Chương 14: Chapter 14: Wrackspurts
"I feel like this would be more pleasant if it wasn't freezing," Harry mumbled through the scarf wrapped around his neck. He and Hermione were walking through Hogsmeade heading towards the Three Broomsticks. He was thanking his lucky stars that she hadn't wanted to go to Madam Puddifoot's Tea Shop. The older boys in the dorm had told horror stories about that building. It sounded worse than facing Voldemort.
"Well it is February, Harry," Hermione chuckled beside him. At least he thought she chuckled. Her scarf was also muffling sounds. "And this is fine. We can't exactly have a picnic with the temperature, the snow and the Dementors. There is no need to make this date awkward after all. Dementors really aren't conducive to a nice date atmosphere."
Harry laughed. Trust Hermione to make a joke about the evil soul sucking abominations. He held the door to the pub open for her and stepped in after stomping off the snow before they headed to a table.
"I'm really glad that Neville was okay with us…you know…dating…" Harry said.
"Harry," Hermione smiled and shook her head, "Neville told me earlier he had thought we were already dating and just hadn't realized it yet. It was rather entertaining though when he started to go with Daphne and Tracey and they also said they were going on a date."
"Yeah, especially when he got that scary smile and said it looked like it was time to ask Susan," Harry paused and ran a hand through his hair. "You know I thought Hannah liked him actually…"
Hermione peered around the area, nodded at the lack of people close by and leaned in. "I actually asked them already. They both apparently like him and they want to try to convince him to switch off between the both of them by the end of next year."
Harry's jaw dropped. "What?" He was incredibly thankful they hadn't gotten butterbeers yet.
"That was my first reaction as well." Hermione shrugged. "I looked it up afterward though. Apparently – while not often used – there is precedent for Heirs to take consorts if the women involved are the last of their line. I think it's rather horribly outdated – even if I can understand wanting to preserve the family name of old houses. I admit these sorts of things are beginning to frustrate me far less than they would have initially. I'm not certain whether it's a good thing or not that I'm starting to become immune to the fact that the wizarding world appears stuck in the Middle Ages in several areas."
"Didn't Tori mention something like that to us over the holidays?"
"I really don't remember. I was a bit preoccupied with her trying to set us up with her sister honestly," Hermione snorted. "As long as everyone involved finds it acceptable I suppose it's not really my place to dictate their lives. After all if it makes them happy, they might as well go for it."
"You think Nev would go along with it?" Harry asked.
Hermione just reached over and patted his hand. "It's cute that you think the boys have a choice in these matters, Harry."
"Err…" Harry was saved from replying by Madam Rosemerta dropping off two butterbeers. Snuffles bounded up behind her and promptly licked Harry's hand before sitting down beside the boy and presenting his ear. "Nice to see you too, Snuffles." Harry shook his head giving a rueful grin to the dog as he scratched the giant's ears. When the matron had moved on Harry turned back to his girlfriend. "So, um, I'm uh…what do we…err…"
Hermione raised her eyebrows at him and let him stumble along for a minute before bursting out laughing. "Harry, it's a date. You don't need to fumble for what to do or say." Snuffles perked up and peered between Hermione and Harry. He gave a delighted sounding woof and promptly moved over to lick her hand and sit beside her. "Apparently we have Snuffles' approval. Seriously, Harry, just act normally. We promised to be friends first, remember?"
Harry shook his head and returned her laugh. "Yeah, sorry. Hit me if I start being a prat again yeah?" She nodded sagely. "So, you never did tell me how you keep getting to all those classes going on at the same time. I know that you don't leave halfway through because you're definitely sitting beside me throughout the entirety of the runes class and Dean always asks you about what's wrong with the Muggle Studies teacher so you're obviously in that one too."
Hermione gave a noncommittal shrug. "I got a little help from Professor McGonagall. That's really all I'm allowed to say."
"Well can I try to guess?"
She chuckled. "Sure. I doubt you'll hit on the right answer anyway." Snuffles gave a bark of encouragement though which side he was rooting for was up in the air.
"Hmm," Harry rubbed his chin, "you didn't like split yourself did you? You aren't really studying while still sitting here with me are you?"
"No, Harry, I am not a starfish. I did not split myself," Hermione said, rolling her eyes.
"Did you get a magical clone who can give you its memories of the class?"
"No, but that's not a bad guess actually. I wonder if they can do such a thing with magic…"
"Hmm, did you…no that wouldn't work…well it's not like you're time traveling or something. If magicals could time travel so many problems would be…" Harry trailed off as he noticed the panicked look in Hermione's eyes. He gaped. "No. You aren't! You're time travelling?! To attend extra classes!?"
"Shh! Keep your voice down, Harry!" Hermione hissed. She quickly took out her wand and cast a few privacy spells that the twins had taught her. Snuffles cocked his head at her. "You're not going to let this go now are you?"
"Are you kidding? You're time traveling! For class! Tell me everything. Please," Harry reached over and clasped her hand putting on his best puppy dog, doe-eyed look.
"Ugh, fine," she sighed. "You cannot tell anyone. Do you hear me, Harry? If you tell anyone I swear I will – well I don't know what I'll do – but you will not like it I can assure you of that!" He nodded hurriedly at her glare. Hermione eventually judged him truthfully and sufficiently cowed before pulling a hand up to her neck and pulling out a small little hourglass on a golden chain. Harry only got a quick glimpse before she tucked it back into her robes. "It's called a time turner. They're very tightly controlled. I only have it because Professor McGonagall has a friend in the Unspeakables."
"Wow…I can't believe you got a time machine just to take a few extra classes…"
Hermione shook her head at him. "I take my studies seriously." Both Snuffle and Harry snorted at that. "Besides, it's not exactly a time machine. It's actually somewhat dangerous if you aren't careful. And it's quite limited. I can only go back six hours every day and I have to be careful to avoid myself. Plus I can't change anything. Anything I do in the past I already did so I'd simply be bringing about the exact same occurrence. Trying to get around this could theoretically erase someone from time entirely."
"That…doesn't really make sense, Hermione. And sounds incredibly dangerous." Harry was gazing at his friend trying to decide whether to annoyed that she had been putting herself into a potentially hazardous situation just to take some electives or impressed that she had managed to time travel under everyone's nose for over half the school year.
"Well the laws of time are not well understood and from what little I could make out of the arithmantic theory they contradict themselves anyway. I decided to just stick to the established rules." She shrugged.
"Still…you couldn't have just dropped a few classes?"
"Well…it's not going to be an issue after this year, Harry, so please don't worry." She shuffled and averted her gaze.
"What do you mean? Hermione?" Harry asked.
"I'm doing this enough that I'm shifting my birthday by a few months…I'm actually somewhat uncomfortable with that fact so I intend to stop after the year is over. Besides I already dropped Divination over a month ago and Muggle Studies is simply ridiculous. Did I ever tell you that the only thing they teach about World War II is that Gellert Grindelwald secretly backed Hitler? That's it! One of the most devastating wars the world has seen and it's relegated to a single line! Nothing about the atomic bombs, nothing about the Holocaust, nothing about tanks – the class doesn't even acknowledge the existence of guns! I have half a mind to suggest simply lobbing a grenade at Voldemort or hitting him with sniper round should he ever get a body back."
