How the Wind Turns
Tigger Warnings; swear words, some sexual references, kissing
Potter Manor
Lrord Harry Potter of Godric's Hallow walked across the ballroom of his manor. A large red brick building that had been started nearly three centuries earlier, construction had never stopped. Although now it looked quite sad due to the recent Wizarding War, with bricks pock-marked with the occasional hole in the roof or ceiling caused when Lord Voldemort, the leader of the rebels, had placed the building under siege. Harry walked to an outside courtyard where he saw nearly fifty house elves busy at work levitating and repairing stones. Even though he was paying them a handsome wage, they could only work so quickly. Only a year had passed since the war had ended, not nearly enough time to repair all the damage.
Pop. Lady Hermione Granger appeared out of thin air beside Harry. She slid her left hand though the crook of his right arm. "How goes it?"
"Should I even answer?" Harry said. "You were just here two hours ago."
Lady Granger rolled her eyes. "Well, you haven't proposed yet. Maybe I should research ways to make you."
"What? The Imperius Curse?"
"Too balant."
"Love Potion?"
"Too silent."
Harry laughed, reveling in the banter. "We do really make a good couple. Still, I don't love you Lady Granger. Do I really have to call you that? What if I find someone else?"
Hermione nodded. "Yes. Until we get married of course. Anyways, who would you go after? Who else wouldn't try to make me a housewife?"
Harry knew her words had some kernels of truth in it. The war had taken its toll with many nobles having died in it. As a result, many families had coupled as quickly as possible. Harry knew Lady Granger, as the wealthiest dame in the land, was under a lot of pressure to marry as quickly as possible-even though she didn't want to.
"Look Hermione," Harry said. "I made you a promise and I will honor it. If nobody catches either of our hearts at the Longbottom Ball tonight I'll marry you sometime in the future. Then we can do whatever we like, even have a baby if you want."
Hermione giggled, decided to let Harry's slip slide, and kissed him on the cheek. "Thanks Harry."
Just one more night of foolishness and I'll be off the market, Harry thought. He knew that Hermione would make a good partner-even if they didn't love each other.
Prince Neville Longbottom rolled his eyes, throwing the letters from the morning owl post into the fire. He hated this part of the job, thrusted upon him when his family was picked to succeed the Lovegood Royal Family, which had been slain by Lord Voldemort himself. The reigning monarchs were murdered and their daughter and heir, Luna, had gone missing. Despite this, Neville was now hoping to tackle another matter. But with the Longbottom Ball tonight, Neville had forgotten how such balls in the past were traditionally used to couple people together-and after the invitations had been given out what returned in addition to the traditional comings-had been a flood of marriage proposals from almost every eligible maiden from the age of 16-70 years of age. Thankfully Neville had managed to keep it quiet from his guardian Lady Augusta.
"What were those?" said woman asked.
Now over a hundred years old, Augusta had never lost her sharp tongue nor her majesty, something Neville was grateful and fearful for at the same time. Her lack of manners kept many a scoundrel away but her clinging to the old ways drove Neville crazy sometimes.
"Just wedding proposals from people in their 60s and 70s."
"You have to pick one."
Neville knew he had to get her off his back lest she try to pick someone she liked. "I am Grandmother. Why do you think I created the ball tonight?"
"So you can pick a bride," Augusta said. "I remember what you said. You'd better keep that promise."
"Don't worry grandmother," Neville said. "I will."
Neville sighed, his mind drifting to the dreamy lady who'd he'd met just a week ago in the woods. A single line of what she had said had stayed with him and refused to let go of his mind.
We will never be what we can unless we dream...
"Neville!" Augusta said, snapping Neville back to the present.
"Yes Grandmother?"
"Make sure you find a proper bride at this ball. It's been hard enough to turn away all the invitations that have come in."
Augusta left the room without cain or any other means of assistance. Neville smiled, knowing he had a way to get out of this predicament tomorrow. With the ball having yielded no success he would hopefully get the Queen Mother off his back. As he left what he didn't know was how fate can ruin even the best laid of plans.
Central Square, Trafalgar City
In the gutters of the square, was a young woman completely caked with dirt. She didn't look anyone in the eye, just lay there wishing to disappear. Until a formidable shadow stood over her, in which she looked up-and gasped. In front of her was Lady Ginerva Molly Weasley, dressed in a maroon off the cuff dress that probably cost more than the shop that she had worked in. And she was walking in the mud.
"Dear, dear, it's okay," the noblewoman said, helping the girl to her feet.
