RELATIONS

Chapter IX

Sunday, August 4, 1996

Harry was looking across the bridge, having just seen his guests off home via port key. Luna had been the last one to leave; she'd kissed him gently on the cheek as she was about to leave. Harry had just enough time to return the gesture before they smiled at each other and she was whisked away.

"So, have a good birthday weekend, Harry?" Edward asked, coming up towards him from across the bridge.

"Oh, yes!" Harry smiled. "Thanks, Ted. Last year was the only time I ever had a party, and considering the circumstances, this was a lot better." The smile faded. "If only Sirius could have been here."

"That's true," Edward admitted.

"I mean, it's great being here, and knowing you. . . ." Harry started. It was obvious he was worried he'd somehow offended his cousin.

"Harry, watch this." A deck of cards materialized in Edward's hands. Despite his return to mourning, Harry was as fascinated as always by his cousin's legerdemain. It had been a big hit at his party. Ron and several others had a difficult time believing it was done without magic, and both Luna and Ginny had had fits of giggles, especially when Edward produced coins from various people's noses and ears.

"The point to all this," Edward said, as he went through various tricks, "is that even though Sirius wasn't very good at slight-of-hand, he helped me along when I wasn't very good, either. He picked on me a lot, but he never complained when James dragged me along, even before . . . everyone was killed. Afterwards, he and Remus adopted me as a little brother, just like James had even before that, when Harold preferred to stick to his friends in Ravenclaw. Sirius taught me how to ride a motorcycle, and how to enchant one, for that matter." Edward gave Harry a slightly sad smile, and the cards disappeared. "He, Lily, and Remus saved James and me after the massacre. I can only guess how much he and Remus meant to you before this summer, since you didn't know about me."

"Even though he wasn't there very much, he tried so hard to be; he risked himself for me so much, not just at the end, but all the time." Harry looked at his cousin, his eyes turning red. "He's really gone?"

"I'm afraid so. Once you pass beyond the Veil, metaphorically or physically like Sirius, you don't come back into our plane of existence."

"And when we die, we go to where the Veil also takes you?"

"That's my understanding."

"So you could be wrong?"

"About what the Veil represents? No, although I won't swear that everyone goes there when we die. About the fact that it has existed, in that spot, from a time long before the Druids, even before the ring at Glastonbury was completed, and that no one has passed back? No. That it might still be possible? It could, but we shouldn't count on it."

"Have you ever studied it?"

Edward shook his head. "No, not directly. It's one of the most famous ancient magical artifacts of all, and people in my field, at my level, know about it." Edward pondered a moment. "I think you understand why I can't make it a priority, Harry; but if you want, I can make it an interest."

"Promise?"

"I promise."

Harry took a deep breath. "I . . . Luna and I both heard voices from the other side, although no one else did. Ginny and Neville did seem . . . as mesmerized as I was."

"Luna wasn't?"

Harry frowned. "I'm not certain, but I don't think so. Hermione certainly wasn't, although she was . . . scared of it, I think. She got me moving, with some help from Ron."

"Yes, to answer your unasked question, those were voices of the dead, although, like I said, I can't swear we all go there. Only a very few individuals, perhaps slightly more witches than wizards, can hear them. Hearing a single voice is even rarer, and someone on our side having a conversation with any voice even more so. No particular person has ever been successfully called, to my knowledge."

Edward looked hard at Harry, which made him squirm a little. "Is that why you're so friendly with Luna? Because you hope she can help you with the Veil? You weren't dating her before, were you?"

Harry flushed angrily. "No!" He shook his head. "No, that is to both. We weren't dating before, but we are now, I hope. And I am NOT using her." He paused. "I like her for herself. I know she seems odd at first, but she refuses to worry about other people's opinions, and I think she would rather have people think she's strange rather than act differently than she is. How many people are really like that? Most people would try and conform, not because they want to, but because they think they have to!"

"And you don't mind the oddness?"

"Should I?"

Edward shrugged. "Most boys your age couldn't appreciate a girl like that. And I always thought you wanted to be thought of as normal."

Harry nodded. "That's just it. I thought I did, too, but I don't. I want to be seen, or at least treated, as 'just Harry.' Not as The-Boy-Who-Lived, not The-Boy-Will-Must-Kill-Voldemort. And, I guess, not even as The Great Seeker." He gave a twisted smiled at that. "Just me. Everyone else has made a big deal out of me. Jeez, even Hermione and Colin, Muggle-borns, made a big deal out it. Luna looked at me and then Neville, and said matter-of-factly, 'You're Harry Potter,' and turned to Neville and said, 'and I don't know you,' or something like that. If she'd known who Neville was, she would have said his name just like mine."

