The Monument Keeperoliver Chapter 4

Luna felt so bad about what she did, she had to tell someone, and that someone was Kingsley. He was the only one who knew she went to the prison, other than the warden. The warden didn't know she went the route of the cells before departing the prison. No one knew this, as she was able to leave alone. She had to retrieve her wand from the entry guard, but he didn't know she took that route.

Luna made her way through the ministry and up to Kingsley's office. His receptionist allowed her to knock, as she was expected. Kingsley called her in, and Luna took a seat in front of him. "Minister, I must tell you I did a bad thing."

"Minister? Luna it could not have been that bad for you to call me that. No matter what you have done, it will always be Kingsley to you."

Luna looked up to him with tears in her eyes, "Even murder?"

Kingsley gasped at her statement. "Are you telling me you killed someone? I don't believe you. You are the kindest, most gentile person I know, and you wouldn't hurt a fly. Tell me why you think you killed someone."

Luna went into her story leaving nothing out. She told of her visit to Lucius, and how he told her of the Dark Lord's secrets. Of the inner circle, and of his talks with Albert while in prison. How all of a sudden, his talks with him ended, and he feared he died. So many of the followers had died in the prison. How Lucius was still alive was both a blessing and a curse. Though he was pleased he still lived, his being alone had become sentence of solitary confinement. With no one to talk to, he was slowly going mad.

Luna then told Kingsley of her thought about Albert being the one who cast the spell that put Harry in the state he was in. Her reasoning behind this was due to his not being there for the final battle. Though he wasn't of the inner circle, he was high up enough to warrant a place in the final battle. His not being there caused her reason for doubt. Plus the fact that he was with two other lesser followers, made her suspect it was because of another mission.

She told him of her plan to go by his cell, to check on him. When she saw he was in no condition for interrogation, she decided that to save Harry, Albert had to die, even though he was thought of as dead to every one else. As long as he lived, his magic lived.

When she finished, Kingsley smiled at her, "Luna, Albert had been declared dead two months ago. Even if he was alive, it was only a matter of time before he died in reality. You might even have done him a favor, by ending his misery. Now, why don't we go down and see if if was indeed Albert who performed the spell?"

And they did, moving swiftly, as they did not know how long it would take for the spell to break if it was now broken.

When they got to the cell that he was kept in, Harry still appeared in the statuesque form. Luna walked over to the statue, and ran her fingers along his cheek, when she felt something wet. She pulled her hand away, and saw that the tear that was there before was now gone. She smiled brightly at Kingsley, "It's working. I know it is. I just wiped away his tear."

Kingsley smiled back, and said, "I knew it would Luna. You haven't failed on a mission yet. Though it took longer than the others, you have completed another mission for the ministry, and the people of the magical world. Harry was the hero of their world, and you are the hero to his. Good work Agent Scamander."

Luna was laughing at Kingsley's comment, when she felt a large weight hit her in the chest, causing her to fall on her butt. The weight went with her, and then she heard the most deafening sound in the world. Harry's scream as he came back to life. She looked on Harry's face, and saw tears streaming down his cheeks, and the look of extreme pain. She heard Kingsley call out for someone, and soon, she was joined my a healer. Some how Kingsley had the sense to call for one when they arrived in the department. The healer checked Harry's wounds, and had Luna gently lay his head on the ground, and then back away from him. She did as she was told, then the healer petrified Harry to prevent any further damage.

"Minister, we need to get him to St. Mungo's. He is in a very bad way. He has many numerous broken bones, a fractured skull, and internal injuries that are now bleeding. Who ever did that t him, did it to save his life."

Neither Kingsley or the healer heard Luna as she thanked Albert Runcorn for what he did, no matter what the reason for it was.

TM-}

Arthur Weasley stood I front of the people that gathered for the ceremony, dreading what he was about to tell them. The reason for the dread, was he knew there was bound to be questions, and he had no answers. "May I have your attention please. Everyone would you please settle down. I have been asked to tell you all, that the ceremony that was to take place here this morning has been canceled. Now, please before you ask, I have no idea of the reasoning behind the cancellation, just that something has come up, and it has taken the minister from the ministry for an undetermined amount of time. I am sure he will explain it all to you within the next few days."

"Mr. Weasley, could you tell us where this statue came from that was to be presented?"

"That I can tell you. It was found in Carlyle Castle by a group of Uni students. When the pictures were made public, the Minister recognized right away the likeness of Mr. Potter."

"You call him Mr. Potter? I thought you knew him?"