Harry ran a hand through his hair. "Actually I asked Shiva about that one already. She said some Muggle-born tried it during the war. He had done something to his body to block conventional weapons from hurting him. It worked on a few of his lieutenants though I think until he gave them similar protections towards the end…Muggle Studies is really that bad? I knew it would be a joke but still. Wow."
"Yes. The only reason I haven't dropped it too is because I want to finish a list of all the problems with the class," Hermione sighed. "No wonder purebloods don't take Muggles seriously if that's their main introduction to the group."
"Yeah." Harry frowned as he considered the rest of her statement. "Wait, you're shifting your birthday?"
"It's not much at the moment," Hermione said waving her hand dismissively. "A little less than a month. It'll only be about another half month or so by the end of the year; less if I don't travel back as much to get more sleep."
"Oh. So it's not like you're going to be an extra year older or anything," Harry said breathing a short sigh of relief.
Hermione grinned at him and Harry felt a spike of danger approaching. "Too bad huh? From what I hear, you like older women."
Snuffles chuffed and Harry groaned slumping down to hit his head on the table. "I am seriously going to kill both Shiva and Daphne."
"Okay so we're all agreed? We tell Professor Lupin what we believe?" Harry asked turning to regard each person surrounding the table. It was the beginning of March and the group was back in the secret meeting room with Daphne, Tracey, Hermione, Neville, Luna, Shiva and himself all assembled. They had considered bringing Susan in as well, but Amelia Bones had asked them to wait as she wanted to explain the situation to her ward herself. Receiving nods all around, Harry turned to Shiva. "Okay, can you go get him?"
"Back in a minute, guys," the Professor said striding out to grab her fellow teacher. She was still annoyed with him but was standing by Harry's decision to at least let him try to work up to some sort of relationship with the kid.
Shiva found him in his classroom grading papers. Giving a soft snort of amusement she leaned up against the wall and called out, "Those essays look a lot shorter than the two feet ones that were supposedly assigned, Lupin."
Glancing up Remus shrugged, replying, "Well seeing as how Severus had no business assigning that essay to begin with I felt it far more prudent to grade my students on the work they had already accomplished prior to my absence."
"Well we both know why he gave that work out."
"That we do. I admit I am somewhat surprised that no one else appears privy to my furry problem after his lesson." Remus sighed and leaned back slumping into his seat. "It is far more tiring to work with him than I had expected."
"Yeah well he hates me almost as much as you so I get that. And I wouldn't bet that no one picked up on the werewolf thing either. Hermione almost assuredly knows – completely disregarding her boyfriend she would've figured it out anyway. I'd also put good money on Daphne Greengrass knowing as well."
Remus looked up in surprise. "Truly? But if she knows – "
"Lupin, Daphne is bosom buddies with Harry and his group. You're a competent Defense teacher that is not trying to kill him. She's not going to say jack squat." Shiva pushed off the wall and strode over to him. "Now stop throwing yourself a pity party. Harry and I have something to tell you. Follow me." Lupin frowned in confusion but nodded and headed up to the seventh floor behind Shiva.
As they walked back inside she raised her eyebrows at the group.
"…and that is how my father and I discovered the Atlantean Micro-dragon. Its keepers were most displeased with us," Luna finished whatever story she had been telling. It had apparently required her to be lounging across the table and kicking her feet in the air. Daphne, Hermione, and Neville all looked extremely confused and mildly horrified.
Harry and Tracey on the other hand were roaring with laughter. "Luna," Harry managed to wheeze out in between his laughs, "that's not an Atlantean Micro-dragon. That's a komodo dragon! They're muggle lizards, not magical dragons!"
"I love this girl!" Tracey said clapping Harry on the back. "I am totally keeping her if you don't."
"I leave you people alone for five minutes," Shiva said shaking her head. Lupin stood behind her apparently trying to restart his thought process.
"What," Lupin started. He closed his mouth, took a breath and tried again, "May I ask what is going on?"
"Hello, Professor Lupin," Luna said, sitting up and waving. "Harry and Tracey were informing me that one of my earlier discoveries was incorrect and debating on which one of them had the better claim to me."
Hermione's hand came up to slap her forehead while Harry and Tracey started laughing even harder. Daphne grimaced and looked over at Hermione. "You reign in your boyfriend and I reign in my girlfriend?"
Neville turned to other two girls and cocked a thumb at Luna. "That leaves me with Luna. I don't think I can reign in Luna." Try as she might, Shiva couldn't avoid laughing at that one and even Lupin started to chuckle softly.
"Don't worry, Neville," Luna said giving the boy a bright smile. "I can reign myself in. Most of the time anyway. I make no promises when the wrackspurts are near, but otherwise I can stop whenever I want." At the mention of wrackspurts, Harry had immediately gotten his laughter under control and turned to the girl with a questioning glance. "See? I can even reign in Harry without even trying! One day I might even get just as good as Hermione!"
Hermione groaned in response and the rest shook their heads. Tracey finally calmed down as well and the two teachers took their seats, Shiva near Harry and Lupin on the opposite side of the table.
"Hello, Harry, Neville, Luna, Daphne, Hermione, Tracey. Professor Babbling mentioned that you had something to tell me?"
"We do, Professor." Harry glanced around to make sure that everyone was more or less back into a serious state. "Might as well just rip off the band-aid. We're almost certain that Sirius Black is innocent and was wrongly imprisoned for a crime he did not commit."
Lupin rocked back in his chair and sucked in a breath. His eyes widened and he turned to Shiva. She nodded in response. "Yeah. The teenagers figured out in less than four months something the rest of us dropped the ball on for over a decade."
"That's not possible." Lupin shook his head and his eyes narrowed in rage. "Sirius turned on us all. He betrayed us. He betrayed James and Lily. He is worse than his family ever was! It's not – "
"Professor Lupin," Harry's voice cut through the older man's rant. "Sir, you said you were friends with both him and my parents. Let me ask you just one question: who was more likely to betray my father, Sirius Black or Peter Pettigrew?"
Lupin's mouth snapped closed with a clack. Shiva had to repress a sigh. She may not have liked the man but she didn't relish him being put in a position of realizing his hatred for a friend for the last decade was most likely based on a lie. "It's not possible. Peter died. They recovered…"
"A perfectly separated finger," Hermione said calmly. "A finger so clean that it might as well have been…cut off."
"No…" Lupin sagged back. "He set him up. Merlin, he set him up didn't he? How did you figure this out?"
"We'll walk you through everything later, Sir. Right now we need a bit more from you," Harry said gently.
"Of course. Anything you need. But wait, Sirius would've defended himself at the trial! This can't be – "
"A trial the Heir Black never received," Neville said shaking his head. "We have friends in the Aurors who searched for the records when we first suspected something was off. There never was a trial, Professor. Director Bones has been trying to get the manhunt called off or at least to remove the Dementors from the equation. So far it hasn't worked. We're being blocked at several levels. What we need to do is find Sirius himself and get him to come in under our terms so that we can get a trial. It's too dangerous to risk letting him stay out there and get caught by someone who simply thinks he's a murderous madman."