"At the beginning of last year, everyone was talking about me behind my back. Most probably thought I was either crazy or worse, or at least hoped I was. Some supported me, but if they told me it was either like it was a dirty little secret, or, like Ernie, to make a point in some argument he was having with those who doubted me -- which was nice in one way. But Luna simply told me be believed in me." Harry looked Edward directly. "She believed me because she decided she could trust me, not because I had a strange story, or because it suited her."

"I think she has Second Sight," Edward said.

"Really?"

"Really, although that's always a very erratic gift. She knew you were sincere, but the rest must be because she cares for you."

Harry flushed. "I think . . . I think she offered to kiss me under some mistletoe just before Christmas. When I was surprised by seeing it, she made a joke." He smiled. "She is . . . a character. But she's so . . . peaceful."

"I think the term you're looking for is 'serene,'" Edward said. "And yet she's quite capable of functioning in the real world. She's not the ditz I imagine people would take her for."

"No, she's not," Harry agreed. "I was worried she couldn't handle trouble, but she did very well at the Ministry."

"If you date her, she'll become an even bigger target," Edward said.

Harry's face dropped. "You're right." He sighed. "I just hoped, for a minute. . . ."

"Now wait!" Edward broke in. "I'm not saying it would be too dangerous to date her! After her actions at the Ministry, she's already a target. That was her choice. You seem to be her choice, too. Don't push her away. Be a man, and accept the reality of the situation, and we'll point it out her and her father. If they decide you can continue to see her, then see her. You can't be some warrior hermit, taking on the evils of the universe."

"Yes, sir."

Edward cuffed Harry lightly, "Don't be a prat, brat!" Harry grinned back.

"We need to pop up to London tomorrow," Edward went on. "We'll stop by The Quibbler and see if we can talk to Mister Lovegood."

Harry frowned. "Grimmauld Place?"

"Afraid so."

Harry was standing in the drawing room, looking at the slightly charred area where the hated tapestry had been. Harry was glad it and Mrs. Black's portrait were gone. He also wondered where Kreacher was. He knew Hermione wouldn't forgive him, but he was tempted to give it a really good kick the next time he saw it.

Harry suddenly felt a pressure on his mind. He threw it off, as Edward had taught him, and then spun to warn Edward of the attack.

And saw Snape holding his wand against him.

Harry's wand swept up, and if Snape hadn't raised his hands in surrender, Harry would have blasted him.

"Peace, Mister Potter," Snape said. "I had to test you. Your cousin might have been unconsciously pulling his punches."

Harry dropped his wand. "I passed?"

"Brilliantly," Snape admitted, "if at the lowest level." He frowned. "I tried teaching you in the fastest, most effective manner. When I saw that wasn't working, I should have tried some of the other methods. I . . . apologize."

Harry stared at Snape a moment, but his natural politeness and honesty asserted itself. "I should have tried harder, Professor. Sorry."

"My, my, what a sorry pair!"

"Professor!" Harry exclaimed.

"Headmaster," Snape acknowledged.

Harry was glad the Headmaster was still making eye-contact with him.

"I am also impressed by your progress, Harry," Dumbledore said, walking into the room. "We are starting a new position this year; each House will have a security prefect; yourself and Misters Boot, Macmillan, and Zabini. You may also continue your DA club for selected students. You would also coordinate the Security Prefects and the DA with the Head Girl."

Harry thought a moment. "Thank you, Professor. Is my ban on Quidditch lifted?"

"Of course, Harry!"

"Then, could you. . . ." Harry took a big breath, "could you make Neville the Security Prefect?"

Snape looked shocked, but Dumbledore and Edward merely looked interested. "But . . . why, Potter?" Snape finally asked.

"I don't need the position for my ego, and I'll have enough to do with Quidditch and the DA. Neville has turned out to be very good, and he could use the ego boost." Snape looked slightly impressed.

"I had thought you would say that," Dumbledore said. "I would still like you to coordinate."

"Very well, Professor. I accept."

"Your title is Student Security Coordinator," Dumbledore said, handing Harry a badge with the Hogwarts crest and 'S.S.C.' in raised letters on the top. "I will have a pamphlet sent to you, outlining the duties -- it will be very different than the Inquisitorial Squad last year, I can assure you! Edward mentioned you will be stopping in at the Ministry today. They will also take your wand off the Juvenile list. Considering the circumstances, you may use magic as if you were an adult wizard. We all trust you will not abuse the situation."

"I won't, sir!"

"Well done, Potter," Snape murmured, who then quickly turned and left."

"Yes, Harry; well done." Dumbledore then left as well.

Harry was stunned. "Why would Snape say that?" Harry finally asked.

"Because he was largely responsible for teaching you Occlumency, and because you earned it. Don't hate the git, Harry. Save it for more worthy candidates. Dislike him for being the greasy bastard he is, but learn to appreciate his worth." Edward gave a large, theatrical sigh. "I have."

