The Monument Keeperoliver Chapter 8
Remus and teddy were wrestling in the den, and Tonks had Leia helping her make cupcakes to take to Harry's for dinner. This was to sooth her after she had a fit when Harry asked for Dobby's help with the dinner. Leia didn't want him to go. Dobby and Leia had formed a friendship that went beyond friends. Dobby loved Leia, and she loved him. They were like brother and sister. When ever Tonks was looking for him, she always started in Leia's room, often finding them playing dress up. The outfits that Leia got Dobby to dress up in were comical to say the least.
Leia's help consisted of frosting the cupcakes. One cupcake frosted, and one spoonful for her. It was a mistake for Tonks to frost the cupcakes with chocolate frosting, as Leia's fondness for chocolate matched Remus'. That and the cleanup after wards looked to be a long task in it self. Leia had it in her hair, up her nose, in hear ear, and places she didn't know Leia could reach. Then there was the table, chair, floor, counter and sink that would need cleaning.
She didn't get any breaks when Remus and Teddy made their way to the kitchen, and started stealing cakes off the plate. She had rapped their knuckles a few times, but that did nothing to stem the loss of cakes to the two thieves.
Finally she had the three dozen cupcakes ready for Harry's dinner. Now if she could just keep the rest of the family out of them until it was time to go. She put them in a container, then put a spell on them making it impossible to open. Teddy and Leia both frowned when their attempt to get in the cxontainer failed. "Not fair!" pouted Leia.
Teddy agreed with her, "Ya mum, it's not fair. Dad only got three cupcakes, and Leia and I got four. He needs another one."
"And you were just trying to get one for him I presume?" Tonks eyed her son.
"Of course mum. Honest." Teddy said with his fingers crossed behind his back. He didn't want to take any chances getting caught fibbing to his mum.
"Ya well, if he wants any more, he can make them him self. I am done here, and there had better be 36 cupcakes in the container, when I get back from cleaning up your sister. You under stand me young man?"
Teddy's shoulders drooped as he nodded yes to his mum.
After an hour of fighting her two year old squirming bundle of energy, trying to clean her up, and changed, they made their way down stairs, and saw that Remus had Teddy sitting on the couch, and making sure he didn't make his way back into the kitchen, in an attempt to get at the cupcakes again.
"I must have caught him in them a dozen times trying to figure out how to get the container open. He was ready to shake it once, thinking that might get the lid off. I told him if he had done that, after all the work mummy did making them, he would have been in a world of trouble."
Tonks laughed, then sat down to rest before the dinner. Then she asked Remus, "Rem, do you think that Harry is doing this because he is lonely? The dinner I mean."
"That's what I was thinking as well love. It has to be really quiet being in that house all by him self. Before Harry's third year, I lived alone, and was desperate for company. If it hadn't been for James and Sirius, my school years would have been miserable. I don't like solitude. Then when Lily started to get to know me, I was never with out someone around me. Except when I had to go into hiding once a month."
"Thank goodness for the improved wolfbane potion Sev came up with then. It doesn't stop the change, but you maintain your true feelings and affections. Sort of like Sirius when he became Pads. Just a lovable puppy, only a bit bigger. I wouldn't mind trying you out in bed just once when you are transformed. I bet you could be wild. In a sexy sort of way that is." Tonks laughed.
"If I wasn't afraid of the results, I would consider it. I just think the beast in me would take over, and I wouldn't be able to pull out in time. I don't think you want to be pregnant with a litter." Remus retorted.
"Still, It could be fun. But, to get back to Harry, do you think he is doing alright. He didn't look to good the last time we saw him." Tonks pondered.
"At least he is trying to show us that he is coping with it."
"I know Rem, but he needs someone there to talk to. It's too bad the way Leia and Dobby get along so well together. Dobby could help him through this some what. He needs to find him a girl. I know he didn't know many while in school, and those he did know are all with someone. What about those he just knew of? From other houses I mean. Do you remember any girls in his year group that are not engaged or a part of a family?"
"There are a few, but, the ones I know for sure, are all with someone. Susan is with Justin, Hannah is with Neville. The Patil twins are Married. Harry had something going on with Cho Chang, but Things didn't work out with them. There is Daphne Greengrass and Tracy Davis."
