Harry Potter and the Eye of Isis

Chapter 10 - Luna's Sight

December 13, 1996

Harry crumpled on the stairs a few meters from the entrance to the Gryffindor common room rubbing his temples. He thought the Occlumency lessons were going well. In fact, they seemed to be turning into wandless duels with Professor Snape lately. And although it was going well, it was exhausting all the same.

His private lessons on Tuesday evenings with Professor Flitwick weren't quite as trying but still draining. Harry welcomed the coming holidays and the thought of not having to deal (or duel) with Professor Snape or Flitwick until the New Year. Two weeks at the Burrow seemed like a godsend and Harry only had seven more days to get to his treat.

He was surprised at how quickly the last five weeks had flown by. With all of the new restrictions placed on the students, Harry had thought that the school year had the potential of passing at a boring stand still rate. After the attack on Hogsmeade, all further visits had been cancelled. After the Dark Mark was shot above the Quidditch Pitch during the first match of the year, Quidditch had been cancelled for the remainder of the year. And in addition to all of that, the curfew that Dumbledore had put in place was strictly enforced.

At seven o'clock each evening Professors and Prefects roamed the corridors until dawn the following morning. Harry always made sure to have permission slips with him each time he went to a private tutorial or detention, but that didn't stop Cho, or any other Ravenclaw prefect, from harassing him every time he passed one of them in the corridor after curfew.

In order to compensate for all the privileges that had been taken away, Dumbledore gave them two reprieves: a Yule Ball, and a duelling club (instructed by Professor Lupin). Anyone who was a member of the duelling club was allowed an exception to the curfew on Wednesday evenings, but only to the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom and back. And as it turned out, nearly the entire student body turned up for the duelling club each week.

Professor Lupin had to enlarge his classroom each week, and divide up the club into eight groups, houses mixed of course to promote unity between them. Harry had the unhappy privilege of being grouped with Draco Malfoy. He was thankful that Hermione and Ginny were also in his group. Ron had protested loudly when he had been placed in another group, but at least Neville and Luna were with him.

Harry couldn't help but think of Ron and Hermione for a moment. The break in activities, or stress of the new circumstances imposed on everyone, seemed to make them bicker more. Surprisingly enough, Hermione had hinted to Harry that she did have a crush on Ron, and was extremely excited when Ron finally asked her to go to the Yule Ball with him. Harry couldn't help but feel that a date would be good for the two of them.

Harry wanted to go to the Yule Ball with the same person he'd taken the first time, but he hadn't learned anything from his first experience. By the time he got the nerve to ask Parvati, she had already accepted a date with Michael Corner, and Harry couldn't help but feel that guy was the bane of his dating life.

"Harry," Ginny's voice broke Harry of his concentrated state, "what are you doing out here?"

Harry looked up at her and smiled. "I just needed a few minutes to breathe," he explained as she had a seat next to him. "You're not going to give me detention are you?" he teased.

She just smiled broadly. "Of course, you renegade. How was Snape tonight?" Since it was Friday, she assumed that was why Harry needed a few minutes to gather himself. Occlumency lessons seemed to drain him for days. "Was he a total git?"

"Yes, but what's new?" Harry asked sarcastically. "I can't wait for holiday. I'm savouring the thought of two weeks without Snape."

At that she chuckled slightly. "I know what you mean. I almost hope I don't get an outstanding in Potions so that I don't have to deal with him ever again."

Harry knew that wouldn't happen though. Ginny was easily the smartest witch in her class. "That's a good theory but I know you're aiming to upstage Ron and me. You've got to get more O.W.L.s than either of us, or there'll be hell to pay. If I got an outstanding in Potions, I know you will too. Besides, I think your mum would be disappointed if you didn't get into N.E.W.T. Potions."

Ginny saw sadness suddenly flash across Harry's eyes, and she couldn't figure out why. "What's the matter?"

"Oh, nothing really," he sighed. "For some reason, I just thought of my mum, and wondered what she'd think of my marks."