"No trial?" Remus appeared to age a hundred years in an instant. "I should never have pulled back," he muttered. Scowling he turned to the group and spoke louder, "How can I help?"
"Do you know how Pettigrew might have managed to escape?" Daphne asked. "That's the main sticking point we keep coming back to. We think we've got the rest sorted but we have no idea of how he managed to get away since there were anti-apparition and anti-portkey wards already in place."
"I keep telling them he got smaller and ran away, but no one believes me," Luna said airily with a small shrug.
"That's because it's not possible for a human to shrink like that, Luna," Hermione explained in a strained voice. "I keep telling you, the laws of magic don't work that way."
"Professor McGonagall does it all the time. Every first class of the year in fact I'm to understand." Hermione was about to reply when she and everyone else in the room except Luna froze and just stared at the blonde. She looked back at them and cocked her head. "Did I say something odd again?"
"Luna…you…I can't…why didn't you say that before?!" Hermione got out before grabbing two fistfuls of her hair and pulling hard.
Tracey shook her head in wonder. "Wow, I told you, Harry, I am definitely keeping her."
"Professor Lupin…" Harry asked turning to his teacher with an exasperated look.
"Yes," Lupin nodded still staring at Luna slack-jawed. "Peter was an animagus. As was James and Sirius. Lily was still working on hers, but had almost succeeded."
Shiva chuckled. "Harry, you draw in some of the smartest, strangest folk, you know that, kid? Congratulations, Luna, you just figured out a secret that Lupin and his buddies here kept for ten years!"
"Ten? Try twenty."
Now it was her turn to stare in amazement. "Twenty?! But that would've put you in school still!"
"Exactly," Remus smiled at her with a genuine pride in his face. "James, Sirius and Peter all learned to be animagi in order to accompany me."
"Because werewolves can't infect other animals, only humans," Neville said nodding. "That makes a lot of sense. Talk about a show of support; animagus transformation is one of the hardest magics you can learn."
Lupin gaped at the boy as did Shiva. Like she had thought, Daphne wore a small pleased grin and Hermione was nodding approval. Luna and Tracey however stared between Neville and Lupin. Tracey was the one who spoke first. "Wait, you're a werewolf, Professor? Well I guess that answers why Snape was a bastard the other week and gave us that essay."
"Do you howl at the moon or is that just a myth?" Luna asked curiously.
"Guys, later. Neville, cool. Sir? What animal could Pettigrew turn into?" Harry asked taking charge and recentering the group.
"A rat. A white rat about this big," Lupin commented holding up his hands dazedly. "James was stag, approximately 18 hands at the shoulder. Sirius was a large black dog somewhat resembling a Grim."
"Okay so we are looking for a Grim and a white rat. Yeah because those are so easy to find," Harry said sighing. Why did that sound so familiar? Something was tickling at the back of his mind just like with Dobby and 'Moany' from last year. "Where the bloody hell are we supposed to start?"
Spring blossomed on the Hogwarts grounds though one group of students and two Professors were not feeling the levity a shift of seasons was supposed to bring. In fact most of the castle's population was still subdued. The Dementors were a continual feature, prowling around the edges of the grounds and wandering Hogsmeade. The Minister had been brought under increasingly heavy fire by the population over the Dementors and Sirius Black. It had leading to a stymieing of every effort by both Amelia Bones and Tonks to get Black's Kiss On Sight order revoked. The group had been trying to determine hiding locations on the grounds for either a rat or a large dog but every spot turned up nothing.
Desperate measures were beginning to be considered.
"Harry, as your girlfriend I feel the need to prepare you – "
"Yet again," Daphne interjected with a raised eyebrow.
"Yet again," Hermione agreed, "that this is not going to work and you shouldn't get your hopes up."
"Hedwig is the smartest owl there is," Harry said stroked his familiar's feathers. She hooted and fluffed up under his praise. "She'll find him. Even if he is still hiding as a dog."
"Harry, even if Hedwig had been a Mayan Wind Chatterer I do not think it would have increased her odds into a positive number," Luna looked at him sadly. She turned to the bird and petted her chest. "Please don't think I doubt your abilities, Hedwig. It is simply that a man smart enough to escape Azkaban would not forget to ward himself to avoid owls." Hedwig nipped at Luna's fingers and bobbed her head. She twisted back to Harry and held out her leg for his letter.
"I seriously can't believe we are sending a letter to Sirius Black," Neville said shaking his head. "This has got to be one of the strangest ideas you've ever had, Harry. There is no way this is going to work."
"It'll work," Harry said proudly. "You just watch. Hedwig will find him and we'll be able to convince him to come in with Amelia and Tonks and everything will work out. Tracey thinks it'll work."
All eyes turned to the black haired girl who held up her hands. "Hey I never said it would work. I said it would be entertaining to try and that we didn't seem to have any better ideas."
"You know not to encourage him, Trace," Daphne groaned.
"Well I am officially out of ideas people so short of taking out an ad in the Prophet – " Harry grumbled as Hedwig took wing.
"Why don't we do that?" Luna asked.
"What?" Five eyes turned to the blonde.
"Instead of an ad though I could write an article for the Quibbler. I'm sorry I didn't suggest it earlier," she looked at Hermione. "That was why you initially invited me into this investigation to begin with wasn't it?"
"You know, Luna," Hermione said with a look of amused frustration on her face, "I'm starting to think you are the smartest one among us."
"Well I am the only Ravenclaw." A less observant group would've completely missed the smug note in her tone. "I'll have the article to daddy by the end of the day. If he works quickly we can probably have the next issue out for tomorrow morning."
The Quibbler article did manage to be delivered by the next morning. Before lunch, half the school had read about how: 'The Ministry Covers Up Sirius Black's Lack of Trial' and 'Only The DMLE Head Is Working For Justice'. By dinner the rest had seen it.
Luna quickly found dirty looks directed her way. She had fully expected it as she was the author of both articles. It was part of the reason why she had avoided taking this step for so long. The other was she had gotten used to the protection being friends with Harry and Daphne had afforded her. The others were wonderful true, but people were frightened of Harry and Daphne in particular. Daphne had very deliberately spread the story of the fight with the basilisk to ensure that Harry and she received proper credit. They commanded respect and fear. For a time that had extended to Luna as she was taken under their wing. The wrackspurts…the bullies…had stopped. They didn't want to get on the wrong side of the Slytherin Slayers.
Now that was going to change. Nothing else had worked. Harry had been tearing his hair out for the past two weeks trying to determine what he was missing. What he was overlooking regarding the two fugitives. But he had come up blank. So Luna had acted. She had sacrificed her protection to help her friend. She would deal with the consequences as she had for so long until he had come.
She was left alone until 9:55 pm. Just prior to curfew. Marietta, Lisa and a girl whose name she did not know, came for her as they had all last year. They laughed as they stripped her, berating her for printing her delusions. For showcasing her oddity. For presuming to be friends with Harry Potter. For standing in the way of her betters. For daring to be different.