"Nope. Daphne and Blaise are hitched, and Tracy married someone from Beauxbaton. Damn! There has to be someone out there that would like Harry?"
"Ya, only about a thousand of them. All wanting to be with the boy who lived. I wouldn't want that for Harry. He has to know the girl will like him for being just Harry, not Harry Potter the hero of the wizard world."
"I know, babe. It is just so frustrating. Harry has to be feeling at his lowest point ever. Three girls in his life, and they are all married to others. Although, Have you seen the way Luna and Rolf have been lately. It's like they are drifting apart. Rolf tried to keep them together, but it was like Luna didn't want any part of it. If it wasn't for the kids I think they would be apart right now."
"I have noticed something like that. But, I don't think Harry wants anything to do with breaking up a family. He would never do that to a friend. Especially if there are kids involved."
"But Harry would not be the one to break them up."
"Try telling Harry that. If something were to happen, and they split up, Harry would think it was all because of him. He would want nothing to do with Luna, and would hope that her and Rolf would get back together."
"I suppose your right."
TM-}
Harry and Dobby had worked together to get the meal prepared, and Harry loved the company. But he could tell that Dobby's mind was elsewhere. "Dobby, you don't have to stay here of you don't want to. I can see you're missing something. Like maybe a sweet two year old girl? You miss her, don't you?"
Dobby stopped what he was doing to answer Harry, "Yes sir Dobby misses Missy Leia, but Dobby said he would help Harry Potter sir, and Dobby will do it."
"Then thank you Dobby. I don't think I could have done it with out you. Not for all the people I am expecting. I hope everyone shows up. I have something very important to show them all. I want you to be there as well Dobby. You should see what I have to show everyone."
"Dobby would be happy to see what Harry Potter wishes to show everyone."
With the food finally finished, and the table set, all they had to do was wait for the guests to start arriving. The first to arrive were Remus, Tonks, Teddy and Leia. As soon as she was put down, Leia ran to Dobby to give him a hug. "Lele miss you Dobby."
"And Dobby missed Missy Leia too. Dobby is a bad elf for making Missy Leia sad."
Leia stomped her foot, "Dobby not bad. Dobby good elf. He helped Unca Harry. Lele helped mummy make cuppie cakes."
Harry watched as the two showed the affection for each other, and wished he had some one to share his affection with. He turned to Remus and Tonks, and took the cupcakes she was carrying and took them to the dining room. He returned to see that Ron and Hermione was now here, along with Rose and Hugo, their two children. Ron looked to Harry, "Sorry Harry, but the twins had to back out. They had a little mishap at their store, and they will be doing repairs all night. This was by order of the queens. There was no way out."
"That's OK mate, all the more food for you."
Hermione squeezed in a few words, "He best not. He is starting to get a belly on him. He needs to slow down on his eating. Don't you porky?"
Ron rolled his eyes, "Yes dear." Under his breath he said,"Like that is going to happen."
Next to show, was Arthur and Molly. Molly pulled Harry into a hug, and once again told him he needed to start eating. He was getting a little thin. Hermione heard that and told Harry, "You need to show Ron what the right proportions are Harry. Maybe he will be able to see his feet again."
"Hey, I can see my feet just fine." Ron had to bend a little forward in order to show her that he could do it.
Then the two that Harry wished were not together showed up next. Dean and Ginny showed up with James and Lisa, their children. She went to Harry to give him a hug, but it was too quick for Harry to enjoy. Dean shook his hand, and James shook it as well, and Lisa gave him a hug. Finally the last two showed up, Rolf and Luna with the twins Lorcan and Lysander, who ran right away to James and Lisa. Luna came over and gave Harry a big hug, which Harry appreciated. Rolf also pulled Harry into a hug, which took Harry by surprise. "Um, thanks Rolf. Good to see you as well. Now, why don't we all make our way to the dining room, where we all can eat."
Harry led the way, and all were soon seated. Harry rapped his knife against his glass to get every ones attention, "I wish to thank you all for coming. I know we haven't seen much of each other for the past week, so I thought a dinner together would be nice. After dinner, I would like all of you to join me in the library for a surprise. There is something there I would like to show you all."
Ron looked up from his plate, "Not the library, Harry, I may never get Hermione out of it, once she is in there." He rubbed his arm where she hit him.
