The distant echoes of playful laughter gently teased Harry awake several hours past dawn. After a quick shower, he threw on a fresh black tee and a pair of dark blue jeans, noting that he hadn't slept this late for at least three summers.
As he descended the stairs, the jovial banter of Harry's favorite people forced a warm smile to overtake his features. Hermione, Sirius, and Luna laughed over piping mugs of tea, piles of freshly baked pastries scattered before them.
Sirius noticed the movement as soon as Harry came into view.
"Harry! You're looking healthy — as well you should, considering the late morning." He winked.
Hermione feigned disapproval, casting a furrowed brow in Sirius' direction. "Harry's earned a long night's sleep, Sirius."
"And uninterrupted rest is such a rare thing." Luna cast a meaningful glance in Harry's direction, biting her lip flirtatiously.
Harry began to blush. "Good morning to you three. Sirius, I'm glad you made it, and I'm sorry I wasn't there to greet you. I honestly can't remember the last time I slept in like that."
He sat at the table directly next to Luna, plated a few warm croissants and some flaky babka. A piping hot mug of tea appeared just before him, prepared precisely as he preferred.
Sirius laughed. "You know, Molly's alright but this sort of service is unparalleled."
Luna reached an arm around Harry's waist. "The house elves at Hogwarts are awfully fond of Harry."
Hermione crossed her arms. "While I can't say I wholeheartedly approve of their uncompensated displays of affection, I am quite impressed by your care for Dobby, Harry. Luna and I spoke at length about the new arrangement."
For nearly an hour, they sat discussing Harry's chief-of-staff, his new home, and his recent pursuits with Luna. After a lengthy discussion of the recent defense spells they'd mastered, Sirius shifted the conversation.
"Seeing four empty mugs and four empty plates, perhaps it's time to discuss your letter. Harry, tell me why you're concerned about a dementor attack."
Harry and Luna worked together to explain the events of the last twenty-four hours. Hermione stepped in to summarize the progress they'd made, and the plan that had come together.
Sirius listened with a steady, attentive gaze, interrupting occasionally to ask brief, clarifying questions. After he was fully caught up, he nodded slowly, reflecting.
After a long moment, he spoke.
"First off, you must know that your progress in this arena is astounding. Together, your comprehension of magical theory is far beyond your years. And I'm a bit embarrassed, as I can't say with confidence that I'd have considered the ward at all, though I've had over a decade to consider such things."
Harry, Luna, and Hermione were positively beaming.
"Second. Luna, I think you're a spectacular witch. Your mother was a personal friend, and on at least two occasions her sight led to the capture of notable death eaters at the business end of my wand. I can think of no reason to doubt your vision, though I don't claim to understand how it all works."
If it were possible for Luna to shine brighter, she did.
"Third. Harry, I must confess I find the specter of this attack terrifying. And though I know enough about the Sight to feel confident you'll survive it all, I don't think there's enough in the vision to know whether you'll make it through that Wizengamot session unscathed. I think, if you'll agree, that it's time to inform Dumbledore."
Harry's hesitation was just visible in his halted expression.
Sirius caught it. "I know, and I understand why you might feel some apprehension. But nobody has more influence than he does. Nobody has earned the respect of as many witches and wizards as he. I suggest we reach out to him, explain the contents of the vision, and give him adequate time to prepare a defense."
Harry nodded, offering tacit approval.
Sirius continued. "Finally, I like your plan. The ward, the potion, the spell — it all makes sense, and it seems to factor for all the variables that matter. I cannot help but think, however, that we must make available to Harry any potential advantages if we're to ensure success. With that in mind, I've brought something I'm certain will help."
At this, Sirius reached into his chest pocket and withdrew a small column of polished, dark grey stone.
"I've collected from the Black Estate a handful of important volumes related to Dementors. But the real reason I made the trip was for this."
He slowly turned the small stone artifact in his left hand. Harry noticed immediately that it had been hollowed, affording nearly a half inch in internal circumference.
"It's a wand handle, Harry. It's been passed to the heir of the House of Black for generations. And it's enchanted to spectacular effect."
He held out his hand. "May I see your wand, Harry?"
Harry pulled his wand out of his right back pocket, and handed it to Sirius right away.