Luna refused to give them the satisfaction of knowing their barbs hurt. She never once let her eyes fill with tears nor did she cry out as they slapped her nor did she plead as they forced her out of the Common Room to wander the halls. They let her keep her bra and panties for which she was grateful, but she did not show it. It would only be worse the next time if she showed any emotion. She had learned that long ago. Luna would endure as she always had. She had friends she could go to in the morning. She had a room with a delightful couch she could curl up on for the evening. Luna would endure.
Then she heard the laughter. "Well, well, well, if it isn't Loony Lovegood," Marcus Flint crooned from behind her.
Luna's thoughts froze. Flint was even worse than Draco Malfoy. All Malfoy would do would be throw a few curses, maybe lock her in a closet for the night and surreptitiously unlock it in the morning. Flint…might not unlock the closet.
With widening eyes Luna realized that it might be even worse. She had recently hit puberty and actually required the bra now. Flint would want to sample the fruit before he spoiled it.
"Good evening, Marcus Flint," she said injecting a bit of mocking into her airy voice carefully modulated to show complete disinterest even as her muscles tensed.
"Girls shouldn't wander the halls this late at night you know, Loony." He stopped behind her. Close enough for Luna to feel the brute's breath on her neck. "Marietta told me you might be up here around now. Such a shame to see that she was correct…I suppose I should…lead you back." His hand running down her back left no illusions on just where exactly he intended to lead her.
"Why, thank you. I appreciate that," she said. She had to wait. Wait just long enough to…
"Oh you'll be thanking me indeed little one," Flint turned her around and leered at her body. Luna used the movement to throw a punch into his neck and lash out with her leg towards his crotch. Flint had better reflexes than she had hoped. He managed to avoid the jab and shifted enough to miss her groin shot. However his move did put his knee into the path of her leg. Grunting in pain Flint fell back holding his injured knee as Luna turned on her heel and bolted. There was no point in trying to get back into the Ravenclaw's Common Room. No doubt Marietta and the others were still there. Instead she had to find other means of escape. She could still perhaps –
Any idea of hiding her pain and continuing along the same path as before fled at Flint's footsteps sounding behind her. "Get back here you little, bitch!" He had long legs. This race would not last long if she didn't take additional steps.
"Comm on, contact Harry!" Luna said between breaths. She thanked all the gods and goddesses she knew that Marietta had left her the earring Harry had given her.
"Wha? W'as goin' on?"
"Harry, where is," she dodged as a red spell shot over her shoulder. Tearing around a corner Luna continued, "where is the Gryffindor Common Room?"
"Luna? Seventh floor, Grand Staircase, North side. Why? Luna why are you breathing heavy?"
"If you wouldn't mind," she paused again as Flint threw another spell at her. She just barely managed to jump over that one though the landing hurt in her bare feet. She jumped onto the staircase and started heading up. "If you wouldn't mind opening the door, I would greatly appreciate it."
"Stop running you little – " Flint's shout was cut off as Luna lobbed a helmet from one of the suits of armor she passed at him.
"Where are you, Luna?" Harry asked all traces of sleep vanished from his voice. "I'm coming." She smiled. Harry had saved her before. He would again.
"One level down, Harry. I should be there in a moment," Luna used her momentum to slingshot around the edge of the banister and into the corridor Harry had specified. Flint seemed to have realized where they were as he redoubled his efforts to catch her. It was useless, the portrait of a rather corpulent woman swung wide in front of her and a roiling aura stood in the open path beyond. She flew into Harry's arms and he swung her aside as he swept his other arm forward.
She burrowed into her savior's chest only dimly realizing he had no shirt on – only a small leather belt with holsters on it was draped over his chest. With a satisfied grin, Luna watched a torrent of water flow out of the palm of Harry's outstretched arm. It flooded towards Flint's lower body and after barely a second froze completely solid. Flint's upper half jerked down and his head smashed into the ice sculpture he was encased in drawing a bit of blood from his nose. The impact threw his wand forward towards the portrait hole and seemed to knock the older boy out.
Harry glared at Flint for long enough to make certain he wasn't a threat then turned his eyes towards Luna. She tried to force back the tears she felt welling up but was only successful in holding them to a sheen across her eyes. She pushed her head into his chest further to avoid him seeing her like that. Avoid him seeing her as weak. As incapable. As unable to defend herself. As pitiable. As useless.
"Luna? Are you alright?" His voice was so gentle. So quiet. No one had spoken to her like that since her mother died. No one had ever even bothered to ask her that question in over two years.
"I am fine, Harry. Thank you for asking," she responded, voice thankfully light and airy and not betraying her feelings at all.
"If you're fine then why was Marcus Flint chasing you through the corridors in the middle of the night?" Harry put his free hand under her chin and lifted her face. Inwardly, Luna cursed that she hadn't managed to dispel the sheen from her eyes yet. "Luna, where are the rest of your clothes?" Most wouldn't have heard it but Luna could detect the strain in his voice – the need for her to answer, to tell him. But it was tempered by the restraint of holding back, of not forcing an answer. With a start Luna remembered back to the day he had asked her to sit with him in the Great Hall. He had said that he had been called names as well. Perhaps…perhaps she should say…something.
"The…the wrackspurts took them," Luna appeared to crumple inward. It was all she could ever say when confronted. It was more than most but it was still not enough.
"Wrackspurts plural? Are the wrackspurts in Ravenclaw, Luna?" he asked quietly. Luna flinched. It was all the answer he needed. Hugging her close, Harry tapped his Comm Stone. "Comm on, contact Hermione. Mione? I need you to come down to Common Room immediately. Bring a spare set of clothes please. Yes. Yes, I'm serious. Yes, it's an emergency. No, I'm fine. Mione…Okay, thanks." He had barely disconnected the call when Hermione flew down the stairs to her dormitory leaping over the last three. Luna saw Hermione quickly scan the Common Room and settle on Harry wrapped around her in a protective cocoon.
Hermione's eyes widened and her nostrils flared. She practically flew across the room and draped the robe over Luna's shoulders. Harry pulled back enough for her to pull it on and smile at the two Gryffindors. "Thank you. It was quite cold."
"Luna, what happened? Are you okay? Did they hurt you? Did they touch you?" Hermione asked softly pulling the blonde into a hug. Luna gave her a quick hug back inwardly sighing that Hermione hadn't minded Luna holding onto her boyfriend's chest.
"I am fine, Hermione. As I told Harry, the wrackspurts took my clothes and Marcus Flint merely took advantage of the opportunity he was presented. Harry assisted in handling the situation," she nodded her head to the still frozen and passed out Flint. Hermione looked over, widened her eyes slightly and then twisted to Harry.
"Freezer," he said with a shrug slotting a rune stone back into his harness. "I heard her being chased but not who was chasing. It's a good nonlethal, but still extremely effective, stopping option. Luna, can you…has this happened before, Luna?"