"I believe there might be a big enough distraction to keep her from spending too much time looking at the books Ron. In the mean time, Dobby, shall we start the meal. And I saved you seat as well my old friend. I believe Leia may need your help." and with that, the food began to appear, and Dobby came in and took his seat next to Leia, as Harry said. Tonks was thankful, as she would get to enjoy her meal, while talking with her friends. They were sitting across from Arthur and Molly, who were sitting to Harry's left. Remus and Tonks to his right.
While they ate, he saw Ginny, Dean, Rolf, Luna, Hermione and Ron in conversation. He didn't like the expression Luna was wearing. And soon didn't like the one Ginny was wearing. He couldn't hear what they were talking about, but it couldn't have been good. Then Ron said something, and it got them all laughing, and the conversation took a turn to the better.
After the meal, there came the desserts. Tonks saw her cupcakes disappear, and looked to Leia who was telling everyone that she had helped mummy make them. Tonks saw Leia put two of them on Dobby's plate, and Dobby thanked her before he ate them. He had a surprise look on his face with the first bite, then he finished off the first one then began on his second one. Dobby told Leia that they were the best cupcakes he ever ate, which brought a look of pride to Leia's face.
Once the meal was complete, Dobby got help from every one to clean up, before they headed upstairs to the library. Once that was done, Harry lead them all upstairs. He stopped at the door and turned to his guests. "Before we all go in, I think I need to bring someone in first, to see what it is I have in there. Remus, would you please follow me in?"
Remus raised his eyebrow, but followed Harry in. Harry led him to the far corner of the room, where he saw what Harry wished them all to see. Remus ran to the corner and looked up at his friends. Harry told him he had 10 minutes before he brought the rest in, which Remus pulled Harry into a hug then turned and began his talk with his old friends. Harry walked back out to the rest, "Remus needs about ten minutes to enjoy what I have to show you all. While he does that, let me show you the work that Kreacher did on the home, before he passed on. He showed them all the bedrooms and Loos that looked spotless. He showed them the room he named the game room. Rolf was thrilled with all the muggle electronics, as was Arthur. He asked Harry how they were able to work in the magical home. Arthur was the one that explained to him about magical buffers. They protected the circuitry from the magical field. Disruptors were also in play, to shield the devices and wiring. Rolf asked more and more questions to both Harry and Arthur, until he had a good grasp of what was needed. He wanted to do the same for his home, so that the kids would have the best of both worlds.
Then Harry led them back to the library, "OK, I think Remus has had enough time to himself, what say we join him." He opened the door and let them file in. The last to enter was Ginny, and Harry sighed as she past, smiling at him as she did so. She never stopped though, and Harry felt the monster in his chest that he felt two years ago in his sixth year. This time however, there was no taming it. It would continue to grow as long as he was around her and Dean. That was why he stood far away from his friends as they thrilled at what Harry had in the room. Even Dobby was thrilled at what was hanging on the walls. He knew a little about Sirius, but nothing of James and Lily. He became excited when Lily took notice of him. Harry had told them of what Dobby had done for the trio, and she thanked him for his bravery and sacrifice.
Harry continued to watch as they all pulled up chairs to talk with the three portraits. He pulled up a chair as well,but sat far away from the rest. Lily saw this, and felt sorry for her son, as she knew the reason he was doing it. She looked down at the red haired girl that was once the love of Harry's life. Her Luna and Hermione, along with Dean, Rolf and Ron were talking with Sirius' portrait, while Remus, Tonks, Arthur and Molly were talking to James and her portraits. She was brought from her train of thought by Tonks who was trying to get her attention. Tonks looked over to see what Lily was watching, then she turned around to see how far Harry was from everyone. Tonks knew that Lily was worried about Harry, just as her and Remus were. She hoped that her and Lily would get to talk one on one later.
Even though she looked like she was having a good time, Ginny was torn by the distance that Harry put between himself, and his friends. She knew it was because of her, so she decided to call it an early evening, and give him a chance to have sometime with the rest. Getting Dean to leave was hard, as he was having a blast talking with Sirius and Ron. The kids were not too difficult, as they were starting to get tired. Soon she got Dean away from the others, and excused herself from the rest. However, her plan backfired, when the rest agreed that it was getting late and that they should all head home. Once again Ginny felt she was the cause of Harry being alone. Nothing she did ever turned out the way she wanted. She wanted to pull him into a hug and tell him she was sorry, but if she did that, she may never want to let go. She didn't have the resolve she had when her and Dean first got here. It took everything she had to just briefly hug Harry, and then let go.
