Chapter 7 – Luna
Harry arrived at the gargoyle that guarded the entrance to the headmistress' office and realized he didn't have the password. He decided he would just ask.
"Headmistress, this is Harry. I need to speak to you. It's urgent."
The eyes of the gargoyle glowed and the door opened. Harry proceeded up the stairs quickly and knocked on the door.
"Come in Mr. Potter. Now, what is so urgent?"
"I have some important business that I need to conduct. I need to leave school for the afternoon. I ask this as a favor for Lord Harry James Black-Potter."
"Really. You feel the need to invoke your title? I don't suppose I can ask what you are up to. Alright, go ahead. As you are most likely aware, I cannot deny the request of a lord."
"I understand, but I still felt you deserved the respect of being asked. I appreciate the favor and all will be explained before long. I should be back by dinner. Ginny and Hermione are aware."
Harry nodded, turned and left. He quickly made his way out of the castle and to Hogsmeade, where he then apparated to Grimmauld. Once there, he changed into his official dress robes that included the crests of both his houses. He then made a floo call to Malfoy Manor. He was surprised when Narcissa was the one who answered.
"Mrs. Malfoy, I wish to request an audience with your son as soon as possible. It is a matter of grave importance and could be quite profitable for him."
"Really? Well, Draco is always happy to discuss profit. Let me check with him."
Narcissa left the room for a couple minutes and returned.
"Draco is in a meeting at the moment. He can see you in a half hour. He asks that you apparate to the gates."
"Excellent. I will be there. Thank you Mrs. Malfoy."
Harry pulled his head from the fireplace and went to his office where he found a draft slip for his Gringotts account. He then spent the next twenty five minutes pacing while he waited. Precisely a half hour later, he apparated to the gates of Malfoy Manor. The place still gave him chills and he hated returning to it, but he remembered why he was here and what he would be saving Luna from. He walked to the gates and looked up at the stone dragons. The gates swung open and he strode purposefully toward the manor. Upon reaching the doors, a house elf swung them open and bowed low. Harry stepped in, doing his best to project the confidence of his titles. Narcissa came down the stairs and looked him over carefully. Harry smiled and decided to address her in a common manor since she no longer held a title since Lucius was imprisoned and the lordship had not yet passed to Draco.
"Mrs. Malfoy, thank you for seeing me on such short notice. Can you please have an elf let Draco know that Lord Harry James Black-Potter is here to see him."
Narcissa glared, but turned to the elf.
"Mingy, go tell Draco that his appointment has arrived."
Harry nodded and said nothing more as he waited. Five minutes later, Draco appeared and gestured Harry to the library. Once they entered, Draco sealed the door and turned to him.
"Alright Potter, let's drop the titles and get down to business. I know you don't like being here, so you must have a good reason to come. My mother mentioned profit. So, what is it you want?"
"I want a consort. Specifically, Luna Lovegood. I am here to offer to buy her contract. Your family negated a loan of 22,000 galleons for her contract and I'm willing to write you a draft for that amount."
Draco smirked.
"Ah, I see. So the two witches you have aren't enough? Well, I always knew the bookworm would be an icy one in the sack. The Weaselette surprises me. I guess what they say about fiery redheads isn't true after all. Anyway, I can't understand why you want Lovegood. I had her and it was fairly pathetic. I fucked her most of the night and the next day. Filled every hole she has and she barely whimpered. Still, what makes you think I'm willing to sell?"
Harry took a silent, deep breath to control his anger at Draco and his comments. He decided he would have to play off him.
"Well, if she doesn't bring you pleasure, then why not take the cash? Certainly for that amount you can find someone who does pleasure you."
"Hmm, true. Amazing, Potter actually has a decent idea. Still, I do want to see some profit. She cost 22,000. I don't think I could let her go for less than 25,000."
"24,000, final offer. Immediate transfer of the contract."
Draco's eyes glinted and Harry saw a hunger in him. He knew he had won.
"Deal. 24,000. Merlin knows she isn't worth it, but I'll gladly take your money."
Harry pulled out his bank draft and filled it out. He then pressed his signet to it and sealed it with a tap of his wand. Draco opened a drawer in a desk and pulled out a piece of parchment. He wrote briefly on the bottom and pushed it across to Harry. Harry looked and saw the note on the bottom indicated the date and time of the contract sale and transfer to Lord Harry James Black-Potter. He signed under Draco's signature, then tapped his wand and pressed his signet to it. The contract glowed and he rolled it up and put it in his pocket.
"Well, pleasure doing business. Good day Lord Black-Potter."
Harry nodded, turned on his heel and left. He made his way out of the manor and apparated to Diagon Alley. Once there, he made his way to Gringotts and asked for his account manager. The goblins made a copy of the contract and verified the draft of 24,000 galleons. With the contract officially registered, Harry breathed a sigh of relief. Draco couldn't back out now. And he had paid 1,000 galleons less than he had originally planned to offer. With the business complete, Harry next went to visit his vault. He knew consorts were not granted rings usually, but he still felt like Luna should have something. He found a ruby ring in an unusual setting that he though Luna would like and tucked it into his robes. He then withdrew a handful galleons and exited the vault.