"I do, or at least I did. However, in order for me to handle this in a professional manner, I cannot let my feelings interfere with my work. Yes, I called him Harry, and at times I even called him son. But that was personal between Harry and myself. "

"There have been rumors that the statue found was actually Harry Potter himself, under some sort of spell. Can you tell us if this is true?"

"I wish that I could, as that would be greatly welcomed. However, I have no knowledge of such a rumor or the fact that it is the truth. Believe me when I say, I wish that it were true. Now if you will excuse me, I have work to do, and it will not get done with me here trying to answer your questions that I do not know the answer to. I have told you everything I know." and with that, Arthur left the podium with a heavy heart. This was the first time he had heard of the rumor, and wished so hard that it were true. He missed the man he had called son for more than the reason he had saved so many of his families lives. However in the same thought he hoped that it were not true, as so much has changed since his disappearance. Arthur knew if Harry were to return, what he would find, would tear him apart.

TM-}

The healers had worked on Harry for the better part of eight hours, repairing his broken bones. Skelegrow had to be used for his skull. Damage was done to his brain from the splinters of the fracture.

Internally, Harry was a mess. One of the ribs had pierced his lung, and blood was filling it. His kidney was ruptured from a kick to his back. Who ever did this to him, were merciless in their punishment to him. The broken bones to his spinal cord would have to be dealt with later, after he healed from his other wounds. They placed a collar around his neck to prevent further injury.

Kingsley and Luna stayed with him through out the whole ordeal, and they took turns staying awake to be there in case Harry became conscious. It did not happen. Finally, They left for their homes to get some decent rest. There was no way of telling how long he would remain unconscious. He was under so many potions that the affects would keep him under for quite a while.

Ten days later, Kingsley visited Harry's bedside, and was sitting down next to him, reading some of the paper work from his office. He was still trying to catch up with the work he had missed while staying with Harry and Luna. He knew that Luna was in the same situation, plus she had been called away on an assignment, and was due back later today.

Kingsley had been there for four hours, and he now had to take a Loo break. When he came back, he almost shouted out in surprise. Harry's eyes were beginning to open. He took his seat next to Harry once again and began to talk to him. "Harry, can you hear me. It's me Kingsley. Come on Harry, come back to us. You can do it my friend. I NEED SOME HELP IN HERE." Kingsley yelled trying to get someone's attention. It worked, as a healer came running in right away. She began to check Harry's condition, and was pleased to see that most of the damage was repaired, except for his neck. He was still wearing the collar, and once Harry became alert, he started tearing at the collar trying to get it off. "Mr. Potter. Please don't try to take the collar off. You have damage to your spine, and it needs to stay in place, until we can repair it."

With a very raspy voice Harry said, "For how long?"

"Two or three days, until you are well enough for what needs to be done."

"NO! Do it now. I need this off me. I hate it. I can't move my head. I need it off me now."

"Mr. Potter, please. We can't do it until you are healed. What we have to do may cause other problems."

"Nothing that can't be fixed. I need this off now. Please."

"Harry, the healers are trying their best to get yo through this. They know what is best for you."

"No they don't. They don't know what I have been through. What I have had to endure. I need to be free once again. I can't stand being confined in any way. Please Kingsley, tell them I will take the risk of further damage. I need this off me."

Kingsley looked to the healer,and she nodded. She would get the one who would be doing the work on his spine. She left and was back in 10 minutes, with the specialist. He checked the damage to the section that was in question. He also checked the progress of his other damage. He felt that there was a chance that no further damage would be done so he agreed. The magic needed for this was to be done with special tiny healing wands. The area in question was filled with tiny bones and nerves. A normal wand was too general in it's magical spread. It took pinpoint accuracy. It also took opening the skin to see the work being done. Probing the area for splinters and nerve damage.

That was the reason why they wanted Harry completely cured. They feared he may have a spasm of pain that would cause him to jerk at a crucial moment, even if he was drugged. He could not be petrified, as that would make his spine immovable, and they had to be able to move it in order to work in the area.

Kingsley used the time to call to see if Luna had returned yet. She had, and he asked her to join him in the room. She knew what he meant. He was with Harry. Something must be happening.

Luna got there as they were preparing to begin the work on Harry's spine. She asked Kingsley what they were doing, and he answered, "They are going to try and fix Harry's spine that was damaged. Harry became very upset that he was wearing the collar that restricted his movement. They had to get the specialist in here to check to see if he could do it safely, and he thought he could."

"How long has Harry been awake? Has he asked any questions yet?"

"He hasn't been awake long, maybe two hours. He hasn't asked any questions yet, and I'm not looking forward to when he does. He hasn't even asked how long he has been out. His only concern was the collar."

