Chapter 19 Halstead's Aftermath

Thanks, darrelldeam and alix33, for looking this over. All mistakes are my own.

I have a new poll up, because the last one was stupid. So go ahead and vote, please.

I did it again, I added a few things to the last chapter, but it is vital to the plot. To recap, so you don't have to reread, they did something at the bank to further Luna's plans. But it is still a secret.

There is a bit of angst and romance in this filler chapter.

Updates may take a minute. I have to factory reset my computer. That means tons of downloading and updating. So, yeah, it might be a minute before I post. Thanks for your patience.

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"Harry, will you to try something for me?" Luna asked as she stopped near the village and looked at the broken houses. There were people trying to repair them, and it was slow going, since they were mostly students. So she wanted to see if Harry could help. He had all that power; he might as well do something beneficial with it. That and she wanted to evaluate just how good his control was. She was a Ravenclaw for a reason.

"Anything for you, Luna," Harry said, being purposefully sappy, as he leaned down and kissed her cheek. He needed some lightheartedness in his life, and Luna was the perfect girl to give it to him. He couldn't wait until they shared their first real kiss. His mind was already going over plans as he got a dazed look in his eyes.

"You are a sweetie," she said, being just as foolish, as she returned the kiss and then patted him on the cheek. Then she got serious. "Now, I would like you to reach in your core, use the Elder Wand and see if you can fix the houses with a Reparo. Try on this one first, and then work your way to the moat, please," she suggested. She wanted to determine if the Wand boosted his power and if all the tales about it doing so were true. It might determine if he should give it up or not.

"Alright, I'll give it a go," he said as he pulled the Wand out of his pouch. He didn't think anything grand would happen, but if Luna thought he could, well, he'd see. So, he went into his core and let it flood him. He went to the nearest house, pointed the Wand and yelled, "Reparo!"

At first nothing happened then there was the sound of rattling, which caused the people doing the reconstruction to look up. Then the debris that belonged to the house shook on the ground and it suddenly came flying. Pieces came together and the wooden walls rebuilt, the glass windows repaired and the thatch roof reformed. It looked nice, except the dirt, curse marks and the smoke damage.

"Scourgify," Harry tried, and all the scores of curses, the burn marks and the dirt disappeared. The house was as clean as if it was newly built and not over a thousand years old.

Cheers were heard as people gathered around to admire his work. They wondered if he could do it again.

"Wonderful," the little blonde said, clapping her hands. She knew he could do it, he just needed more confidence. It was something she was going to work hard at giving him. The guided meditations were most helpful and now she had something else to use to guide him on the right path. That much power could corrupt someone and as long as they were together, that wasn't going to happen.

"That was brilliant," Harry agreed and started on the other houses. He wanted to see how many he could do before he got tired.

The people who had been trying to rebuild were watching the young man in awe as house after house was reformed and cleaned. It was power they had never witnessed before. Not even Dumbledore could pull this off, well if he could he never did. No, that man was more likely to say something like 'hard work is good for the soul' or something else equally profound and useless. Every time a building was repaired they cheered and encouraged him to try again.

Structure by structure they were put back together. The whole village along the main cobblestone street was now beautiful. Harry even cleaned the street and gates. His heart filled with joy at seeing it. It was a shame Ashliegh wasn't here to witness it.

"The only thing that worries me is what Hermione said about balance. If I have all this power does that mean a new Dark Lord is going to show up and challenge me?" the dark-haired powerhouse asked as he fixed one more house. It was the last one and he was only a little tired, which surprised him. He should be knocked out by now.

"Don't be silly, Harry, you fought your Dark Lord. If another comes along so will another Light person. Though, like Dumbledore did you, you may have to guide them. Perhaps they will come here, on their quest, like so many of those of the past. I am sure you learned from Dumbledore not to manipulate anyone," Luna warned him with a glare as she grabbed his hand. "Let us leave that off for now. Put away the Wand and let us go find Hermione," she suggested as she pulled him to the castle.

Harry did as bid and the couple made their way back to the library. When they entered they both laughed. Hermione was still questioning a now frustrated Merlin. You could see he was trying to be patient, but they must have been at this for hours. And Hermione was scribbling away on some parchment. Her quill was flying as she listened to Merlin recount something. It looked like she had enough to write a book.

Harry decided to rescue the poor ghost. "Hermione," he said in a firm, yet indulgent, voice as he took the chair opposite her, "you need to stop now. You look like you have enough notes to create Hogwarts; A History." He waved to the pile of parchment.

"What? Why? He is a fountain of information," she said mulishly, frowning at the interruption and being denied information. Didn't Harry know that this would rewrite history? So many tales were wrong; so many people were given credit for something they didn't do. How was she supposed to know things if she didn't ask questions? Sometimes that boy would just make her stop studying for the silliest reasons. Like fresh air, sleep or food, foolish boy. She shook her head at that thought. She never understood why Harry would pull her outside when there were tests that needed revision.

