unacceptable.
He was holding what appeared to be a bouquet of bright flowers. Each more ravishing than the last.
Harry had wished he had asked Dobby to bring him a bouquet to hand off, if only to seem as prepared as this ponce.
Harry was sure he was a great fellow in real life, but at the moment, he was his rival, a mirror to show him what he could be. He was the original, where as Harry was the warped reflection of a fun house mirror.
The portal opened and as was expected it was not Luna who exited. What was not expected was that it would be Cho.
"Harry!" Cho said in surprise as she noticed the boy standing to the corner of the hallway. Opposite her date, the Adonis.
For the part of the Greek God, Harry was pleased to note he had irked him slightly by his date's recognition of himself.
"Hello Cho." Harry said by way of greeting.
Deciding not to let himself and his magnificent bouquet go unnoticed, the tall Man, walked toward Cho, Offered her the flowers in a manly sort of way, and offered her a chaste kiss in greeting.
Cho's reaction was embarrassment and pleasure intermixed with an overall awareness that Harry was there. It was as plain as day from the way her face illustrated her emotions.
For his Part Harry tried not to look her way.
After pinking nicely, Cho did the greeting dance.
"Harry, this is Jim. Jim this is …"
"Harry Potter, yes I've seen you around." His voice deep and sultry. Harry was severely aware of his own Adams apple as Jim offered his hand out in a shake.
"Nice to meet you." Harry stated politely.
The handshake was firm, and strong. Harry liked to think his grip was stronger, but that was probably ego. Probably.
They stayed silent in each other's presence.
Harry wanted to make some kind of idle conversation to pass the time, but all that could go through his mind was 'Heading to Madam Puddifoot's are you?' Acutely aware that this would be an inappropriate comment, Harry decided on giving them an out.
"I'm sure you guys have places to be, I'm just waiting on Luna." Harry said.
"Yes of course." Cho said in surprised shock. "I think I saw her heading down."
"Oh that's good."
"We'll be off now I suppose." Jim declared politely. Breaking the stale mate that had been created between the two.
Shaking Harry's hand once more "it was nice meeting you." Jim wrapped his arm around Cho's shoulder and led her away.
She turned around briefly and waved good bye to Harry.
Harry for his part waved back.
…
'The power he knows not… Awkwardness.' Harry declared in his mind sarcastically.
Harry tried not to wonder if Cho would use his name the same way she had used Roger's and Cedric's on his date with her.
Putting an emotional stop to that line of thought Harry corrected himself. It was not for him to judge. He knew he should wish her all the best and leave it at that.
Not having time to think any further, Harry watched as the portal to Ravenclaw opened once more.
Out walked what Harry would describe as beauty incarnate. But then again he was biased.
There Luna stood, a long white sundress, her waist wrapped with a string bow. Her hair had little intricate weavings in it. Small braids which exentuated her hair, and her face was flushed which Harry felt added elegance to the already breathtaking picture.
Harry took a moment unintentionally. "Happy valentine's day Harry." Luna stated quietly in greeting.
Snapping himself out of his initial brain aneurism, Harry walked forward, and held her at a distance.
"You look beautiful Luna."
She blushed pleasantly at his words. "You look very handsome yourself." She said with a smile. "Oh, before I forget. Daddy wants a photo…"
"Daddy..?" Harry asked in confusion.
"Say cheese!"
"What?" Harry's eyes turned around to glance at the Ravenclaw entrance only to be blinded dumbstruck at the flash that emerged.
"Smarten up there Harry. You want to look presentable for your first valentine's day with Luna." A familiar voice enunciated.
"Remus…? Harry asked. Eyes watering as he saw another blur step out of the Ravenclaw entrance.
'If Mrs. Weasley shows up I'm throwing spells!' Harry thought with a frown.
"Daddy, showed up with Remus today. He wanted pictures for his album…"Luna said in a strained voice. She had apparently not been expecting it either.
There was a smattering of snickers which Harry could not trace but Harry was sure emanated from a supposedly sleeping painting of a farmer.
"Wait, I've got a camera too. Harry get in close. Wrap your hands around the girl." Remus instructed.
Harry wasn't sure how much of this was Remus pranking him, and how much was serious.
60/40 he guessed respectively.
They ended up taking pictures for the next 15 or so minutes. It felt like hours.
Harry was keenly aware of Luna's father as he took pictures. Observing how he behaved around his daughter. He was very hesitant to touch the girl.
Remus for his part was drunkenly smiling at all parties. A glimmer of mischief sparkled in his eyes. An unspoken look at Harry, declared 'Mischief managed'.
Every combination of photos was taken.
Luna and Harry.
Harry and Luna with Remus.
Harry, Luna, Remus and Luna's Father.
Remus and Luna.
Luna, Remus and her Father.
Harry, Remus and Luna's Father.
Harry and Luna's Father.
Harry and Luna's Father.
Harry and Luna's Father.
Harry and Remus.
Luna and her Father.