"I understand your worry Kingsley. Harry is not going to take things very easily. You know, in some way, I wish we hadn't brought him back. He is going to be in so much agony. Every one he loves, is now with another. Ginny being with Dean is going to be the worst. Hermione and Ron, he probably expected. Rolf and I will be a complete surprise. I hope he doesn't pull away from us because of this."

"It wouldn't surprise me if he did. He will feel like an outsider to us. He will feel like a burden or an obstacle that is in the way of everyone's life. But. They all must know about this, and he must know about them as soon as he is able. We can't keep anything from him. I think I will leave you to watch out for him, while I contact those closest to him to let them now what is happening. Let me know if anything goes wrong. Hell, let me know if all goes right. I need to know either way."

Luna was looking at Harry, "I will."

To Luna, it seemed like the work took forever to finish, but it was only three hours later that the healer took a step back from the table that Harry was on. He turned to Luna. "Oh, Mrs. Scamander. I didn't know you were here. Where is the Minister?"

"He had to go make some notifications. He'll be back shortly. How is he sir? Will Harry be alright?"

"It's too early to tell just yet. He should be fine, but there was a lot of damage to the cord. He lost three disks that cushioned the joints, and I had to repair them. The nerves were irritated, and had to be treated as well. Who ever did this to him were very angry for some reason. They even used the Crutiatus on him a few times. That only made things worse for Harry. Especially for his nerves. All we can do now is sit back and wait."

"Thank you for everything you have done for him. He may not feel the same way, so I will let you know we all appreciate it. Now, we have the hard part to face. Meeting the friends and their families. I have a feeling that this will hurt Harry even more. How soon will he be awake?"

"I have given him something that should revive him very soon. Any time now. Good luck with what you have to tell him. That is something I would not like to look forward to. I don't envy you one bit."

Luna was now alone with him and he was soon to be awake. She hoped he took what she had to say better than she expected, but did not count on it. What his reaction would be, she could not guess. She was soon to find out, as she saw Harry start to stir. Once he was alert, she approached him. "Hello Harry, long time no see."

"Luna? Hello, it's good to see you. But you look different. Older. How long have I been away?"

"Are you trying to tell me I look old Harry Potter?"

Harry smiled at her, "No, just older. More mature. And I must add, very good looking. But you didn't tell me how long I was out."

"Thank you for that compliment Harry, and to answer your question, you have been missing for ten years."

"TEN YEARS! Merlin's gray beard. I can't believe I have been gone that long. Tell me Luna, who did we lose in the war."

"Thanks to you Harry, we lost no one. Well, we did, but just before you disappeared, you started to glow. Then the next thing we know, you were gone, and the people that died, were back with us. Hermione, being the woman that she is, was looking at her watch for some reason, and saw that we lost ten minutes somehow. In that time, all the Death Eaters that took a life that evening, died, and all that were there to protect lives and died, were returned to us. All except you."

"You mean to tell me that Remus, Tonks, Fred, Colin and the rest are alive? What about Snape?"

"He is alive as well, Harry. And all the rest are too. We don't know what happened, but it is of my opinion that since you were the master of the Hallows, you were also the master of death. By being that, you were able to save those you cared for. When you disappeared, you left behind the three hallows. Kingsley has been keeping them for you. He doesn't think with you being the master, that even if they fell into the wrong hands it would matter. No one else could control them."

"Luna, I think they should be put up and kept under lock and key, except for my cloak. I have grown attached to it. But the stone, and the wand need to be kept some where safe. Now, I need to get to the part I know will hurt. What has happened since I disappeared. Every one has moved on, haven't they?"

"OH Harry. I have dreaded this moment since you returned. Yes Harry they have all moved on. Ron and Hermione have married, and they have two children. Fred and George have married, and they each have two children. They married Angelina and Katie respectively. Remus and Tonks now have two kids. You knew about Teddy, and now they have a daughter named Leia Roseanne. Neville is married to Hannah and they have one boy. They named him Franklin Neville."

"Neville married Hannah? I thought he would marry you? What happened?"

"I guess that he and Hannah got close during that last year, and some how I was forgotten. Not that I mind, as I married Rolf Scamander. We have two boys. Twins named Lorcan and Lysander."

"Who's Rolf Scamander, and why does that name sound familiar?"

"It should, as his grandfather is Newt Scamander, the writer of the book used in Hagrids classes. Well not Hagrids anymore. He moved to Norway, with his brother, to live with the Giants."

"Well, you have told me about everyone except the one I wanted to hear about the most. So, I expect that there was a reason for it. She is married, isn't she?"