Dean looked to his wife, and saw that she was in for a rough evening. She was going to need a lot of comforting. Not the intimate type. The loving, and understanding type. As soon as they got home, she broke down. She got the kids to bed, tears filling her eyes as she tucked them in. James and Lisa both knew that she still cared for him, and didn't say anything to her since they didn't know how to comfort her. They knew their dad would take care of it.
Dean tried everything to calm her down. Finally he got her to sleep, but he wasn't to get any, as it was a restless sleep for Ginny.
Dean was at a loss. He couldn't stop her from seeing Harry, but when ever she did, it hurt her so bad that she had evenings like this.
TM-}
The next morning, Rolf was up early planning his day. He knew what was needed to complete what he wanted to do with their home. He wanted to make it compatible with muggle electronics. He found out where to get the buffers and disruptors. For the circuitry. However, he didn't ask for help from Arthur or anyone else who knew what was needed, or where they were needed.
He began his project, but with complaints from Luna as she didn't think he knew precisely what he was doing. He assured her he knew, and it took all morning, and most of the afternoon, before he was ready to try it out. The final thing to be done, was to connect the line to the utility pole outside the house. He could not do this, so he had a utility worker there to hook it up. Once the power line was connected, and there was no problems, the worker left. Rolf went back inside, and called everyone into the family room.
"Alright, I know I haven't been very much fun to be with today, but I promise what I have done will change all that. Are you all ready to enjoy what I have been working on today?"
Lorcan and Lysander both jumped for joy, as they knew their dad was bringing them into the muggle world of entertainment. Luna on the other hand was skeptical. She wasn't as sure as Rolf for the safety of her family.
Rolf first went to the television and turned it on. The picture soon filled the screen, and the sound came out crystal clear. Then he turned the game system on, and it also worked. Then the stereo. It also worked.
What Rolf didn't see was the glow in the outlets that was getting more red as time went on. He forgot to put a buffer on the main connection into his home, and the magic was causing the electricity to over heat the circuitry. The picture on the screen of the TV Began to go fuzzy, and Rolf went to the back of the TV To see what was causing the problem. He moved the family away from the set, just to be safe. He was lucky he did. Otherwise, they may have fallen to the same fate that happened to him. As he knelt down to see what was going on, he saw the glowing outlet, and quickly tried to pull the plug, but was too late. It, and every outlet in the home exploded. The blast caught Rolf in the face. He never stood a chance as he was on fire from the first moment. At each outlet of the home, fire was coming from each unit. It spread too quickly, and Luna, Lorcan, and Lysander were trapped. Luna tried to Apparate out of the home, but her concentration was not focused, and it was impossible for her to do it. She pulled her two boys to her and screamed for help. She knew it was too late for Rolf, but she hoped her scream would be heard by someone.
TM-}
Lily and Harry were talking in the library. Harry was not in the best of shape. She knew what was bothering him and nothing she said could get him out of his mood. It was late when he finally made it to the library. She was afraid of what he might be doing before he finally showed up. She asked James and Sirius for some privacy with her son, and they agreed to let them talk, as they went back to sleep.
Lily got Harry to open up to her. He poured out his feelings to her. He told her of how he felt he was just living with no purpose to it. He was lonely, hurt and helpless to do anything about it. With the three girls he knew the best all being with others, he didn't feel like looking elsewhere, to try and start all over again.
In the middle of this all, Harry took on a startled look on his face. He jumped up and left without an explanation. This took Lily by surprise, and she woke James and Sirius to tell them about it.
