18

In the Great Hall all the house tables had been cleared away and replaced with just one smaller table in the center since there wasn't nearly as many people at Hogwarts. In fact aside from them there was only a small handful of other students left in the school. Most everyone else went home for the holiday. Aside from the students, there were a few teachers, including the Headmistress, as well as Mr. Finch.

As the group entered they saw that they were the last ones to arrive and took their seats at the table. Harriet looked at Professor McGonagall and smiled, making a mental note to thank her in private later. Professor McGonagall smiled back as the group approached the table, thinking about how far they had come in the course of their time at Hogwarts. "Now that we're all here, let us eat," she said. With that the food appeared on the table before them courtesy of the house elves in the kitchen bellow. The only difference was that there was less food due to the smaller number of people being fed. As they ate the students talked about what kind of gifts they had received. A few of the students were jealous that Ron had received Chudley Cannons tickets although one younger girl had mentioned that the Holyhead Harpies were a much better team which lead to a heated debate that Harriet had to interrupt before Ron got himself in trouble. When it got to Harriet's turn to share, she just said that she got the best presents she could have ever asked for as she reached down and gently squeezed Luna's hand. The younger girl spoke up again. "Um….excuse me….Miss Harriet…I was wondering….," she started to say as she blushed and stopped speaking.

"Just call me Harriet. I'm a student here same as you. What's your name?"

"My name is Nissa," replied the young Hufflepuff girl.

"It's a pleasure to meet you Nissa. What can I do for you? You wanted to ask me something?"

"Well you see it's my first year at Hogwarts and I have heard all sorts of stories about you and I was wondering if any of them were true."

"Well depending on what stories you've heard," Harriet replied with a smile, "Not all stories are to be believed but yes we've had our fair share of adventures at Hogwarts just as you shall have yours."

"Well…um…I've also heard that you were dating another girl. Is that true too," she asked nervously.

"Actually it is true. I'm Harriet's girlfriend, Luna Lovegood. It's nice to meet you," replied Luna with a smile at the nervous young girl.

"But um…how…er..why…I mean I thought…but…" Nissa was having trouble formulating a complete thought much less a sentence due to her embarrassment.

"Are you trying to ask why I'm dating a girl?" Harriet asked. Nissa just nodded and looked at the floor.

"It's ok to be curious. Knowledge is nothing to be ashamed of. Hermione taught me that and she's the brightest witch I've ever know." Hermione smiled and blushed at the compliment. "As far as who I date, it doesn't matter who they are or what gender they are. All that matters is the connection between the two people in the relationship. I'm dating Luna because we have a special connection like I've never had with anyone else. She's been with me through my adventures good and bad. She's always been supportive through my darkest hours and that's what you need. Someone who will always be there for you. Someone who you connect with. If the connection is right then you will find true love and happiness, like I have with Luna. It doesn't matter what gender they are."

"I'd like to express my thoughts on the matter as well if that's ok," began Luna, waiting for a nod of acknowledgement from both Harriet and Nissa before continuing. "When I first arrived at Hogwarts I didn't have a whole lot of friends but then I met Harriet, Ron, Hermione and so many others. Through all of our adventures we grew closer and became friends. Harriet has always been there to talk to me or help me whenever I needed it. She has always been willing to listen, even if she doesn't necessarily always believe what I say, and then she takes the time to consider it with an open mind. Many people have asked if I'm dating Harriet because she's famous or because she killed Lord Voldemort. That's not it at all. I'm dating Harriet because she is the most kind, wonderful, and amazing person I know. We were close before her accident but we've become so much closer as a result of it which just goes to show that sometimes the best things can come out of the worst. I love Harriet regardless of her gender because she's Harriet and she'll always be the one I love on the inside."

Harriet was trying not to tear up at Luna's words but wasn't doing a good job. "Well said ladies," came the voice of Professor McGonagall who looked like she might have teared up too. Nissa looked at the pair of them and smiled, "I can see why you love each other. It's so awesome! I hope I have a love like that someday."

"I'm sure you will Nissa. You seem like a very bright young lady," responded Harriet. "Why you almost remind me of Hermione when I first met her and now look at her," she stated motioning towards Hermione and Ron, "she's happier than I've ever seen her."

"Although it did take them a bit to figure it out," added Luna.

"Good things come to those who wait," smirked Ron.

As the dishes cleared themselves away and everyone began to leave, Harriet excused herself to go talk to Professor McGonagall.

"Excuse me Professor McGonagall, may I speak with you in private?"

"Of course Potter." With that they ducked into a classroom and shut the door.

"I wanted to take the time to thank you for letting Luna come by floo this morning. It was a fantastic gift and I was completely surprised."

Professor McGonagall smiled, "You're welcome Miss Potter but it's your friend Miss Granger you should be thanking. It was her idea. Besides seeing you and Miss Lovegood happy is inspiring after all the previous years you've had here. I think you deserve a break for happiness, don't you?"

"Yes professor. I completely agree. Still, thank you. It means a lot to me." With that Harriet did something that caught Professor McGonagall off guard, she hugged her. Professor McGonagall returned the hug from one of her favorite students. "Happy Christmas Potter."

"Happy Christmas Professor!" With that they left the classroom and Harriet wandered off back to the common room to find her girlfriend and her friends.