The tears in Luna's eyes told Harry everything he needed to know, "Who?" was all he asked.

"I'm sorry Harry. It was Dean Thomas. About five years after you left us, and after the Ministry had declared you dead, they got together, and a year later they married. But just to let you know Harry, she never stopped loving you."

Luna saw a look in Harry's eyes that she never saw before, and hoped she never would again, "Well, she has to stop this at once, if she wants her marriage to work. I will not be a part of breaking her and Dean up. When will I be able to see everyone?"

"Soon Harry. Kingsley is notifying every one as we speak. Perhaps you should get some rest, to prepare for the meeting. I don't think they will all be allowed in at once though. The healers are worried that too much too soon may set you back in your recovery."

Still holding that same look, Harry agreed with Luna, "They are right, and besides, I want to spend some face to face time with everyone, rather than try to talk to them all at once." Then Harry's face softened, "Thanks Luna, for being honest with me. Not trying to hide things from me."

"You know I wouldn't do that to you Harry. You have done so much for me in the past, to include saving my life, that I could never lie to you, or keep something from you that is important for you to know. I know it hurts Harry, but we will all help you to get over it."

Then Harry said the one thing that hurt her the most, "No Luna, I can't allow that. If they are to move on with their lives, then I can't be there to stand in their way. Yes, I wish to see them all and ask Remus and Tonks if I could move in with them. They are the closest to family I have now."

"What about Molly and Arthur? They treated you like family Harry?"

"Luna, how could I stay with them, when Ginny will be around often, and maybe even more if I am there. I will not be the cause of any break ups. I don't care how much you say she loves Dean, she left him once for me, and I don't want it to happen again."

"But what about the rest of us Harry? We all love you too. You could stay with Rolf and I. We have room in our home."

"Thank you Luna, but Rolf doesn't know me, and I don't know him. I wouldn't feel right in that situation. If I was Rolf, I would question my wife bringing a stranger into our home to live with us no matter who he was or what he has done."

"I think you are over reacting Harry. You could stay with any of us, and be happy."

"Then why are you so against me staying with Remus and Tonks?"

"I'm not against it Harry, it's just that you are closer to our age. We have more in common with each other."

"I'm not buying that Luna. There is something else bothering you. What is it?"

"Harry, Remus is a Professor in Hogwarts, as is Tonks. They live in the castle. We will hardly ever see you."

"Then all the better. Out of sight, out of mind. It's just what I need. Of course I will have to get permission from the Head master. Who is that by the way?"

"It's Head Mistress. Minnie is the Head Mistress. Remus is the Deputy. He is also the DADA Professor, and Tonks is the Charms Professor."

"What happened to Professor Flitwick?"

"He retired, as did a few others, including Hagrid. Minnie got Charley to take his place."

"So many changes. You may be right about me living with Remus and Tonks though, if Charley is there also. There may be chance meetings that I wish to avoid. I may have to live on my own."

SHIT! thought Luna, 'Me and my big mouth.' "Harry, you have enough time to think on this, please don't make any hasty decisions."

Before Harry could reply, Kingsley entered the room with two guests. Arthur and Molly. It took a great deal of strength on Artur's part to keep his wife from running over and pulling Harry into a hug. Harry could see the joy in their eyes as they looked upon him for the first time in ten years.

Molly had to accept Harry's hand in place of her hug. The tears in her eyes spoke louder than words. She was so happy to see him. "Harry, you can't believe how happy I am to see you, dear. I was so thrilled when Kingsley came and told us that Luna and he found you. These past ten years have been so hard for all of us. With you back with us, we can move on much happier." she lost her happy feeling, when she saw the look on Harry's face.

"Can you really Molly? Can you move on with me back? How will Ginny take me being back? How about Ron and Hermione? How about Dean and the children?"

"Of course they will love seeing you back Harry. Why wouldn't they?"

Then Arthur said his piece, "I think I know where Harry is going with this, and I also see the problem he is facing. But Harry, ten years is a long time, and they have moved on with their lives."

"Arthur, Luna has already told me that Ginny has never stopped loving me, and as I told her, Ginny has already left Dean once for me, and I will not be the cause of that happening again. I love you all too much to bring any heartbreak into your lives. I have decided to ask Remus and Tonks If I could live with them, and if not, the I will find a place of my own. I meant it when I said I loved you. You were the parents I never had. You taught me the meaning of love and family, and for that I will always be grateful. That is the reason why I can't stay with or around you. The pain it will bring me, and you and your family would be too much to bear."

Like he said before, Arthur knew what Harry was talking about, and he knew deep down inside Molly did as well.