"Yeah, but we've been gone hours and you're still at it. It's almost dinnertime, you know?" the dark-haired teen teased as he reached over and gave her hand a squeeze. "Give the guy a break, he's only just come back, and he isn't going anywhere." He knew if he let her continue she would forget to eat. It had been a friendly battle they fought since their first year. "Besides, don't you think other people want to talk to the Greatest Wizard of all time?" he asked, waving to the people who were staring disgruntledly at her.

"Oh dear, has it really been that long? I am so sorry, Mr. Ambrosius, I didn't mean to take up all your time. I will stop now, but can we talk again?" she asked, bouncing in her seat. When Harry chuckled she huffed and gathered up the notes she made and put them in her purse.

"Of course, my dear," Merlin said with a bob of his head, though Harry could hear the underlying relief. The old spirit gave the young girl a grandfatherly smile, reminding everyone once again, how much he acted like Dumbledore. "I will be more than happy to talk to you, but perhaps at shorter intervals?" the patient soul kindly suggested.

"Yes, yes, of course," Hermione agreed quickly, already making a list of questions in her head.

Merlin wandered away to talk to the people with inquiring looks on their faces. He was so going to enjoy his new existence. It would be like learning all over again, instead of being practically omniscient like it was in the afterlife. He rather liked learning new things and talking to new people. He chuckled to himself as he met the first inquisitive person. The request for a tale on Arthur made him grin; yes he was going to so love educating them.

Harry sniggered knowing exactly what his best friend was thinking. "So," he said, snapping Hermione out of her thoughts, "what are you going to do now?" he asked his best friend. He really hoped she had plans, because with what he and Luna were thinking they needed everyone to know what they were doing. If they were going to help, their lives had to be in order.

The curly-haired witch deflated. The happiness that had been on her face a second ago, disappeared as if it had never been. She had been so caught up with her interrogation that she had put off what to do about her parents. Now, though, she was overwhelmed with emotion. Her shoulders slumped and tears were forming in her eyes. "I don't know. I want to complete school, but I also want to go and get my parents, and see if I can restore their memories. But what if they are happy? What if they get mad at what I did? What if they never forgive me? I don't think I can live with that. Is it completely selfish that I want them back? I just don't know what to do," she said as she clinched her hands tight in her lap and tears fell on them.

"Oh, Hermione," Harry said and he got up and went to the other side of the table. He gently pulled her up and gathered her into a big hug. "You don't have a selfish bone in your body. I don't know how to answer the other questions, but I will stand by your side no matter what you do," he said as she clung tightly to him, her tears wetting his shirt and her shoulders shook with how hard she was crying. He held her close and tried to calm her down so she could think rationally.

They got a few curious onlookers, but Merlin led them away. He knew they needed some privacy, and it was just simpler to clear the room. Good thing it was close to dinner. He would hang around in the back, just in case he was needed.

"Those are indeed questions that need answers; however, you are the only one who can decide," Luna stated bluntly as she joined the hug. She wrapped her arms around Hermione's back and held on as tight as she could. She knew it was going to be a tough choice. If she were in that type of situation, she had no idea what she would do. Though she didn't think she would ever take someone's free will away. No, she would have talked to them and asked what they wanted. The little blonde did understand that Hermione did what she thought best, but in Luna's opinion it was morally wrong. Now, there were just too many outcomes and hardly any of them good. Someone was going to be hurt no matter what the young lady decided. Be it her or her parents, Luna did not see a happy ending.

"I think, for now, I just want to finish my education. Though, that would put them deeper into their new life," the distraught girl whispered as she sniffled in Harry's shoulder. "I just don't know what to do," she all but wailed, crying harder. She knew this was all her fault, but she could rationalize her actions at the time. There was a war going on and her parents were helpless to fight it. She knew that and reacted. It was one of the hardest things she had ever done in her life. To completely change the couple she adored with all her heart. She felt it was for the best, but she just didn't weigh the consequences.

"I'm sorry to say this, but if it were me, I'd leave them to their new life," Harry offered softly as he rubbed her back. "I mean, if they're happy that is," he added quickly. "I'd hate for anyone to tear me away from something that brought me happiness." He looked at his girlfriend and then around the library and was thinking that if anyone trying to remove him from Halstead or Luna he would be devastated. With the plans Luna had, he could spend the rest of his life here and with her.

So if the ex-Grangers were happy and prospering, then why tear them away? Then again, they might always have a nagging feeling that they were missing something important, and it might be causing them grief. There were just too many variables. It would take some deep probing on Hermione's part to understand if they were truly happy.