Once he left Gringotts, his next stop was St. Mungo's. He apparated to the outside and then made his way to the reception desk. He was known on sight to the whole of wizarding England and the receptionist happily informed him that Mr. Lovegood was on the fifth floor. Harry made his way upstairs and was almost to Mr. Lovegood's room when a young healer stepped in front of him.
"Hello Mr. Potter. Can I help you? This ward is the critical care unit. Patients may only be visited by family."
Harry steeled himself and ran a finger across his signet as he prepared to speak.
"Young man, step aside. You are in the way of Lord Harry James Black-Potter."
The healer was actually at least five years older than Harry, but the magic that Harry was emanating caused him to quake. Harry brushed him aside and continued until he saw X. Lovegood written on a panel by a door. He stepped inside carefully and saw Luna, sitting and holding her father's hand. Mr. Lovegood looked pale and waxy and was in a coma. Luna looked up and just blinked at Harry.
"Harry, what are you doing here?"
"I came to talk to you. First, what do the healers say? Can I help?"
"I wish you could Harry. There's nothing they can do. I am going to stay here until daddy passes. It won't be long."
Luna trembled and a few tears fell. Harry crossed to her and knelt as he put an arm around her.
"Luna, you can talk to me."
"Thanks Harry. It's just hard. I don't want him to suffer anymore, but once he is gone I have to present myself at Malfoy Manor. I'm sure Draco won't let me finish school."
"Actually Luna, that's why I'm here. I was at Malfoy Manor a little over an hour ago to talk with Draco. After a bit of negotiation, he agreed to sell your contract. If I could, I would destroy it and release you completely, but I understand that isn't possible with magical contracts. It means that when your father passes, you will become my consort. I wish I could do more, but I hope…"
Anything more Harry was about to say was cut off as Luna grabbed him and kissed him long and hard. She was sobbing and shaking and Harry thought the reaction was a good one, but he wanted to check. He pulled back and looked at her.
"Luna, are you alright? I know it's not ideal."
"Ye…yes Harry. I never thought I'd be a consort, but I know I can be happy with you. What about Ginny and Hermione though?"
"This was their idea. They talked to me about it over a week ago and I've been thinking on it. I checked with them early today and they were still fine with it. I didn't make this decision quickly. Also, I want you to know, you may not officially be married to me, but I don't plan on treating you any different. When I proposed to Ginny and Hermione, I gave them rings. I feel it is only proper that you have something as well."
Harry pulled out the ring he had selected and Luna was crying again. He slipped it onto her right hand and she just stared. Then she looked up and smiled at him before leaning in to kiss him again. He pulled his wand and summoned another chair to the side of hers, sitting down while he held her hand and watched Mr. Lovegood. After a half hour, Harry remembered his promise to McGonagall about returning shortly and realized he would be longer than expected.
"Luna, I have to go send a note to the headmistress. I told her I'd be back later in the afternoon. I'll let her know I'm staying with you."
Luna nodded and Harry left to find the hospital's owl post. He sent a fast owl with a brief note to McGonagall letting her know that he was staying with Luna until her father passed. He figured that she would wonder why, but explanations could be done later. He also asked her to please inform Hermione and Ginny. With that done, he returned to the critical care unit. Once again he was stopped by a healer, but this one was a senior.
"Lord Black-Potter. I heard about earlier and I am sorry, but we cannot allow non family members to visit. Even someone of your stature. There is a waiting room downstairs that has tea and coffee."
"Healer, Mr. Lovegood's daughter is my consort. I have the papers here if you wish to view them. I believe that makes it completely within my rights to remain by her side. Do you have an issue with that?"
"Consort? Really?"
The healer took a quick glance at the papers and handed them back. Harry was glad he hadn't noticed that the contract only took effect upon Mr. Lovegood's death.
"Well, I see. It's a bit unusual. Consorts are not common anymore. I suppose though that you should remain with her. I will let the other staff know."
"Thank you."
Harry returned to Luna's side and they spent the next three and a half hours in near silence. Shortly before eight in the evening, the monitors began to flash and an alarm sounded. Luna stood, leaned over and said goodbye as Xenophilius Lovegood expelled one final breath. Healers were in the room immediately and began to check him over before extending their condolences. Luna nodded and turned to Harry, who took her in his arms. He moved her away so that the healers could take care of the body. An older witch came into the room a few minutes later and put a hand on Luna's arm.
"Miss Lovegood. I'm June Smyth with family services for the hospital. I'll be in charge of helping with arrangements. Perhaps you and your young man can come to my office?"
Luna nodded and she and Harry followed the witch. When they reached the office and sat down, June finally noticed Harry.
"Oh, I hadn't realized who you were Mr. Potter. A pleasure. Although I wish the circumstances were better. Are you a relation?"
"Mrs. Smyth, Harry is my lord. I am his consort."
June's eyes grew huge.
"Oh, well I see. Now Miss Lovegood, I believe your father had a will and directives?"