Edward escorted Harry into the M.L.E. offices at the Ministry. Harry had been shocked when he'd remembered he hadn't notified the Ministry that Umbridge had set the two Dementors on him the previous summer and had mentioned it to Edward the week before. Harry was very happy to swear out a complaint. Even better was signing the paperwork that allowed him to do underage magic. No one wanted him to be unprotected (or at least would admit to it).

The complaint required someone from the Minister's Office to co-sign. Edward insisted that it be Percy Weasley.

Percy came in, angry and tight-lipped. He had been in trouble the year before, when his superior had been thought mad and then missing. He had chosen to back what had just been proven to be the wrong side again and again over the previous year. He had alienated and insulted his family, and Harry, in the process.

The higher members of the Ministry, politicians all, were in the process of covering their arses by shifting the blame that collectively belonged to almost all of them onto a few select scapegoats, primarily Dolores Umbridge. Harry's complaint was the final nail in her political coffin. It turned out Dolores was the one who had arranged Percy's promotion. He should be falling with her.

He wasn't, however -- he was staying in place. The only reason that was happening, as everyone 'in the know' was well-aware, was because he was Arthur Weasley's son -- who's reputation was now riding high within the Ministry -- and all the adult Weasley siblings, except Percy, were now acknowledged as leaders in the opposition to Voldemort. Even young Fred and George, with their joke shop, were turning out items that could be used against Voldemort's forces as well as joke and prank items.

Percy owed his career from now on to the family he had abandoned and insulted, and on Harry, whom he had tried to destroy. Percy hated their charity, but knew he didn't deserve it. He was still upset, in part with himself but mostly at the cruelty of fate -- he still couldn't quite reconcile his errors in judgement with his view of himself.

Since, at least so far, his anger hadn't turned him even more against his family or Harry, he still had a job. Edward had hoped Percy would have the manners, or at least the political savvy, to apologize to Harry. Percy had neither, and had insured that he was unlikely to be promoted quickly again in the foreseeable future.

The pair's next stop were the offices of the Potter Trust, in a luxurious building not too far from the Ministry. While Harry wasn't legally entitled to a full share in the Trust until his 17th birthday, Edward felt that his being allowed to do underage magic should entitle Harry to at least a half-share, and since Edward was the only adult Potter left, he could authorize it fairly easily. Most of the money would go into investments and into Gringotts, but small part also would be sent into a Muggle account. A trip to the bank next door set Harry up with a current account and a set of checks, as well as a deposit account.

Harry grinned to himself. He didn't think much of material goods as such, but it was nice having more money available to spend every month than Dudley had had in his entire life. He made three quick stops in some nearby Muggle stores before he took a taxi with his cousin to go to the Leaky Cauldron.

Tom greeted Edward and Harry, and Harry gravely acknowledged a few toasts as they passed through the pub. Harry performed the ritual that allowed them into Diagon Alley. Their first stop was Gringotts, where they turned over the Trust documentation and set up the equivalent of a current (checking) account. Their second stop was Ollivander's.

"It is very unlikely that we will find another wand nearly as good as Master Potter's current wand," Ollivander protested.

"We are well aware of that," Edward said. "Still, Harry needs some reserve wands. You are aware of the circumstances, are you not?"

Ollivander heaved a sigh. "Yes; yes I am."

"We want to get him at least three, preferably under seven and a half inches."

"Yes, much easier to conceal," Ollivander agreed. "Let's see what we can find, shall we?"

It took nearly forty minutes, but Ollivander finally matched Harry to four short wands. Two were holly and phoenix feather (although not Fawkes'). One was holly and dragon heart-string, the other hazelnut and phoenix feather. Edward bought himself a small oak and dragon heart-string.

"You can never have too many wands," Harry said, smiling at the sing-song quality of his statement, which made him sound like Luna.

"Yes, Harry," Edward acknowledged with a grin, "we'll go see her in a moment. Mister Ollivander, Ron and Ginny Weasley, Hermione Granger, Neville Longbottom, and Luna Lovegood will also be in for at least two spare wands like this before they go back to Hogwarts."

Ollivander nodded. "Any idea what Miss Weasley's wand is?" he asked Harry.

"Cherry and a hair from a unicorn's mane," Harry answered.

"Ah, her great-aunt's wand before she married, no doubt. I'll have some prepared for them to try."

"Charge them to me," Edward said.

"Has Neville come to replace his primary wand yet?" Harry asked.

"No; he lost it in the battle, I presume?"

"Yes, sir," Harry nodded. "When he comes, could you please charge it to my account?"

Harry didn't see Edward nod behind him. "Very good, Mister Potter."

Three doors down from Ollivander's was an office building. The second-to-top floor housed The Quibbler. Harry was surprised to see Luna sitting at the reception desk, reading her potions book.

"Hi, Harry," she said without looking up, "Doctor Potter. I was hoping to see you soon."