"Perhaps, you're right. I'll just have to weigh the pros and cons," Hermione sniffed and separated from the couple. She rummaged through her purse and wiped her eyes with a handkerchief. "Thank you for standing by me, Harry, and you too, Luna. I have some serious thinking to do," She gave them one more tight hug and then ran from the room.

"I hate seeing her like that," Harry groused as he slumped in a chair.

"I know it is not easy for you, Harry, but she made her own problem and you cannot solve it," Luna said, taking the chair next to his and rubbing his arm.

"I know, it's just that she's always stood by me, and I get so frustrated when she has a problem I can't fix," he said, running a hand down his face and remembering sixth year and all the angst over Ron dating Lavender. He couldn't fix that either, and though it turned out well in the end, there was a lot of heartache along the way. "So what now?" he asked as he pulled himself together and pasted on a hopeful smile, hoping Luna could come up with something to take his mind off his best friend's plight.

"Before we do anything else you and I are going camping," Luna said with a huge grin, hoping to ease his emotions into something he could be happy about. She too, wanted to get romantic with her new boyfriend.

"You read my mind. Hey, Merlin," he called the ghost back over, and waited until he drifted to the table. "You don't mind if we use your mini Avalon, do you? It's just that the Lovegoods have been searching for some of the creatures you have in there, and it would be great to explore," Harry asked with a wicked smirk. While what he stated was true, his thoughts were more of a loving nature.

"I believe that would be beneficial to both of you. It would be nice to see it get some use. It has sat idle since I created it. One of my better mistakes," the ghost answered with a smile and a wink. He was happy to see the two lovebirds taking time for themselves. He knew it would help them get over their battle caution. "I would have thought those creatures would have died out by now. Hmmm, perhaps the mini Avalon, as you call it, created a safe haven for them." He rubbed his beard thoughtfully.

"I am sure you are correct, Merlin, and I am thrilled that your mistake caused it to happen," the little blonde beamed at him.

"Great," Harry said happily. "I'm going to go and show Dobby his new contract and have him pack for me. I'll meet you in about an hour." He stood ready to leave and then he slumped his shoulders and dropped back into his chair. "I guess you're going to invite your dad," he said a bit despondently, looking at Luna with puppy-dog eyes. There went his plans, but he couldn't deny the man his lifelong dreams.

"Oh no, I don't believe I will," Luna said saucily as she sat on his lap. "I will be taking lots of pictures though," she warned, making sure he knew they would not be spending all their time snogging.

"Ummm, of the animals, right?" Harry asked warily, you can never tell with his quirky girlfriend.

"Of course, silly," she said, making him sigh in relief.

"By the way, Merlin, we need to talk to you, after we get back. I think you'll like what we've planned to do with Halstead," Harry said secretively.

"Oh, a mystery, it has been too long since I've pondered anything. Yes, I am sure I can make time for you," the spirit said with a twinkle in his eyes.

Harry deflated again, put his head on his girlfriend's shoulder and sighed. "Do you think Hermione will think that we've deserted her in her time of need? Maybe we should hold off until she decides what she's going to do?" he asked, turning to the petite blonde and begging her to understand with his eyes. There was no way he could leave his friend in her time of need. She would need him here to bounce her ideas off of, like she had been for him so many times in the past.

"Okay, Harry, we can hold off for a week, a month at the most, but I am not putting this on hold longer than that. Hermione is a big girl, she can think for herself, but I do understand that you want to be here for her," Luna said with a great deal of disappointment lacing her voice. She didn't want to come off hard, but… well, she and Harry had their own lives to live. "Besides, I can use the time to make you some protective jewels. We wouldn't want the wrackspurts to reinvade you, would we?" she added with a grin. "Not to mention the nargles. Oh, I do hope we find the Crumpled-Horned Snorkack." She bounced in his lap and giggled, much to Harry's pleasure and discomfort.

"I'll wear anything you think I need," he said, holding her still by the waist, though he really hoped he didn't get radish earrings. "I'm sure Hermione will have plans by the end of the week," Harry assured her, grabbing her hand and kissing the back. "I'm going to go and give Dobby the good news. I'll see you at dinner," he said and giving her one more buss on the cheek, he hoisted her off his lap and he left the library. He made his way to his room and called his new butler.

To say that Dobby was ecstatic about the contract would be putting it mildly. The free, though now employed, house elf bounced off the walls for ten minutes. His dream had come true; he was going to work for the Great Harry Potter, and he was going to be paid for it. He always knew that Harry Potter was a kind man. The little guy would be getting ten galleons a month and every weekend off, plus he got to keep his new uniform. He tried to bargain down, but the contract was already signed.