Harry and Luna's Father.
Harry was sure he would look horrified in each photo.
Somehow they extricated themselves and managed an escape. Harry was just grateful that they were not following him.
Harry was sure he heard Remus' voice echo "That was fun" and Mr. Lovegoods snort of amusement.
"Sorry I was late; I was held up by Daddy and Professor Lupin."Luna apologized.
"No it's ok. I just hope Remus didn't give you too hard a time…"
Luna pinked at his words and Harry promised sweet revenge on his guardian.
"So… what are we doing today?" Luna changed subjects elegantly. Curiosity and excitement in her voice.
"Well…" At this Harry pulled out a blindfold. "It's secret" he said mysteriously.
Harry could feel the excitement radiate off the girl.
Wrapping the blindfold around her head, Harry led her outside and across the ground.
Her hand was almost vibrating in his grasp at her eagerness.
They stopped.
Harry pulled off the girls blindfold to reveal…
"The Whomping Willow?" she asked confusedly.
"Not exactly."Harry declared in showmanship. Taking a stick that he had purposefully left in a bush to the side, he tapped around for the knot.
The tree gave a start at the prodding but then shuddered silent.
"There's a secret passage under the tree." Harry explained.
He had her attention there.
Pulling her gently he showed her the hole and stepped down. Raising his hands he grasped hers and gently guided her in.
He had definitely grown. Luna was small enough that she was comfortable in the hole but Harry found it very claustrophobic.
"It's a bit of a journey. You ready?" Luna nodded eagerly.
Crawling for a while, Harry became acutely aware that Luna's only view was his backside through this trek.
Hoping his Jeans did him justice, Harry crawled in self consciousness.
After sometime the scent of perfume permeated the air.
Getting closer, Harry saw light streaming through the opening.
The slanted corridor led them up. Harry got out first and found the darkly lit basement he had come out of just as gloomy and creepy as before.
Sticking his hands through the opening he pulled Luna out of the hole and showed her…
"The shrieking shack." He declared proudly.
For her part she seemed to almost scream in glee, but held it in like a lady.
Harry noticed her sundress had become muddy as they had passed through the tunnel. With a wave of his wand, the dress cleaned itself as if a gust of wind had reset it to a pristine nature.
She smiled in thanks at his gesture before he applied the same scourgify to his own pants. He held out his arm for her to take, as he led her to the adjoining room.
She gladly took his arm.
Harry was a little startled at how different the shack seemed. Things were bigger yet smaller. He had never had the time or desire to explore the building thoroughly, and it seemed the house had a few more rooms than before.
Harry supposed part of that was him being significantly taller than before.
Leading her down the corridor, he saw on the floor to his and Luna's surprise red petals.
'Dobby?'
Luna for her part looked pleasantly taken aback.
Leading Luna through a door the shock was shared by the both parties.
The room was practically opulent.
Rose petals littered the floor and some even floated through the air. The walls were covered in curtains, hiding all the unseemly scratches and wounds of Remus's transformation.
The broken furniture was cleared away and throw pillows were laid along the floor surrounding a picnic basket. Harry assumed the container was filled with the snacks and food he had originally asked of Dobby.
Candles led a path from the living room area up the stairs and into another room Harry had never explored before.
"Harry it's lovely." Luna said in surprised pleasure.
"Yeah it is…" Harry agreed quietly.
"What was that?"
"Hmm, nothing. Are you hungry?" Harry asked to divert her attention from his statement.
Leading her to the picnic basket, he opened the lid only to have to catch a flying bouquet as it shot out of the wicker thing. It was practically spring loaded; if not for Harry's seeker reflexes he would have not caught it.
Looking at the bundle of roses in surprise he held them out to Luna.
She grasped them with laughter in her eyes.
"You are full of surprises today…"
"You will find I am full of many things." Harry declared. Taking a moment to contemplate that sentence, he instead bent down and looked in the basket.
An assortment of cheeses, crackers, mini sandwiches, strawberries and chocolates were packed and Harry took the time to unpack each item carefully. The table cloth the basket rested on was full of items. Harry assumed there must have been some kind of expansion charm on the basket and ticked a checkmark beside Dobby's name in his mind. The elf would get so many socks for this.
As soon as the basket was empty it popped out of existence and set off a chain of events.
A gramophone along the side seemed to come to life and let out a soft melody. A cupboard along the side, opened revealing glasses and a metal ice bucket with butterbeers chilling nicely, and the floating rose petals seems to pair off and dance around the room.
Luna couldn't help the surprised laughter that left her throat.
Harry couldn't help but smile at the pleasure she was taking in the event.
They ate a few snacks, talking about inconsequential things. Harry marvelled at how comfortable he was for this date in contrast to his last valentine's day.
He wasn't sure how or when but their fingers intertwined at some point.
Noticing Luna nudge her plate aside, Harry took that as a queue to explore and see what other marvels Dobby had left them.
Deciding to follow the candle lit path they chose the next room neither had explored. The path upstairs for later.