"But..why me..."she said, not believing what was happening to her. "Lady Ginevra..."
"No!" the Lady shrieked. "Call me Ginny. Only stuffy old nobles call me Ginerva. Fuck it!"
The girl's eyes widened at the swear word.
"What is your name dear?" Ginny asked.
"Luna?"
"Why were you crying dear?"
Luna didn't want to bother Lady Gine...Ginny with her problems. But a stern look from the redhead told her otherwise and soon Luna had spilled everything to this complete and total stranger.
"Worry not," Ginny said, pulling out a stick from her dress. "You shall go to the ball."
"What?"
"Come to my estate," Ginny said. "We'll take care of you there."
An hour later...
Ginny and her servants almost done. Luna had watched with awe as the young countess had done her work. Her seamstresses had taken measurements and with magical help had a dress done within an hour. Periwinkle blue coupled with dark black made her dress resemble the night sky while Ginny magicked onto it simmering white dots to resemble stars.
"It's gorgeous," Luna said, fingering the fabric. Washing away the mud had revealed gorgeous platinum blonde hair and pale white skin, something the dress was designed to contrast with. "I...how..."
"Have a good time," Ginny said. "How silly of me. You are now Lady Luna Weasley. You shall meet my friends."
"But...I'm..."
"Fret not. We don't care."
Ginny escorted the young lady to the carriage that was supposed to carry just her to the ball.
"Come on," she said, overruling any of Luna's objections or questions.
Longbottom Castle
The carriage only had a short way to go before it reached the palace. Dozens of carriages and people were streaming into the opulent Longbottom Castle. Largest in the entire realm of Albion, it had been enlarged over the centuries until it was nearly a mile across, with it's central ballroom large enough to easily accommodate over a thousand people. Over a hundred tables groaning with food and attended by waiters decorated the hall and the entire room had been ornately decorated, with the Longbottom royal most prominent, on the tables, and hanging from the walls.
Luna's mouth opened as she walked into the hall.
"Like it?" Ginny said, smiling.
"It's like nothing I've ever seen," Luna said. "Even better than finding the Crumple-Horned Snorkack."
Ginny giggled. "What?"
"It...never mind," Luna said. "So now what?"
"Let me go get some friends," Ginny said, leading Luna to a table.
Luna sat down as Ginny scooted away. Luna had scarcely waited five minutes when a man in white tie she very much recognized walked by her.
"Dreams are what we make it of," Luna said, causing the man to stop in his tracks.
Neville stared, first in surprise at Luna, then he was immediately absorbed by the dress she was wearing. "It's you."
"So it is," Luna said, standing up. She smiled at how speechless Neville was at the moment.
At that moment a band began playing. "Let's dance."
"But Neville," Luna said. "I haven't had much practice."
"Just sway with the music then," Neville said, extending his hand to Luna.
Luna took it nervously, feeling some sort of shock reverberate from the touch. A band started playing and Neville guided Luna out onto the dance floor. He put her right hand on his shoulder and her left on his waist. As they began to sway to the music in a waltz, Luna felt like she was having an out of body experience. Never had she been so aware of her breasts, her body's movements, how sweaty her hands were and...she shook that thought of her head. What is happening to me? Why are my southern regions doing the thinking?
Neville was having similar struggles. He could barely keep his eyes off of his dance partner which was having an effect on his movements as he tried to keep himself and her dancing correctly. It was clear Luna hadn't danced much but that didn't stop how beautiful she was. Her dress shimmered and reflected the candle light, illuminating her platinum blonde hair and radish earrings, making her look like part of the night sky itself. Is this what Mom and Dad felt when they both met each other?
The two at first avoided each other's gaze but eventually their eyes found each other and locked; blue eyes starting into brown. Neville could see Luna's eyes held so much emotion, it was like the depths of the ocean. They barely noticed when the first song ended.
"Come on," Neville said, knowing that he would get a scolding from his grandmother from doing this but not caring.
He grabbed her hand and guided Luna into an a deserted part of the castle. While they were on their way, a servant greeted Neville with his title.
"Prince?" Luna questioned as they went outside.
"Just a prince," Neville admitted. "My grandmother still runs much of the kingdom with what happened so many years ago."
"The Lost Princess?" Luna questioned. She loved the holiday set aside to commemorate the slain royal Lovegood family.
"Yes. That how my family was selected to rule," Neville said, suddenly somber and looking away. "It got my parents killed though."
Feeling sad, Luna touched his arm. "Things happen Neville. We can't do much but push through. Make our parents proud. I don't have any either."