Sirius held the wand in his right hand, the stone artifact in his right. He closed his eyes and whispered an incantation in guttural tones as he slowly brought the handle and wand together. Initially the movement was controlled. But at the last moment, as the magical incantation gathered momentum, Harry felt certain he could see the two snap together rapidly. The moment they came together, an echo of magical force stirred the room.
Luna, Hermione, and Harry exchanged weighty glances.
Sirius opened his eyes, handed his wand back to Harry.
"Until a moment ago, this handle would have only worked for me. I've just transferred its power to you, Harry. You are my heir, now formally so, and the power of my House will serve you accordingly. As far as this magical artifact in particular, Harry, I think you'll find it particularly helpful."
Sirius paused, reflecting momentarily. "The handle channels the intent of the wizard directly into the wand." He paused, reflective. "Intent, Harry, is the trick of many complex spells. Indeed, when you're casting nonverbally, intent is the whole of it. This handle establishes a direct, uninterrupted channel from the wizard's will to the wizard's wand."
Harry began to understand.
Sirius nodded. "The most powerful magic, the most complex magic, is as much an expression of memorized movement and perfectly pronounced incantation as it is an expression of the will — a magical manifestation of perfectly realized intention. Spellcraft like this is difficult to master, because so much threatens the formulation of the will and the expression of it. Wayward thoughts, fears, distant observations, sensory distraction — these are obstacles to pure intent. This handle eliminates those obstacles."
Harry held the wand in his right hand, feeling the effect immediately.
"So when I attempt to summon memories…"
"If they exist, you'll find them. The artifact doesn't eliminate your fear. It doesn't altogether eliminate distraction. If that were possible, I'm not sure it would be helpful. Rather, it sets these things aside, as soon as you begin to cast. The fear that may have crippled you, the distractions that may have inhibited you, shift into the distant periphery of your mind. The handle, Harry, unchains your will. It's a direct, unadulterated channel of intention."
Harry held his wand before him, noticing now that the handle had magically adapted to his grip. His wand, which had always felt an extension of himself, now felt stronger, more fit to him. Or perhaps he felt more fit to his wand.
He turned to Sirius. "Are you sure I can take this, Sirius? You'll need as much protection as you can get."
Sirius smiled, beaming with proud affection. "Nothing is more important to me, Harry, than you. If I could give you my wand arm, I would."
At this, Harry rushed to him in a tight, affectionate embrace.
They decided together that the highest priority was for Harry to master the offensive spell, Expecto Bellator. Luna at once offered her home, the only real possibility if they were to avoid the potential consequences of Ministry oversight.
Before departing, Sirius penned a quick note to Albus, sending an urgent request for his presence that evening by way of Hedwig.
As soon as the snowy owl departed, Sirius disillusioned himself and with Hermione followed Harry and Luna to the far hedge of the local primary school. Harry explained their method of transport on the way.
"It's a network of portkeys, sort of, installed throughout Britain. It's brilliant, really, because we can access one another from basically anywhere. Without them it's practically impossible to reach the Lovegood residence, as the wards protecting their property are extraordinary."
Harry hadn't noticed Luna's expression shift as they neared the hedge.
He bent down and picked up a rusty tin can, punctured on one end with a string of loose thread attached.
"Here's how it works. You speak into here —"
Hermione's brow furrowed. "Harry? You're not holding anything. And I'm fighting the strong impulse to look away altogether."
Harry frowned.
Sirius' disembodied voice jumped in. "I can't see anything either, and I've just thought of a dozen things I meant to do this morning. Harry, is it possible we're warded against these portkeys?"
Confused, Harry turned to Luna.
Her cheeks altogether flushed. "It's just that…" She took a breath, gathering herself. "It is warded, actually, and very few witches and wizards have been granted access to the network."
Hermione considered.
"But Harry's been granted access? Is there a secret keeper or something?"
Luna fidgeted, painfully uncomfortable. "Not exactly." She bit her lip, thought for a moment. "My grandmother was an extraordinary seer. When my grandfather built the network, she set the… parameters for access."
"Parameters?" Hermione eyed her suspiciously. "And what might those be?"
Luna stumbled. "I can't… it's just…" She hesitated. "They're proprietary."
Hermione's left eyebrow shot up, a knowing smirk tugging at her lips. "Proprietary, huh?"
Sirius's disembodied chuckle broke the tension.