The inner door opened, and Edward noticed Mr. Lovegood standing there, looking out. Neither Harry nor Luna noticed him, however. Luna had looked up, and the teens only had eyes for each other.

Harry walked over towards Luna, who set the book aside and stood up. Harry wasn't certain what to do once he got close, but Luna merely tugged on his jumper collar and kissed him on the cheek. Harry returned the kiss, on her forehead, when he suddenly remembered his cousin was there. He jumped a little when he saw an older man watching as well.

"Daddy," Luna said simply, again not looking over, "this is Doctor Edward Potter and Harry Potter. I think Harry's my partner." Luna looked Harry in the eye. "Aren't I?"

Luna's voice held the first real hint of insecurity Harry had ever heard in her. He knew her hand was still on his jumper, and he covered it with his. "Well, I hope we're . . . a couple." Luna smiled, and stood there holding Harry's hand.

"Well, come on in," Lovegood said simply. "No use talking out here!"

Mr. Lovegood was much more abrupt and straightforward than Harry had anticipated. The editor sat behind his desk while Edward sat across from him. Luna took Harry over to a small loveseat on the side and sat next to him.

"You're here to tell me that Luna and I are in danger. Me because I published that interview with Harry here, and because I'm because I'm drawing up and distributing The Truth, Luna because she helped Harry in June, and now because she's. . . ."

"Harry's partner," Luna said, firmly for her.

"Exactly," Edward agreed. "The real dangers to both of you will start in September, once the newsletter starts coming out every week, and Luna and Harry are seen together."

Lovegood smiled grimly. "I'm used to death threats, even if not from people as . . . ruthless as these. I was an Auror in the last war, Doctor Potter, my wife an Unspeakable. We quit the Ministry when the new Ministry refused to acknowledge that He might come back."

"Yes, I know I print a lot of what seems to be nonsense," Lovegood went on, "but there has been a lot of truth in it, too. I can take care of myself, as long as He doesn't come after me Himself. I'm relying on you two to look out for Luna."

"Are you sure you want to?" Harry asked Luna, "This is a lot more dangerous than. . . ." He was lost for a metaphor.

"Looking for fwoopers?" Luna suggested. "When I sensed the synergy in the train compartment last September, I knew I was to be part of the battle against evil. I will be part of it, no matter if I'm partnering with you or following you. I would prefer being your partner as well as your follower in the crusade."

Harry gave her a rather goofy smile.

"I think we have our answers," Edward said to Lovegood. "She should have some reserve wands. While we hope the students won't get directly involved with a fight with Voldemort or his Death Eaters again, recent history suggests it's a real possibility. I arranged with Ollivander to supply her with two."

"Yes," Lovegood mused, "that's a good idea. I'll take her after we close at Four."

"We're booked for lunch at Rucak's, if you'd care to come," Edward offered.

"After that little article, and the photo, I should take you!" Lovegood proclaimed. "In fact, name a date!"

"We'll be back the afternoon of August thirtieth," Edward said. "Harry will finish any school shopping the next day."

"I could cook dinner that night," Luna offered.

"Good idea!" Lovegood said.

"Alright," Edward agreed after a glance at a smiling Harry, "we'll be there."

"We live on the top floor," Luna said. "Your wife is welcome, too."

"We should be here at?"

"We close at Four; we can eat after Six. Any time in between is fine," Lovegood said.

"I do need to speak with you for a moment about The Truth," Edward said.

Luna led Harry out and shut the door. "I thought everything was coming along?" Lovegood said, surprised.

"I thought Harry and Luna would like a moment." Lovegood smiled, and Edward grinned.

"You didn't tell me your birthday was August First," Harry said as Luna shut the door. "We could have done something special." Edward had found that out for him.

"We did," Luna answered. "We were together. I wanted nothing more than that for my birthday."

"I hope you don't mind," Harry said tentatively. He dug into his pocket, pulled out three small bags, and held them out to her.

"As long as you don't think you ever have to buy me anything." She met his eyes. "I mean that, Harry. I have a little money, and I don't need anything, especially not things to help me believe you care about me. On the other hand, I know you have never had the chance to buy people things, so I won't stop you. Please, just don't over do the presents."

"I won't. I just thought you might not many chances to shop in Muggle London."

Luna smiled gently and dumped the bags out, revealing nine pairs of ear rings, six pairs rather gaudy and the remaining three pairs platinum charms (crescent moons, stars, and small lion's heads). "Harry, they're all lovely!" She reached up and put her left hand on his cheek. Harry leaned forward, and they kissed gently on the lips for the first time.

When Edward and Lovegood came out a few moments later, Luna had already replaced the small wooden owl ear rings she'd been wearing with a platinum lion and a plastic purple star fish.

It would be rare when she did not wear at least one of the platinum lions.