She hesitated. How was she supposed to answer that? It was a direct question and there were few evasions available. She couldn't use a creature the way he had worded that. With a groan she realized she had hesitated too long. Like her earlier flinch, it was all the answer that Harry needed. He growled and Hermione's lips curled into a snarl as well. The older girl clutched Luna tighter. "Luna," Hermione said stroking her hair. "This is never going to happen again."
"You cannot promise that, Hermione."
"Yes, we can, Luna," Harry said folding into the hug from behind.
Luna wiggled out from both of them growing angry in spite of herself. "No, you cannot. I endured long before any of you came along. I endured my mother's death. I endured my father's insanity. I endured the taunts and the names and the threats and the disappointment and the abuse and the bullying and the hexes. I asked for help tonight because I am older now and Flint is not the type to stop. Thank you for your assistance but I will endure as I have and you cannot promise that this will not occur again. I spent the entirety of my first year learning how to deal with this and I can handle it on my own."
"Luna…" Harry waved her to the couch and down in the chair across from her. Hermione joined her on the couch. "Luna, do you remember the first time you sat down with us at breakfast?" She nodded. "I was like you for a long time. I have friends now though and I have people I can turn to for help and support. People I can lean on when it gets hard and things come crashing down. You have that now too, Luna. We're all here for you. You're not alone anymore and you don't have to deal with this on your own. I may not have a ton of political power just yet but I have enough friends that I can ask for some favors and make sure that people answer for what has happened."
"I don't need that, Harry." She sighed and let the mask slip. It was tiring to keep it up around them.
"Luna, please," Hermione said laying a hand on her leg. "We are your friends. Please let us help. What are the names of the…wrackspurts?"
Luna looked into Hermione's eyes. She let the last remnants of her mask slide and used her full piercing gaze to stare into the depths of Hermione. She knew what effect her look could have on people but the older girl didn't even flinch. Turning to Harry, Luna looking into him as well. Eventually sighing and nodding Luna gave a wry grin and snorted. "You aren't going to let this go are you?"
"They didn't let it go for me, Luna," Harry said giving her a small, sad smile.
"Very well. Marietta Edgecombe, Lisa Turpin, a girl I don't know who hangs out with them. But really there's no point. Nearly the entire House is aware of it. Only Su Li and Padma Patil don't know the extent. They spoke up once when they found my missing clothes and Marietta and the others have been careful around them. I think Cho Chang only believes it to be harmless stealing. So you see? Short of changing Houses, there is no point in doing anything. You cannot take on an entire House, Harry, Hermione."
"Watch me," Harry said, a slightly scary glint entering his eyes. Luna couldn't help but feel buoyed by that. He would never turn that gaze on her but her enemies…Luna grinned in response.
Hermione snorted. "You've been around us long enough, Luna. You should realize not to give Harry a challenge like that."
"Comm on, contact Neville, Daphne, Tracey and Susan," Harry said. "Sorry to wake you all, but we have a bit of a situation. I need everyone to meet outside the door to the Ravenclaw Common Room in five minutes. It really can't wait until then. Great, thanks guys." He tapped his earring and disconnected.
"I didn't know the stones could connect to more than one at once?" Hermione said cocking her head. Luna chuckled quietly. Of course that would be what the witch noticed.
Harry shrugged. "I try not to use them on conference too much for too long. The stones are small enough that a conference call taxes them a bit too much for me to be comfortable with it." Neville came down the stairs to the Common Room yawning and Harry stood up nodding at his friend. "Luna, wait here with Hermione okay? I'm going to go talk to the…wrackspurts about this."
"You don't seriously think you're leaving me out of this?" Hermione asked with raised eyebrows.
"I am not sitting on the sidelines if you are doling out justice like an avenging angel," Luna commented at the same time as Hermione. Both girls looked at each other, smiled and laughed. Hermione waved for Luna to go ahead. "Harry, I am fine. I am uninjured beyond a minor bruise on my shoulder and you have succeeded in ensuring I am calm. If you are going to confront them, I want to be there to watch."
"Confront who? Luna?" Neville narrowed his eyes at her. "I missed the action again didn't I?"
"Don't worry, Neville," Luna said with a smile. "The action is just about to get started. You merely missed the prologue. As did Hermione at that."
"Oh, good," Neville nodded looking a bit more awake. "I keep missing most of the fun stuff and Harry promised I could have first crack at Voldy this time."
"We're not going against Voldy, Nev. Just some schoolmates who have gone a bit too far." Harry said leading the way out the portrait hole. He stopped to grab Flint's wand and tucked it into his pocket stunning Flint with a stupefy for good measure.
Neville looked at the Flint-sculpture and shook his head. "I guess that was the prologue?"
"Yes," Luna replied nodding.
"I like that rune."
"Yeah. Worked better than I had hoped actually," Harry said. "You know I have to admit, I would've put money on Malfoy, not Flint."
"Draco Malfoy is an idiot, but he is not so stupid as to attack me with anything beyond what he does to the rest of the student populace," Luna said shrugging. "Marcus Flint however…well he is that stupid."
Harry shrugged in reply as the group pulled up outside the Ravenclaw tower. Daphne, Tracey and Susan melted out of the shadows, dispelling their Ninja stones. Tracey snorted seeing Harry while Susan shook her head and Daphne whistled appreciatively. Harry cocked his head in confusion as Daphne ran her eyes up and down his chest. "Err, guys?"
Hermione groaned and slapped her boyfriend's head. "Idiot. You forgot to grab a shirt. Daph stop ogling my boyfriend."
"Hey, I can look. I just can't touch," Daphne replied waggling her eyebrows. She quickly turned to glance at Tracey who just chuckled and waved for her to go ahead and keep staring.
"Hey as long as I can ogle other people too, Daph, feel free to stare," Tracey drawled.
"Harry put this on," Hermione said handing him a shirt she had transfigured from her jumper.
"As funny as this is, why are we in front of the Ravenclaw Common Room in the middle of the night?" Susan yawned. She moved over to rest her head on Neville's shoulder but kept her eyes open staring at Harry.
Harry sighed as he adjusted his harness to fit over the shirt. "One second. Hermione can you fill them in?" She nodded and as she moved over, Luna listened to Harry activate his Comm Stone again. "Shiva, I'm about to enter the Ravenclaw dorms. Luna was attacked. She's alright but this has been ongoing for a long time. I could use Professor backup. Would you mind grabbing Flitwick on the way? This concerns him too. No, Shiva, I'm not going in alone. Everyone else is assembled already. I wanted to start before you got here. Plausible deniability, Shiva. No. No, I'm not letting this go until morning. Yes, it is that bad. Shiva, she was almost raped because they tipped off Flint. Roger." Harry disconnected and turned to the others. "Everyone up to speed? Good. We have between two to five minutes before the Professors arrive. Daphne, you and me at the front. Let's play up this image you've built for the two of us."
"Slytherin Slayers," Luna provided helpfully. "Because you slew Slytherin's monster."
There were soft chuckles at that though most lacked actual mirth. Luna smiled at them all. She did actually have friends. That was…something beautiful.
"…a hole," Hermione said, answering the riddle to open the door into the Common Room. Luna padded in after the rest. They stood in formation. Harry and Daphne in front side by side, Tracey behind Daphne's shoulder to the side, Neville mirrored her behind Harry, Hermione centered and able to provide support to either or both sides, Luna and Susan slotted in behind Hermione slightly offset.