Luna blushed a deep crimson. "I can't explain exactly, and it's not terribly important at the moment." She huffed, tugged the tin can out of Harry's hand, and cast a determined gaze at Hermione. "Everyone hold on."
"Home."
Expecto Bellator
Execution: Maintain perfect focus on a memory of profound joy. Clearly, slowly, and forcefully articulate the first half of the incantation, "Expecto," while sweeping wand arm fluidly from center mass to left shoulder. Return wand arm to center mass, pointing wand directly at target. Shift focus to a memory of unadulterated love. Shout the remaining incantation, "Bellator!"
Effect: If perfectly cast, a fully tangible Patronus will emerge from wand, shining a bright white light on the surrounding area. Patronus will dart full speed to the nearest threat, affecting violent harm.
They spent the remainder of the morning in the Defense Chambers.
Despite the extraordinary clarity that met Harry as soon as he gripped his newly upgraded wand, the spell didn't come easily.
Summoning the memories proved tricky, not because Harry didn't recall immediately any memory he sought. The wand handle's enchantment eliminated any such obstacles. Unexpectedly, however, Harry found himself perplexed by the nature of joy.
He'd defaulted to the memories that best represented friendship. Vignettes of laughter, camaraderie, deeply felt loyalty that characterized moments of his past. He recalled perfectly scenes with Ron and Hermione on the Hogwarts Express, laughter with Neville, Seamus, Dean and the Twins in the Gryffindor common room. He remembered how he felt when Sirius invited him to stay at Grimmauld Place, before Wormtail escaped and everything fell apart.
The best of these memories produced merely a dense white haze.
He described his efforts to Hermione, Sirius, and Luna.
Sirius thought for a moment. Finally, he responded. "Joy, I think, is more profound than happiness. It resonates deeper, often against the backdrop of pain or loss or fear."
Luna spoke, reflecting melodically. "Joy is victory over darkness. It's the shining light of hope piercing the veil of despair."
The gravity of her words fell heavy upon them, and they reflected together for a moment in silence.
"I think I have it."
Harry returned to the center of the room, swept his wand arm fluidly from center mass to left shoulder. With unwavering focus, he summoned the memory of Luna's delicate script, unfolding before his mind's eye.
The things we encounter, whether light or dark, they become a part of us. The hard things, the dark things, they shape us too. And I wouldn't know you, Harry Potter, if you kept them from me. And I want to know you.
Oh, Harry. You must know it isn't your fault. You must know that any curse you bear, you bear for all of us. If it hadn't been you, it would have been thousands of others. You saved us, Harry Potter. You saved me.
If you'll have me, I am yours, 'til Britain is bereft of ink and parchment.
He spoke. "Expecto…"
The piercing outline of a bright white light shone clearly from the tip of his wand. Returning his wand to center mass and pointing it directly at his target, he shifted his focus to a memories of unadulterated love. Harry didn't hesitate for a moment.
Luna stood, struck silent, in his room, gazing upon his threadbare sheets. "Oh, Harry." She cleared the distance between them in two paces, wrapped her arms tightly around his waist and threw her body against his. "Oh, Harry, I'm so sorry." She burrowed her face further into his neck and cried. "I didn't know. I'm so sorry."
Harry sat beside Luna in the quiet of her library, gently kissed the top of her head. At this she stirred, waking slowly with a soft yawn. She smiled, set aside Speculations on the Fairie Plane, and turned her body into his. Digging her face into his chest, she wrapped her arm around his waist. She spoke softly. "I really like you, Harry Potter."
It was a room of striking beauty, washed in iridescent light. Luna pressed into him, nuzzling into his chest. He'd never felt this comfortable. He'd never felt less alone. "Harry…" Luna leaned toward him, shifting her body. Her tee draped loosely, the contours of her chest just visible as she wrapped her arm around his waist. She looked up with wide eyes. His pulse quickened. "...would you like to kiss me now?"
With perfect clarity and extraordinary force, he shouted, "BELLATOR!"
An enormous raven emerged from the tip of his wand, deepest black against piercing bright white — an eclipse of stunning power — and rushed with tremendous force at the suit of armor standing before him. With a striking wave of staggering energy the suit of armor burst into pieces as the raven's dove full-force into its mass.
For a moment they stood before the shattered remnants, struck in silent awe.
Against the stillness, Luna whispered with wide eyes and parted lips.
"Asher?"