Harry was not sure what this room was before, but by the gloss of the floor and the way the music seemed to change into a slow melody, Harry was sure this was made into a dance floor.
Luna smiled at this and led Harry to the center of the room. She seemed to take the lead and guide Harry in the dance.
Harry wasn't going to complain as he was absolutely rubbish at this.
"So do you take all the girls here Mr. Potter?" Luna sing songed.
"No, only girl who's been here was Hermione." Harry stated carelessly.
At the slight jerk in Luna's grip Harry quickly realized his error.
"That came out wrong…" Harry backtracked.
Luna offered him no help as she stared into his eyes. Her wide eyes penetrating him, waiting for an explanation.
"Um… third year, Ron was kidnapped by Sirus into the wimping willow. Me and Hermione followed him here. This is where we learned about Sirus being framed for murder and everything."Luna's grip on him seemed to retighten as acceptance for his fopa.
'I have to stop bringing Hermione up on my dates…' Harry reminded himself.
As they danced, he told Luna the secret tale of Remus and the marauders.
Luna sat enraptured and nodded at appropriate times as he spoke.
At the end of his tale, Luna commented, "You lead an interesting life Harry Potter."
"Don't I know it?"
Somehow during the dance Luna had ended up standing on Harry's shoes as they swayed to the music.
All of a sudden the candles in the room blew out as if by a breeze. The only light the two could see was that of the stairway candles guiding them.
"What do you have planned?" Luna asked coyly.
Harry could only wonder the same thing.
Luna pivoted so she still stood on his toes but facing away from Harry.
"That way." She ordered.
Harry smiled as her back leaned against him.
Taking exaggerated steps, as he walked for her, he slowly made his way up the stairs.
It was only in the last moment as he opened the door that he remembered what was in the room.
His face drained of color as the room revealed the newly repaired bed, roses leading to it criminally. Music of a different quality started to play.
A whirl of emotions started to play in him.
Shock, confusion, fear.
Some of that he realized was coming from Luna.
'He can't mean…' she thought in nervousness. Her grip on him loosening.
"No… Oh God. Luna I'm so sorry… I."
Harry stuttered, trying to cut her thought process off.
"I never meant this… I was just." Harry found it hard to contemplate what he was trying to say. They had disengaged from their earlier stance and Harry had his fingers grasp at his hairs as he tried to think of how to explain.
Luna was staring at him, with wide eyes. Harry was worried she had been repulsed and offended at the idea of what this bed had meant.
"I had Dobby Help me. I think he misunderstood what… I didn't want to imply." Harry was practically frantic; he had turned away from her in the process of his rant. Her unblinking eyes disconcerting him. He was worried he had done critical damage to their relationship in this moment.
'What if this is what ends it. Careless!' Harry derided himself. He couldn't imagine what he would do if things ended.
He felt a soft hand grasp his shoulders and another turn his chin around.
"Harry, it's okay."
He looked at her imploringly hoping beyond hope that she believed him.
"It was just a surprise. These things happen." She comforted. A small smile graced her lips.
"You went through all this trouble for me. Thank you."
Looking in her eyes, Harry could sense acceptance. There was no accusation, no reprimand or disgust.
A tinge of worry was directed his way.
In that moment Harry understood she was as nervous as he.
"What did I do to deserve you…" he asked rhetorically.
She smiled.
"I'll bring it up with Daddy."
"Please don't…" Harry begged.
They laughed.
"He doesn't hate you, you know." Luna explained. "He actually likes you I think."
Harry was pleased to hear that. It was very welcoming to be told that especially from the father of the girl he planned on kissing at some point.
Harry didn't know when but they were leading each other down the stairs back into more comfortable surroundings.
"Well still, a bloke knows to fear the father of his girlfriend."Harry clarified.
Something in the air changed as Luna squeezed his hand a little tighter and leaned into him.
Being content with leaving their date on a high note Harry decided it was time to end things.
"What say we walk our way back to Hogwarts?" Harry asked.
Luna smiled their acceptance.
Finding a barred door behind a curtain, Harry managed to pry it open. The stair case outside was as rickety as the rest of the structure, but Harry didn't mind as he and Luna made their way across the stony path. Sneaking through an opening in the fence he had created he led Luna through and they took the scenic path back to the carriages.
"Harry…" Luna whispered as they made their way through the streets of Hogsmeade. Her finger pointed in the general direction of the apothecary.
In the window he could see Ron, and a familiar bushy head of hair.
"Finally." Harry declared, pleased for his friends.
Luna was about to say something when suddenly there was an explosion and the world went black.
AN: Dun Dun Dun….
I was going to make this chapter a lot more awkward for Harry but I figure he needed some pleasantness considering… things and stuff.
Originally this was going to be an unmitigated disaster but it didn't write itself that way. Don't worry I won't be writing candle lit dinners every other day now. This is a one off scenario.
Next Chapter will be the last of Blood Tipped Feather.
Then the Sequel.