Harry grabbed a rune stone and held it up in his left hand before holding his wand in his right. "Silencing charms everyone. This is loud. You can drop them once I lower the stone." A quick set of thumbs ups later and Harry activated his Boomstone. Luna could feel the sound reverberating through her bones though it stopped after a moment when Harry lowered the cluster back into his harness. She dropped her silencing charm and listened in.
"RAVENCLAWS! ASSEMBLE IN THE COMMON ROOM NOW! FRONT AND CENTER!" Harry yelled holding his wand to his throat for the sonorous charm. Stamping feet hurried down both sets of staircases as the Common Room quickly filled up. Most of the House had a mixture of sleep, fear and confusion on their faces. She sought out Marietta and was rewarded by witnessing the girl's face drain of color when she caught sight of Luna standing behind the group of friends.
"What the bloody hell is going on here, Potter?" one of the Prefects asked.
"Ravenclaw has failed their Housemate. Ravenclaw has failed their duty. Ravenclaw has failed their school. Ravenclaw has failed their honor," Daphne said, holding her head high. She formed the perfect picture of an Heiress to a Noble House.
"What are you on about – " Marietta tried to sneer but was cut off as Neville snapped a silencio at her.
"As Daphne was saying," Harry said calmly gesturing to his partner, "Ravenclaw House has been grossly negligent and we are here to ensure you understand that and make certain it doesn't happen again – either to our friend or to anyone else in the future."
"Whatever Loony told you – " Lisa started before she too was cut off by a silencing spell, this time from Tracey.
"Ravenclaw has systematically bullied a young girl," Harry said. To most he appeared merely angry. To Luna…Harry was holding on by a thread. She saw his hands clenched tight enough to turn white, his breaths coming in short bursts, his tone carefully neutral yet dripping with contempt, his magic fluttering around him in little arcs and sparks only noticeable if one was watching for it. She realized he had called for the Professors as much to ensure he didn't go too far as to make certain that her Housemates were reigned in.
"You have degraded and derided her. You have insulted her and her parents. You have stolen her things. You have forced a 12 year old into the corridors at night in just her underwear!" Harry said.
"I was 11 when that started," Luna interjected. She barely prevented her grin when Marietta paled even further at that.
"She was assaulted tonight because you…people…tipped off Marcus Flint!" Harry growled. He flicked out his hand and Luna watched Marietta fly across the room towards them. Lisa followed immediately after. A few wands were raised in reply by some of the older years, but the majority was either too stunned or fearful to do anything. "Luna, please point out the third ringleader." She raised a hand to answer Harry's question and that girl was soon on the ground beside the other three.
Daphne took over since Harry was visibly vibrating now and his teeth were clenched. "Su Li, Padma Patil, please stand aside," the two singled out glanced at each other but nodded at the group and moved against the wall of the room between the two groups. "All the rest of you have insulted and trod upon the Noble House of Lovegood. In doing so you have also insulted the Noble Houses of Potter, Greengrass, Longbottom, Davis, Bones – "
"If they did what you said, add Patil to that!" Padma snarled walking over and standing beside Neville. "I've brought shame on my own family by missing this. I'm sorry, Luna." Luna nodded to her in reply.
Su Li walked over to stand beside Tracey. "The Li family also takes offense. I apologize as well, Luna. Rest assured, my family will endeavor to make reparations for allowing abuse to go unchallenged."
Daphne nodded calmly at both newcomers as the door behind them swung open. "As I was saying, You have insulted eight Noble Houses through your actions, inactions and tacit approval. If any of us were so inclined, we would be perfectly justified by calling for an Honor Duel right here and now." Luna couldn't stop a slight upturn to her lips at Professor Flitwick's intake of breath behind her. "Consider this your one and only warning. Do not mess with our friends. You should count yourselves lucky we are holding back tonight. I doubt any of you could stand against the Slytherin Slayers."
"Mr. Potter," the quiet voice of Shiva sounded. Luna turned to the professor and smiled, giving her a very small almost unnoticeable nod. "Please explain why you and these others are in the Ravenclaw dorm at night making threats." Flitwick just nodded along apparently a little too dazed and confused to risk speaking.
"Professor Babbling, Professor Flitwick," Harry said. His magic was getting back under control and Luna could no longer hear the venom dripping from his voice. "Marietta Edgecombe, Lisa Turpin and this girl stripped Luna Lovegood to her underwear in the Common Room just prior to curfew and ejected her from the dorms. They also informed Marcus Flint that she would be alone around this time. He found her and assaulted her. Luna got away and came to us for help. Flint is currently half frozen outside the Gryffindor Tower and I have his wand for proof right here." Harry handed over the wand. "We came up here because Luna has informed us that, with the sole exception of Miss Li and Miss Patil, the entirety of Ravenclaw House either assisted, approved or ignored her treatment. This is merely the latest – "
"And last," Tracey interjected.
"And last," Harry agreed, "incident. At minimum we intend for Luna to sleep at one of our Houses tonight. We will discuss options going forward tomorrow morning with the Headmaster and Deputy Headmistress."
Flitwick blinked several times and looked to Luna horror plain to see across his face. "Miss Lovegood? Is this all true?"
"Yes, Professor," Luna said with a sad smile. "I did try to tell you at first, but you didn't quite understand."
"You said you were being harassed by…wrack…spurts…oh Merlin…" he wiped a hand over his face and Luna shrugged.
"I could have perhaps been clearer but that is not my way, Professor."
Shiva nodded at the assembled group. "Very well. We'll take it from here. Everyone please return to your dormitories. Miss Li, Miss Patil, if you two wish you may accompany Miss Lovegood in alternate sleeping arrangements for the evening." The two girls nodded and Harry's Slytherin Slayers headed out of the Ravenclaw Common Room. As the door was closing Luna heard Flitwick start shouting loud enough to hurt her eardrums.
Luna just smiled and skipped along after her friends. The wrackspurts had been dealt with.
Harry walked into breakfast the next day glancing over at the Ravenclaw table with an acid glare. There were very few Claws sitting down and those that were looked exceedingly glum. Only the few first years appeared at all upbeat. Nodding to himself, Harry moved to sit with his friends. Luna was happily chatting away with Tracey while Hermione looked on in exasperation at whatever they were discussing. Ginny kept looking between Luna, the Ravenclaws and Harry but she never said or asked anything.
Hedwig showed up with the other owls clutching a small piece of paper. Harry's good mood increased exponentially as it was clearly not the same letter he had sent off with her. "He replied! I told you she could find him!"
Hermione and Daphne's jaws dropped open as Hedwig settled down, puffed up her chest and held out her leg. She twisted to each girl surrounding Harry and gave a pompous hoot.
Neville laughed and fed Hedwig a slice of bacon. "Careful now, girl. No one likes a show off. You did well." Hedwig hooted and bobbed her head in reply before taking wing and heading back out.
Harry had gotten his letter opened and growled crumpling the thing into a ball.