Luna nodded and pulled out a sheaf of parchment.
"Daddy knew he was sick. He didn't want to leave it all up to me, so he planned everything. He wants a simple memorial and then to have his ashes spread over the creek on our property."
June looked the directives over and nodded. Yes, I see. This is straightforward. I just need you to sign a few forms.
Luna finished the paperwork and June assured her she would send an owl to Hogwarts when the arrangements were complete. With nothing left to do, Harry escorted her from the hospital.
"Luna, where do you want to go? We can go back to school now or in the morning."
"Let's go back now. I'm sure Ginny and Hermione are worried."
Harry nodded and sidealong apparated them to Hogsmeade. They walked to the school gates, announced themselves, and waited. Surprisingly, it was Ernie who flew down. He had a second broom strapped to his own.
"Hi Harry. McGonagall sent me down. She thought flying would be faster. She'd like to see you both in her office."
Harry took the broom and helped Luna on, then climbed on behind her. In a couple short minutes they were back at the school. It was already past nine and curfew was fast approaching. Harry gave Ernie the broom and took Luna by an arm as he led her to the headmistress' office. Once they entered, he was pleasantly surprised to see Hermione and Ginny. They ran to Harry and Luna and embraced them both. The four stood hugging for a couple minutes before the headmistress cleared her throat. Harry decided it was time to take charge. He stepped in front of his three witches and crossed to the headmistress. Lightly rubbing his signet, he projected his authority.
"Headmistress McGonagall, my sincere thanks for your understanding and your concession in allowing my absence today to handle business for House Black-Potter. I am now prepared to explain the reasons and what has transpired."
"Well good, I'm glad. But first you and Miss Lovegood need to eat. I doubt you ate at the hospital. I had the elves bring up trays from dinner. Now, sit, eat, and explain. And you don't have to play the lord with me. It's late and I'm tired. Can we just please have a friendly conversation?"
Harry smiled and removed his dress robes. He settled Luna in a seat and then turned to make sure Hermione and Ginny were settled as well. Then he took his own seat and pulled the tray closer.
"Thank you headmistress. I appreciate the opportunity to relax. Honestly, I don't enjoy playing the lord most times, but it does come in handy. Now, I need to explain what business I had to attend to today."
Harry took a bite of chicken and then began to tell all the details, starting with his learning of Luna's contract being exchanged for a debt payment with the Malfoys. He continued on through the events of the day, occasionally looking at each of his three witches. When he finally finished, he ate his last two bites of food and then looked at McGonagall. She looked a bit stunned and rubbed her temples.
"Alright Mr. Potter. Just when I think you can't surprise me anymore. A consort? Such a barbaric and antiquated idea. Although I understand it's not of your choosing. I can't believe Xenophilius agreed to it, but he was quite ill. I am truly sorry that this all has happened to you Miss Lovegood. The professors have known something was amiss, but we had no idea the extent. I wish there was some way to cancel the contract, but Miss Granger is correct that the old laws are quite rigid. At least I know you will be happy with Lord Black-Potter. Miss Granger and Miss Weasley, you both are really alright with this?"
"Yes mam. Harry asked us both multiple times. He took quite a while to consider it. We know it won't be easy, but we care about Luna and we know we can make this work. Hermione will provide an heir for the Blacks, I will provide an heir for the Potters and Luna will keep her name and provide an heir for the Lovegoods. And we know Harry will be an excellent father to all our children."
"Of course, that isn't all we're going to be doing. While I certainly don't mind the whole baby making idea, I know I have three brilliant witches who will be doing other things as well."
"And see, this is why we love him."
"Well, it is certainly unusual, but better than the alternative. Now on to more practical matters. I realize that the three of you are sharing a bedroom in the prefects' wing. I suppose you will want Luna moved there?"
"If that is what she wishes, yes. We haven't talked about arrangements. There are the empty rooms that were meant for Hermione and Ginny. Or she can stay with us. Luna, I don't want to pressure you into anything. I would like to have you close so that I know you are cared for."
"I understand Harry. I'd like to be close to you all."
"Okay, it's late. Curfew is in two minutes. Miss Lovegood, if it is alright, I'd like to call Winky and have her collect your things and bring them to the prefects' wing?"
"That would be a great help, thank you."
"One last point of discussion. Do you plan on making an announcement about this?"
Harry looked at each of his three witches. Hermione spoke first.
"We probably should. Anything Harry does is news. Let's discuss it in the morning."
They all agreed and McGonagall wished them a good night. They left her office and made their way to the prefects' wing. Ernie and Dennis were in the common room playing Gobstones. They both looked up at the foursome, but Harry wasn't ready for questions.
"We'll explain tomorrow guys."
With that, Harry led his three witches to the bedroom. Winky appeared shortly after with Luna's things, but she decided to unpack in the morning. They all changed and crawled in bed. Hermione placed herself on the outside next to Luna, who was next to Harry, with Ginny on the far side. They were a bit crowded, but they all cuddled together and felt quite cozy. Harry leaned over and tenderly kissed all three of them before waving the light off.