"Well," Ginny scooted a little closer to him, "my mum is awfully proud of you. So, I'm sure that your mum is too."

"Your mum is great." He stared at his feet. "Did you know that she sends me letters every week?"

"Well, she writes to Ron and me at least once a week, so I'm not surprised. She loves you, Harry."

"I know." Harry finally looked right into Ginny's eyes. "I love her too. I'm very thankful that I know what it's like to have a mum. I guess that makes me feel a little guilty too. I've got a mum. Would she be offended that someone else has taken her place?"

"I don't think so," Ginny said. "If I had a child and died when he was young, I would want very much for someone to love him and care for him. I would want him to know a mother's love, even if it didn't come from me." She draped her arm around his shoulder. "You have too much guilt. Harry. Not everything is your fault."

Harry just nodded. Ginny blushed and quickly turned her head hoping Harry wouldn't catch her embarrassment. But Harry had seen her flush and his eyes widened at the hidden implications of it. Without thinking, he reacted in a way he hadn't suspected he was capable of doing so nonchalantly.

"Hey, Ginny, are you going to the ball tomorrow night?" He knew that Dean Thomas wasn't taking her. Since he shared a dorm with Dean, he knew that Dean was taking someone from Hufflepuff, and that he and Ginny had broken up not too long ago.

"I was planning on going with a few friends."

He needed clarification on whether she had a date or not. "So, you have a date then?"

"No, I don't."

"Then, can I take you?" Harry had no idea where this thought was coming from or the courage to say it but his mouth continued. "I wouldn't want to miss seeing you in those pretty pink robes."

Ginny's ears flushed again as colour rushed to them. "I'd like that, Harry."

Harry laughed suddenly. "You know, not tagging along with Ron and Hermione might actually be useful. Give them an opportunity to--"

"They still aren't snogging yet?"

"No."

"You know I think they just need a good snog and everything would be so much better. No more bickering."

"I agree." He nodded. "I give them until the end of the school year."

"I say no later than Valentine's Day."

"Would you like to make a wager on that Miss Weasley?" Harry extended his hand. "Say lunch on the next Hogsmeade weekend?"

"You think you're so sly. We're not having another Hogsmeade weekend this year, but I'll take that bet anyway." She shook his hand.

"Well, someone will win by the time I come to the Burrow this summer so you can make me lunch then."

"I don't think so, Potter," Ginny cackled. "You'll be serving me."

"Hey," Ron's head popped out of the portrait hole, "I thought I heard talking out here. What are you two doing?"

"Making a friendly wager." Ginny stood. "Don't tell Hermione."

"Don't tell me what?" Hermione approached with a handful of books.

"What are you doing with all of those books?" Harry asked, completely ignoring Hermione's question. "I thought you were patrolling?"

"Well, I make good use of my time, Harry. I stopped by the library on my way back so that I could check out a few books to read over holiday."

"A few?" Ron asked, stepping through the portrait hole. "It looks like you've borrowed half the library..."

Ron continued to complain to Hermione, how she studied too much, and that she just needed to relax. Harry looked at Ginny, who was covering her mouth with one hand, and pointing at Ron with the other. It took a moment for Harry to understand what she was telling him, but finally, he went behind Ron. Ginny stood behind Hermione, and at the same moment they shoved hard, sending Ron and Hermione into each other.

Hermione dropped her books, tripping over them, and fell towards Ron. Ron stumbled but reacted to Hermione falling, reaching his arms out and cushioning her fall. They landed, Hermione lying directly on top of Ron, faces just inches from each other.

"Now, for all of our sake's," Ginny said. "Just kiss and get it over with." She grabbed Harry's hand, pulling him into the common room. "Do you think that will work?"

"Probably not." Harry shrugged. "I'll ask when he comes up to our room."

Harry was sitting on his bed when Ron entered the room twenty minutes later. He said nothing to Ron, hoping Ron would tell him what happened, but Harry eventually had to prod it out of him.