"That good huh?" Tracey asked.
"It's a paw print. A paw print!" Harry glowered at the offending piece of paper. "Signed, Mr. Padfoot! Who the hell does he think he is?! A paw print. Arsehole."
"Well people have said he and your father were rather big on pranks," Hermione said sighing. "I suppose this is his idea of a good laugh. And language, Harry. I told you it wouldn't work."
"Well, she did manage to find him so he was correct on that part, Hermione. Hedwig is very impressive indeed."
"Or Black's an idiot and didn't throw on a mail ward," Daphne commented shrugging. "I seriously doubt that Hedwig knows him personally to be able to see through that sort of thing. Crookshanks I could see being buddy-buddy with Black, but that owl barely ever gets out and about when Harry's not around."
"You know, what if Hedwig does know him? That was awfully fast to both deliver and return a letter. Where would she have met him…I wonder if…" Harry's train of thought was interrupted as Shiva came up and tapped him on the shoulder. Blinking he looked up at his guardian. "Yes?"
"Headmaster's office as soon as you're done. Anyone that had a direct hand in last night's activities."
"Will my father be attending as well, Professor?" Luna asked. The table quieted down immediately.
"I'm sorry, Luna. He's out of the country. We tried to contact him, but there's no telling whether he's receive the notice and Headmaster Dumbledore felt this needed to be resolved immediately. Unfortunately this is something I actually agree with him on; the events of last night really do need to be addressed as soon as possible."
"Very well. Would you and Professor Flitwick be willing to stand in for him if needed?" Luna said nodding.
"Me?" Shiva stared back at the blonde.
"Harry trusts you so, so do I," Luna stated losing a lot of airiness. "And between the two of you the conversation would be a lot faster and simpler than if my father attended anyway." Harry frowned at his friend and Tracey reached over to squeeze her shoulder.
"Sure, I guess I can stand in for your interests…" Shiva said sighing a bit. "I'll see you all up there in a few minutes then. Password is Ice Pop this week."
She moved off towards the exit from the room and Harry glanced to his friends. All nodded that they were done and got up to attend the meeting. Before Harry got further beyond the Entrance Hall though he was waylaid by the Weasley twins. "Harry, a moment, please."
"Guys, I have to go meet with Professor Dumbledore. Can this wait?"
"We'll be quick," George said holding out a blank piece of folded parchment. "This is for you."
"A piece of parchment? You shouldn't have," Harry deadpanned. He flipped the paper open but still saw nothing special about it.
"We heard about the problems last night, Harry. Hell, half the school has heard about it," Fred said frowning. "Can't say we're fond of your choice in names but that's beside the point. The point is: that right there should hopefully help in the future if you have any further problems and need to track someone down."
"What do you mean?" Harry asked examining the parchment closer.
"You do this," Fred leaned forward and tapped the paper with his wand, "I solemnly swear I am up to no good." Ink spread out on the paper resolving into a map as Harry watched wide eyed. "This is the Marauder's Map, Harry. We found it years ago and it has served us well. Shows the hidden paths out of the castle which we've put to good use. These four are blocked or caved in but these three are open. Don't use this one. It's under the Whomping Willow. Right dangerous that one is."
"More importantly," George continued, "this also shows the locations of everyone on the grounds." He pointed out the little feet with labels under them. "If someone gets attacked again and they can't tell you where they are, just whip out this Map and search them out."
"Also, feel free to use it to pull pranks whenever you want," Fred said trying to grin a bit. "Just be sure to pass it on to the next generation of worthy successors as we are doing."
"Thanks guys…" Harry said staring in wonder at the Map. "This is amazing! I promise we'll put this to good use. How do you blank it?"
"Mischief managed," Fred said tapping the parchment again and the ink disappeared. "Now run along Harrykins. Treat the Map with respect and it shall respect you!"
Harry waved to them both and took off after his friends catching up just as they reached the stone gargoyle. He mumbled a quick, "Later," to the questioning glances sent his way before they stepped onto the rotating staircase.
They walked into the Headmaster's office to find a veritable crowd waiting. Lisa Turpin and her mother, Marietta Edgecombe and her parents, the third ringleader and her father, Snape, McGonagall, Flitwick, Sprout, Dumbledore, Shiva...and Marcus Flint and his father. "Good morning," Harry said nodding to the assembled group.
"Ah, Harry, thank you for coming so quickly. I don't believe so many of your friends needed to come," Dumbledore said with a slight twinkle to his eyes. Harry barely repressed his snort.
"I was told everyone involved in the incident last night should be here, Sir. Frankly, I'm surprised that Padma Patil and Su Li weren't invited. Or Amelia Bones for that matter."
"This is merely an inquiry, Harry," Dumbledore replied though his smile was now strained. "There is no need to involve the Department of Magical Law Enforcement." Harry smirked at the old man noticing how he completely ignored the statement about Padma and Su. Harry waved a hand at Luna who raised an eyebrow at him and stepped forward.
"Actually Headmaster, I intend to press charges so having a representative from the DMLE present would certainly expedite matters."
"Miss Lovegood, surely that is not required. I understand Mr. Flint has already paid for his mistake and is quite apologetic."
The predatory grin on Flint's face threw that statement out the window but Dumbledore either didn't notice or didn't care. Flitwick on the other hand raised a step in Harry's opinion as the diminutive teacher looked ready to murder the boy where he stood.
"I guess we'll just have to talk to Aunt Amy later on then, Luna," Susan commented sweetly. Flint's grin dissolved into a scowl while the rest of teachers nodded approvingly. Surprisingly, even Snape showed approval of the idea.
"That works I suppose," Luna said airily.
"Well then, shall be begin?" Dumbledore said attempting to regain control of the situation. "Miss Lovegood if you could please explain the circumstances that led to the others entering the Ravenclaw dormitory last night..."
"Certainly, Professor," Luna said. Her next sentence dropped all pretense of levity or disinterest and she turned a hard glare on the three older Ravenclaws. "Marietta Edgecombe, Lisa Turpin, and...her...started insulting me over my articles at 9:55 pm. They claimed that I was a harlot who was muscling in on Harry Potter and that my delusions should never see the light of day let alone become words on a page. They continued with the insults for an additional 10 minutes. After that they forcibly stripped me at wand point until I was left in only my underthings. They forced me into the corridor and sealed the door. I tried to get to a room that I knew had the most wonderfully comfortable couch as I have been forced to use it previously."
Luna turned her stare onto Marcus Flint and her hands clenched. "Unfortunately Marcus Flint waylaid me claiming that he had been informed I would be around. He accosted me and tried to have his way with me. I struck him and ran for the Gryffindor Tower knowing that Harry could help. I made it there shortly before being caught again. Harry then stopped Flint and learned of the abuse by my Housemates."
"I was...displeased," Harry spoke up. "Your House is supposed to be your family, no? I don't have much experience with a real family but that certainly didn't sound like familial behavior to me."
"He called for us," Daphne said glaring at Dumbledore almost daring the old man to read her mind. "We answered. He also contacted Professors Babbling and Flitwick. While we waited for the Professors to arrive, we told the Ravenclaws how what they did was wrong."