In the mean time Harry left his home and apparated to Luna's home, having felt her plea for help. He couldn't explain it, but he knew for sure that her and her family were in danger. What he saw when he appeared was the home engulfed in flames. He ran up to the home, and looked inside the window to see what was going on. It was a bedroom he was looking into and saw nothing. He then ran to another window, which was the family room, and saw Luna and the boys lying on the floor with Luna on top of the two, protecting them. He also saw what was left of Rolf. Harry banished the window from a distance, expecting flames to shoot out when he did this. There was a flash of flames as he predicted, but they soon calmed down. He made his way back to the window to see that the flames were spreading rapidly through out the room. He used his aguamenti spell to control the flames, and entered the room. He took the boys from the unconscious Luna, and brought them outside, then reentered the room and got Luna. He went back into the room and got the form of Rolf outside before it would be consumed by the flames. He knew it was too late to save him, but he needed to make sure that he would be intact enough for a funeral. It wasn't much, but at least Luna would be able to say goodbye to her husband, rather than a memory of him.
Harry left the body of Rolf, and went to Luna and the kids. Lorcan and Lysander were crying over the body of their mother as she lay there unmoving. Harry leaned over her, and found her not breathing. He had to try and bring her back to her children. He began performing muggle CPR on her, and after a few moments, he got her breathing on her own. After she coughed up some smoke, she began breathing deeply to catch her wind. She looked to her two boys, and pulled them into a hug. Then she saw the body of her husband lying there. She knew that he was dead. Tears formed in her eyes, as she looked on his prone form. She had loved Rolf. Maybe not as much as she should have, but he did provide for her and the kids, and he did love her even though he knew she did not love him with the same intensity.
Luna then saw her savior. Once again, it was Harry that had pulled her from the jaws of death. It was more then gratitude that she felt for Harry. He had not only saved her, but her boys as well. He even had the sense to pull Rolf from the flames, before they consumed his body. She would have it to send him on his next great adventure, and to wish it goodbye.
"Harry, how did you know we needed help. I screamed for someone to hear me, but for you to respond was something I never expected. I was hoping a neighbor would hear us." Luna asked with the tears still flowing from her eyes.
"Luna, I was talking to my mum about last evening, when in my mind, I heard your plea for help. I left mum without a word of explanation. She is probably worried about why I left in such a hurry." Harry looked back to the home, or what was left to it. Soon the sound of the rescue team was heard, and they began to set up to fight the flames. Medics came to the four sitting there, and Rolf's body was covered, and taken away. It was too late for the fire fighters to do anything, so they let the home burn, while protecting the other properties.
Since there were no burns, or injuries, Harry, Luna and the kids were released by the medics, only to be replaced by the media. Luna told them that it was an electrical fire that started the whole thing, and that her husband died while trying to put the fire out. This was the story that was printed in the next morning's paper. It also stated that it was because of a brave act from a friend of the family, who happened to stop by for a visit that Luna and her children were saved. Once again, Harry was a hero, only this time to the muggle world. Also to his friends, as they heard about it.
Harry had Luna and the kids stay with him in Black Manor. She accepted, as she didn't know if there was enough room with her father. With her there, visitors were becoming more frequent. Everyone wanted to make sure she was alright. Ginny had been the very first visitor. She was alone as she floo called for entry. Lily heard the call, and told Harry about it. He went down, and saw it was Ginny, and allowed her to come through. Without even saying hello, she asked how Luna and the kids were. Harry just told her they were in the library, and she ran up there to see for herself. Harry just sat there in the room, not wanting Ginny or Luna to see him in this state. Once again Ginny had affected him in ways he didn't like.
Finally, Rolf's funeral was to take place and the entire family met at the Burrow. They had a memorial service there for him, and then he would be buried by his mum and dad's grave. He was lowered into the site, and each person there went by, and grabbed a handful of dirt, and threw it on the casket as they passed. When everyone had done that, they all went back to the Burrow to finish the day. That is all except for Harry. He went back home and sat with his family. He wasn't there long, as Remus, Tonks and the kids joined him. They knew that Harry would be in a sorry state.
Even though Harry had his family there for him, he often needed a shoulder to lean on in his worst moments. Tonks had taken up that post.
TM-}
A/N: Well, like I promised this chapter changed everything for many of the group. With Rolf gone, and Ginny having so much trouble being around Harry, things are looking not too good. I hope i brought this off to every one's liking. It was difficult to bring about the fire in a believable sense. The mixture of muggle science and magical workings made it hard to write a believable story line. Things should start to pick up from here on, as Harry and the rest move on with their lives. Luna will become more prominent in the story from here on out. You're welcome Alan. As always, Ollie the Keeper.