"So, did you kiss her?"

"Harry, that's Hermione!" Ron seemed outraged.

"I know, and you're over the moon about her and she fancies you." Harry approached Ron. "So, did you kiss her?" Ron turned a bright shade of red. "I'll take that as a yes." He smiled.

Ron quickly changed the subject as Neville walked into the room. "What were you and Ginny talking about anyway?"

"We were just talking about tomorrow night," Harry finally admitted. "She was telling me I'd have to make her lunch if I stepped on her feet."

"You're taking her?" Ron asked in a very accusing manner. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"Because you can be a bit over protective." Harry explained. "You and Hermione are going together and I'd rather have a date than go alone."

"Harry," Neville whimpered. "I thought you were going to take me?" They both started laughing at Neville's pathetic whimper and the batting of his eyes.

Harry was thankful for a short duelling club meeting the next morning. Professor Lupin had arranged it knowing that some people would need, or want something else to fill their minds before going, or not going, to the Yule Ball. There were only a few girls present for the meeting, as the rest needed the day to get ready.

Only moments after Professor Lupin told them to break up into pairs to practice casting a freezing charm, Harry found himself staring at Malfoy. Malfoy sneered at him as they took position to duel. Harry had already learned that Malfoy did not take the full ten paces before turning and firing off his first spell, so at only eight paces, he turned and shouted, "Glacialis!"

The charm bounced off of Malfoy, shot off towards the ceiling, hitting a chandelier. The frozen chain gave way in seconds and the chandelier came crashing down between him and Malfoy. Harry didn't let the distraction get to him, and quickly cast another charm at Malfoy. "Frendo!" Having no time to block the charm, it hit Malfoy, turning his entire left arm black and blue.

"You filthy half-blood!" Malfoy shouted as he raised his wand towards Harry.

"Expelliarmus!" Professor Lupin shouted, retrieving the wand before Malfoy could unleash a charm at Harry. "Five points from Gryffindor, Mr. Potter. We are using freezing charms, not bruising charms. Mr. Malfoy, please remember that we do not retaliate in this classroom." He handed the wand back to him and walked away.

Harry just smirked at Malfoy. Five points was worth seeing Malfoy ten shades of blue.

"You think this is funny, do you, Potter?" he hissed as soon as Professor Lupin was out of sight. "Well, the Dark Lord will have the last laugh. You're nothing but a spec on this earth, and you'll be dead before anyone can help you, and no one will care. Then you can join your Mudblood mother and blood traitor father. They deserved what they got--"

Harry began boiling with anger. He knew he didn't need to raise his wand at Malfoy to make him pay for his comments, and just as he was about to release a current of electricity at Malfoy, Hermione and Ron pulled him away.

"Saved by the Mudblood, how perfect." Malfoy laughed. "Don't let them get in your way, Potter. I challenge you to a duel, no classrooms, no teachers, no seconds. Just you and me, next Friday night at the Quidditch Pitch."

"Fine." Harry said angrily as Malfoy walked away.

"Harry, you're supposed to control yourself, especially around Malfoy." Hermione scolded.

"Oh, bugger off, Hermione." He pulled his arm away from her and stormed off.

After sulking for a few hours, Harry returned to the Gryffindor Tower to get ready for the Yule Ball. Still feeling as though he were in a foul mood, Harry said very little to his dorm mates as he put on his green robes. Once he was dressed, he stood in front of the mirror fiddling with his hair. No matter what he tried, the black hair bounced back into its messy state. No amount of running his fingers through it would make the tresses lay down.

"Try this." Dean tossed a container at Harry. "You've probably seen it before; it's Muggle stuff. It keeps my hair down."

Harry opened the jar and dipped his hands into the cream. He worked it through his hair until the black mess was lying back. "Thanks, Dean." Harry played with his hair until it was mostly brushed back. At the sides it was long enough that he was tempted to push it behind his ears but he decided that would look too feminine.