The week passed with much happening. The professors came back and gathered up the students who needed to go home, but whose parents were had not been at Halstead. The school was going to keep them until said parents returned from where they were hidden. There were also the orphans that needed to find a place to stay. With the government in such a shambles, Kingsley had passed the task on Hogwarts. McGonagall reported that Hogwarts was in fine shape and that the school would be open next year. The rest of this year was time to mourn.

There were funerals to go to, and wills to be heard. Harry only went to Tonks's and Mrs. Weasley's. He was named in both wills and got some small items to remember the two valiant women by. It was a hard two days. He and Remus mourned together and Harry made the werewolf and offer that he couldn't refuse. Now, Remus had to get his life together and close any loose ends. Then he would help Luna and Harry with their great scheme.

Kingsley came and got the prisoners. Harry didn't talk to any of them, letting the Ministry do its job. The new Minister said that he would tell him anything of importance. All the Death Eaters would be tried fairly. They had new guards at Azkaban; goblin warriors were using the island as a training compound and took over guard duty. This agreement was met wholeheartedly. It was cheaper in the end for both parties, and the new Aurors would also train there, so there was that benefit as well.

Harry and Luna sent off tons of official letters. They were working on their plan and needed business contacts. The goblins were most helpful in drawing up the forms that were needed. They warned everyone they brought in that they would need their affairs in order, but it would be profitable in the end. They got many enthusiastic replies, and plans were coming together.

Hermione came to her decision. She decided that she would go and check on her parents and see if they were indeed happy. If they were, then she would grieve them as dead and move on with her life. If not, then she would attempt to restore their memories. Harry offered to go with her, but she turned him down, stating it was her mess to clean up. She left the next day, after borrowing enough money from her best friend. She too was ecstatic about the future of Halstead and promised that if she could she would return with her parents, if not she was still happy to be a part of that future.

Now it was the end of the week and Halstead was empty for the first time in months. Only Luna, Harry, Dobby, the new house elves and of course Merlin stayed. It was time for their romantic jaunt. Harry had Dobby pack enough food for a month and he took the tent he had retrieved from Hermione, put it in the training yard and aired it out. He made sure it was in good repair and that they would not leave anything behind that could damage the fragile ecosystem.

The two teens were now prepared and they met at the tree, early in the afternoon. Harry opened the door and slowly made his way inside. It was just as beautiful as it had been before. The weather was still spring like, much better than the biting cold outside. The fake sun was warm and bright. The trees still rustled in a light wind. Animals and birds scurried and flew about, making mating calls and generally giving off soft noises. The atmosphere was relaxing and Harry felt he could meditate just by the tranquility of the place.

They camped right next to the door and would explore the next day. Today they were going to take a romantic walk to the silver lake and have a picnic. After they set up camp, Harry grabbed the hamper, while Luna took a large blanket. She checked to make sure he had on his runic ear clips and cork necklace. The nargles swarmed around their heads as they walked, but couldn't change their thinking in any way. So Luna relaxed more and moved along, taking everything in and plotting the hike for tomorrow.

"Luna," Harry said as they settled by the lake after eating a nice lunch of cold chicken and pasta salad. They had talked about their plans for the month and just relaxed. They then made sure to clean everything up and sat leaning against one another. The small sun reflected off the lake and made it look like there was a golden pool in the middle. The gentle wind was blowing in the trees and the nargles and wrackspurts were floating in the air. There were small birds chirping and singing. There was a rustling of a small animal in the bushes. It was a very pleasant setting.

Harry cleared his throat and tried again. "I want to thank you for your patience," he said, turning her around to she was straddling his lap. "Hermione really needed me last week and I'd like to think I helped her come to her decision. You are the best girlfriend I could ask for," he said and finally, after weeks of pussyfooting around, he leaned over and kissed her full on the lips.

There were no explosions or stars falling, but it was hot. The simple kiss turned into a heavy snogging session that left both teens adjusting their clothes when they finally stopped.

"Well, if it earns me kisses like that, I think I can find it in myself to be as patient as you need," she said as she rested her forehead on his, both breathing heavy and trying to cool off.

Harry laughed and the two got cozy and watched the sun dim. It didn't lower in the sky, just darkened into a moon. They sat like that and talked of their future adventures.

The month went by quickly and Luna got plenty of notes and pictures, yes, all of the animals, though not for lack of trying. Alas, they didn't find the Crumpled-Horned Snorkack, but she did discover some animals she had never heard of, so not all was lost. They left their sanctuary fully rested and now had to face the rest of the world.

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One more chapter I think. This story is already longer than I had outlined. I hope your still enjoying my wandering muse.

I'm rewriting the oneshots from 'Little of this, more of that' and posting them as oneshots. So if you haven't read them, or even if you have, go and give them a gander and tell me if they are better or not, please. Some of them can be taken further and I'd like opinions on if I should.