"Don't you mean threatened?" Marietta muttered.
Daphne turned to the girl and flashed her a large grin. "Edgecombe, if I threatened you, you would know it."
"Very well." Dumbledore leaned back and steepled his fingers. "Miss Edgecombe, Miss Turpin, Miss Randle, your version of the events?"
Marietta shrugged. "We'll admit we insulted her a bit and that we sent her outside the Common Room. Usually she wanders back in after an hour or so. We admit that we tipped off Marcus but – "
"I will certainly not admit to that!" the third girl, Randle yelled. "You two did that one all on your own! I may not like Lovegood at all, but I certainly did not call Marcus Flint. Pranking, stealing and insults are one thing, but I would never sic that brute on anyone. Especially not a girl! I have some standards thank you very much!" Marcus sneered in response. Luna nodded at her.
"Traitor..." Marietta mumbled. She continued louder, "Fine, me and Lisa told him that Lovegood would be out and about. We just expected him to toss her in a broom closet for a few hours. Not try to rape her."
"I believe your words were 'teach her to keep her crazy quiet by any means necessary', Mari," Marcus spat.
Harry leaned over to Susan. "Do they realize memories can be used as evidence?"
"It certainly doesn't seem like it," Susan whispered back.
Tracey leaned in and commented, "Or they're all just too interested in screwing each other over to bother caring at this point."
"...I believe we have a clear picture now," Dumbledore said speaking over the squabbles. "Now we must determine the path forward. Miss Randle, I believe three weeks detention and 50 points deduction is appropriate. Miss Edgecombe, Miss Turpin, five weeks detention and 75 points deduction each. Mr. Flint, you are suspended until the end of this year. If you wish to finish your education at Hogwarts you will need to either schedule your NEWTS by the end of the day, or return – again – next year."
"You can't be serious," Flint's father scoffed. "Do you have any idea who I am?"
Snape sneered at the man and Harry found himself in the odd position of rooting for one of the men he utterly despised. "A somewhat connected individual. Nothing more. Your son has already been held back once for failing his exams and has started numerous fights with many complaints leveled against him. He is a disgrace to Slytherin House and you should count yourself lucky that he has not already seen his wand snapped! And seeing as how he has managed to earn the ire of several Noble Houses – including the Head of the DMLE – I would not expect such an oversight to continue for long."
"Severus," Dumbledore said softly.
"Albus be quiet!" McGonagall thundered. "You have already used your authority to prevent us from acting against these women, you cannot protect that boy. He is of age and will be brought to task. You, sir," the Scott turned her withering glare on the elder Flint, "would do well to keep your tongue from wagging. Count how many witnesses are in this room before you attempt to bribe or threaten your way out of this and ask yourself if he is worth it!" The man scowled but remained quiet.
Dumbledore sighed. After a short uncomfortable silence he said, "Very well. If there are no further complaints..."
"You're seriously only giving them three and five weeks of detention?" Hermione asked incredulously. "That's it?!"
"Miss Granger I have taken a great many points from – "
"Oh the bloody point system is a joke and everyone knows it!" Hermione snorted. "They assaulted a younger student and stole private property multiple times. They admitted it! You're barely even slapping them on the wrist!"
"Everyone deserves a second chance, Miss Granger," Dumbledore intoned sadly. "I am disappointed that you do not understand this."
"Don't bother, Hermione," Harry sighed. "It's worth wasting your breath. He's not going to listen."
Dumbledore's eyes narrowed. "Miss Edgecombe, Miss Turpin, Miss Randle, Mr. Flint, you may leave. If the others will please stay for just a bit longer." The Headmaster waved the rest out of the room and as they left, he looked at Luna with a tired gaze. "I am sorry for what you have experienced, Miss Lovegood. I urge you not to harden your heart, but to allow them the chance to redeem themselves."
"Only people who repent deserve the chance for redemption, Headmaster," Luna said. "Before we depart I request a re-Sorting."
Dumbledore jerked back in his seat and Sprout flinched. Flitwick sadly nodded having obviously expected this as had Shiva and McGonagall. Snape scowled but didn't say anything.
"That seems rather extreme, Miss Lovegood," Dumbledore tried to plead with her.
"Not really. Extreme would be calling Susan's Aunt on the other three as well as the majority of the House." Dumbledore paled at her calmly delivered threat. "No, all I want is to feel safe in a House that wants me. Any of the other three would work. I have two allies in Ravenclaw now. In Gryffindor, I have at least six but likely far more. In Hufflepuff I have at least two but again, likely more. Even in Slytherin I have at least four allies."
"Five. Don't forget my sister," Daphne said softly.
"My apologizes, five."
"This is a most unusually situation, Miss Lovegood..." Dumbledore said.
The choice was taken from him a moment later as the Hat spoke up from its perch. "Well, little Luna Lovegood, I stand by what I said two years ago. You would do well in any House. Your loyalty is beyond reproach, your cunning is quite impressive and your bravery is commendable. Feel free to choose for yourself."
The teachers were looking at the Hat in awe. Shiva was the first to shake her head and chuckle, "You know I really shouldn't be surprised to hear you speak. You did help Harry last year after all. Of course you'd help another friend of Hogwarts." The Hat bobbed its brim at her and went back to senescence.
"Thank you, Hat." Luna beamed at her friends who all smiled back. "I think I would like to go to Gryffindor. Harry was the first to be nice to me besides Ginny and I would enjoy spending more time with him."
Dumbledore could only nod. "Very well, Miss Lovegood. I will ensure your things are moved to the 2nd Year dorm in Gryffindor Tower."
"Welcome to the Lion's Den, Miss Lovegood," McGonagall said warmly.
That evening around curfew Harry was sitting on his favorite armchair looking at the Marauder's Map. This map was amazing and he really wished someone could tell him how the enchantments had been added to it. It was only the first time he had activated it himself, but he didn't want to take the time to examine it in detail at the moment. It had been a long day and all Harry was looking to do was ascertain that his friends were all safe – that no one was going to try anything against any of them in reprisal for the hornet's nest they had stirred.
Harry checked the Slytherin dungeons and nodded, seeing Daphne, Tracey, Millie and Blaise all sitting in their beds with no one slinking up the stairs. Glancing at the Hufflepuffs, he saw Susan and Hannah also in their beds without anything suspicious nearby. He breathed a sigh of relief as he found Ravenclaw and saw Su and Padma both in bed as well. With an amused thought Harry turned to Gryffindor searching for himself.
And he froze solid forgetting even to breath for a few moments.
Peter Pettigrew was lying in bed with Ron Weasley.
A white rat about this big.
This is Scabbers. He's my pet. Been in the family for ages.
Scabbers. Pettigrew. Scabbers was Pettigrew. Ron's pet Scabbers...was...an...animagus...
Sirius was a large black dog somewhat resembling a Grim.
He's a dog Shiva. Not an evil mastermind. If he was an animagus trying to kill me he could've done it when I first ran into him the other night.
Okay, Snuffles it is.
His sorta pet Snuffles was Sirius Black.
"Well, bugger..."
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