When he was finally done he looked again at the finished product. His hair pushed back but still hanging over his ears. And his scar showing like it never had before. The lightening bolt was much too noticeable and Harry felt self conscious about it.

"You're worse than the girls, Harry." Ron appeared in the mirror just behind Harry. "Your hair looks fine."

The five dorm mates left the room together. Harry and Ron waited in the common room for their dates as the others left to retrieve theirs. They didn't even know Neville had a date until he bid them farewell.

Hermione finally came down after a few minutes of waiting. Harry was staring at her in awe. She looked absolutely remarkable in her violet dress robes. Her hair was pulled out of her face and hanging down her back in brilliant ringlets.

When Harry turned to see Ron's reaction, he found his friend with his jaw gaping open. Harry reached over and pushed Ron's jaw back into place. He couldn't speak as Hermione got closer to them. Instead a stuttering sound was coming from Ron's mouth.

"You look beautiful, Hermione." Harry finally spoke.

"Thanks, Harry," she said coolly, clearly still upset at him for his outburst earlier, but her eyes focused on Ron.

"Yeah," Ron finally stuttered, "you look wonderful."

"Thank you, Ron."

Harry was about to ask where Ginny was when he caught a glimpse of pink in the corner of his eye. He looked up to Ginny only meters away from him. He'd seen her trying on the robes over the summer and she looked stunning in them then, but now all of her hair was swept up into a bun, and she had make-up on that perfectly accented her complexion and eyes. She looked perfect in every way.

"Wow." It was all Harry could manage to say but Ginny took that as a compliment.

"Don't get any ideas about my baby sister, Harry."

"Ron," Ginny looked at him sternly, "knock it off."

"Let's go." Hermione wrapped her hands into Ron's and tugged gently.

Harry tentatively offered his arm to Ginny and she slipped her hand around his elbow. They shared a small grin with each other as they followed Ron and Hermione out of the portrait hole.

The Great Hall was beautifully decorated. The ceiling had been charmed to look like it was snowing. The Christmas trees had been put up and were decorated in silver and gold. The fairies seemed to be dressed for the occasion as well in their twinkling suits. They were flying about, and mixed with the snow, it was absolutely beautiful.

Harry's foul mood disappeared quickly, as the night pressed on. He was truly enjoying himself dancing with Ginny, watching Ron and Hermione and chatting with Neville and Luna (the date Neville hadn't told them about). He even apologized to Hermione.

At the end of the night, everyone went with Neville to walk Luna back to her dorm. "Here." She stopped at a statue of an eagle on the fourth floor. "Thanks, Neville, and everyone else for walking me back."

Luna turned and grasped the eagle, but then something happened to her. She began to tip backwards. Neville caught her just before she hit the ground. Her face was frozen, her eyes staring at nothing. Her mouth opened and a gurgle emitted from her throat.

"Luna?" Neville tried to get her attention but her eyes weren't focusing.

"I've seen this look before." Harry knelt down beside her. He was going to tell them when he'd seen it when Luna began to speak...in that distance voice Harry was also familiar with.

"The dark half of the year approaches...as the shadows cross the land...the darkest of foes will reach out his hand...and grasp the enemy he desires defeated...before the sun sets on that first day, the Dark Lord will have possession of his nemesis."

Her voice trailed off and she blinked.

"Luna?" Harry asked, standing directly over her.

"Harry? Why am I on the ground?"

"You fell." Neville helped her up.

"I feel strange, I guess I had too much Butterbeer. I better get inside." She tapped the eagle on his nose and it spread its wings opening to the Ravenclaw common room. "Thanks again everyone."

When she disappeared, four pair of eyes rested on Harry. "Did Luna just give a prophecy?" Neville asked.

Harry didn't want to believe it, but he was certain that she had. And everything within him reinforced the words that she'd spoken; he had little doubt that he was going to see Voldemort sometime very soon.

"We need to tell Professor Dumbledore," Hermione insisted as she looked at Harry. It was obvious Hermione thought Luna was referring to him.