Neville sighed, wanting to extend their outing. "The gardens?"
"It would be my pleasure," Luna said with some excitement, taking Neville's extended hand.
Meanwhile, Hermione watched Harry dance with various girls. Despite her declaration of no love, she felt some envy watching the young women of nobility flock to her best friend.
"Hi Ginny," Hermione said as a red-head popped in behind him.
"You've been staring mutinously for the last hour," Ginny remarked, causing Hermione to jump.
"Well..."
"Friends can fall in love," Ginny said. "Not very often, but they can."
"But..."
"Ask him to dance. Maybe even kiss."
"What no," Hermione said.
Ginny decided to play her trump card. "Fine I will."
"No," Hermione said, instantly regretting it as the result of a hour of built-up envy made itself known.\
"Good," Ginny said, smiling. She left to go chase down the man she was interested in. Mission accomplished.
When Harry had finished dancing and was heading back towards their table Hermione stood up before anyone else could ask.
"May I have this dance milady?"
Hermione looked up and wrinkled her nose in disgust at who it was. Lord Cormac McLaggen, regarded by many as a turncoat but with no proof.
"No," Hermione instantly said.
"I insist Lady Granger," Cormac said, forcibly taking her hand.
"Let me go!" Hermione said, beginning to struggle as Lord Cormac began to drag her to the dance floor.
Suddenly someone let go of her and Hermione fell to the ground. Beside her was a frog where Cormac McLaggen had been standing. Harry walked over to her and pulled her to her feet.
"Thanks," Hermione said as Harry levitated the frog outside a nearby window.
"They'll find him eventually," Harry said.
"I guess I owe you a dance Lord Potter," Hermione said.
"Certainly Lady Granger."
They joined together and they began to sway to the music. As they danced, something they had never done before, Hermione smiled at him.
"Thanks for rescuing me from that idiot," Hermione whispered.
"No problem," Harry said. "Should we make that announcement soon?"
"At the end of the party."
Outside meanwhile, Neville and Luna continued to move further away from the castle and more into the gardens. Fairies floated around them, creating a mystical atmosphere that made Luna look even more beautiful in Neville's eyes.
I have to do something to solidify this, Neville thought as midnight approached.
"Look at this," Luna said, approaching a flutterby bush.
"Handpicked by my mother," Neville said fondly. "That's why I keep it."
"Purple is rare. Yellow is more common."
Neville chuckled knowing that. "Come see this."
Neville lead (with some difficulty) Luna up to the top of a tower where shooting stars accented the view.
"This is gorgeous," Luna said, looking at Neville. She really wanted something by now but wasn't sure how to get it. She looked at Neville's lips, something that wasn't missed by the prince.
Neville leaned in and Luna felt her heart increase as their lips met for a perfect kiss.
"Thank you," Luna whispered, pulling him closer and kissing him much harder and longer.
It was then she remembered her social station and began to back away.
"What?" Neville asked confused.
"It's just...just..." Luna said. She could lie to him no longer. "I'm not a princess, just a servant baker girl."
Neville decided to do something before Luna could bolt. "I don't care."
"What?"
"How about this," Neville said, taking Luna's hand and interlacing their fingers together. "Sleep in the guest room for tonight and we'll work it out in the morning. I'd like to see where this goes."
"Me too," Luna confessed without hesitation.
As they walked to the private wing of the castle they came to a waterfall that was flowing over the entrance.
"What is this?" Luna asked.
"Thief's and Privacy Downfall," Nevile answered. "Washes away any magical spells or enchantments. If any spells where used on your dress they'll go away. Security measures."
Luna nodded; not sure how much magic Ginny had put into her dress. She walked through the waterfall and saw the starry effect on her gown vanish but not the dark black color. Suddenly she paused and grip her temples.
"Luna?" Neville said.
A rush of images flashed into her head. Luna gasped as many of them seemed familiar and featured a very young Neville, Hermione, Harry, and Ginny.
"Luna are you alright?" Neville said, helping the young lady to a nearby bench.
"Neville, I" Luna said as a truth hit her. "I'm the Lost Princess."
"What?"
"Neville. I am the Lost Princess," she said.
Neville was confounded wondering what this would me for Albion and for himself if it turned out to be true. As he tried to come to grips with what this meant, they passed a bush both turning to see Harry and Hermione in a mouth-to-mouth jousting contest, both seemingly trying to suck out each other's tonsils.
"Leave them," Neville whispered, having decided what to do. "We have work to do."
Luna followed Neville, their hands still intertwined. One thought dominated her brain. My life is about to change.