Harry Potter and the House of Meditation

Chapter 17: Saying Goodbye

In spite of everything on his mind, Harry got through his N.E.W.T.s and thought he had done fairly well.

The Ministry of Magic was opening an office in Hogsmeade, and Dumbledore had convinced Harry to put in for a job there. Harry rather liked the idea of staying close to Hogwarts.

He and Luna had arranged the wedding for the afternoon after graduation. Ron was going to be the best man and Luna had asked Ginny to be the maid of honor. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were coming with Fred and George. Mr. Lovegood was traveling up with Remus Lupin. They had taken a great liking to each other as they had helped finalize the wedding plans.

Mrs. Weasley had resigned herself to the situation only after several days of alternating tears and scolding.

"I'll just say this once, Harry, and then I'll be done forever. You're too young! A month shy of eighteen! What were you thinking of? There! I've said my piece and now I'll hold my tongue."

"She's already knitting baby clothes," Ron confided. "When that kid comes she'll spoil it stupid."

There was just one more thing Harry felt he had to do.

When Harry and Luna portkeyed into the kitchen at number four, Privet Drive, they gave Petunia Dursley quite a fright. She had her head in the freezer at the time, looking for the frozen chicken when she heard the noise behind her.

"Oh, it's you!" she said, knocking over an ice cube tray. "And you, again?" she added, eyeing Luna suspiciously. "What are you doing here this time of night? Term isn't over yet, is it?"

"No," said Harry picking up a few pieces of stray ice for her. "But I need to talk to you and Uncle Vernon."

"He's in the lounge," said Petunia grumpily, leading the way. "Vernon, he's back, with Miss...what's your name again?"

"Luna Lovegood," Luna replied serenely.

"Miss Lovegood," Petunia announced to Vernon Dursley.

"What's that?" said Uncle Vernon, looking up from his paper. "Oh. How do you do? You again, boy? What do you want this time of night?"

"I have some good news for you," said Harry, taking Luna's hand.

"Is it Lord What's-his-name? Have your lot gotten rid of him at last?"

"WE got rid of him actually," said Luna sweetly.

"Well," said Vernon reluctantly. "That IS good news. Don't want any more of that sort around here. And none of those dementy things, either. I don't think Dudley will ever get over it. Nasty things they were. Never thought I'd say this, but well done, Harry."

"I must admit," said Petunia, "I'm glad to hear it, too."

"I have better news," said Harry. "With Voldemort gone, I don't have to live here any more."

"Never?" asked Vernon hopefully.

"In fact, Luna and I came to tell you we're going to be married."

"Don't be ridiculous," said Vernon. "You're just children."

"Actually," put in Luna, "you're an adult once you turn seventeen in the wizarding world."

"Mad as hatters, every one of them," said Vernon, throwing the paper down, "but if that's what you want, best of luck to you. Good luck, and goodbye!"

"Oh, I expect we'll pop in occasionally just to say hello," said Harry.

"Must you? Well, if you must. But not too often," said Vernon.

"You're sure it's safe for you to go away?" asked Petunia. "Because I don't want any more howlers."

"No howlers. I promise," said Harry. "So, now you know, and well, there's one more thing. I've never done this before, but here goes." Harry kissed Petunia's papery cheek. "Thanks for everything. We survived."

She put her hand to her face for a moment, shocked, and then gave Harry the smallest of smiles. "You know, Harry, you really do have Lily's eyes."

"So I've heard," said Harry wistfully. "Goodbye, Aunt Petunia, and Uncle Vernon. Say goodbye to Duddykins for me."

And with another sharp crack, he and Luna were gone, but they didn't go far. Mrs. Figg was having a shower for them, which Harry thought was decent of her. The thought of a celebration of any kind that involved Muggles, witches, wizards AND squibs made Harry very happy. He just hoped no one would trip over any of the damned cats.

Chapter 18: A Very Special Valentine

Harry sat by the window, watching the pale afternoon sun trying to peer through the dreary February sky. He was more tired than he had ever been in his life. Images floated through his head, of Gilderoy Lockhart in lurid pink robes, of surly dwarves wearing golden wings, of cherubs throwing pink confetti over the small circular tables at Madam Puddifoot's. But there would never be another Valentine's Day that he would remember as well as this one.

He looked over at Luna as she stirred. She had woken up several times, and each time, when he had assured her everything was fine, she had gone back to sleep. Hoping she was really coming to this time, Harry said happily, "Wake up, mum! You've had more sleep than anybody else!"

Opening her eyes wide, Luna found Harry sitting beside her bed making a huge pink teddy bear dance across the coverlet. He had the goofiest grin on his face that she had ever seen.

"Where did you get that?"

"Ginny and Dean brought it. She also got her first Weird Sisters CD from Tonks, and Remus Lupin sent the flowers," Harry said, pointing to a bunch of huge silvery pink roses. He leaned over and kissed her. "You are a brave and wonderful girl."

"I'll have you know, I'm a woman."

"Okay. Does that make me a man?"

"Oh, automatically. Where is she?"

"They took her to the nursery. Everyone we know has been up to see her. Mrs. Weasley has been up there for hours. I feel sorry for Fleur and Bill. The pressure's really going to be on now."

Luna smiled wanly. "Who does she look like?"

"Like herself. She has green eyes and blonde fuzzy hair. The healer said sometimes they change, but I don't think hers will. It's weird looking at someone else and seeing my own eyes."

"You'll get used to it."

"I guess I will, but it's so amazing! They let me hold her and she grabbed my finger, as if she knew who I was. It's like she was saying hello. She has these tiny, tiny little fingernails, but they're really long. She's brilliant"

Luna shook her head sheepishly. "Sorry I passed out."

"Sorry I almost did."

"Well, all's well that ends well."

Harry grinned again like a fool. "You can say that again."

Mr. Lovegood joined them.

"Being a granddad looks good on you," said Luna.

"I feel even older than I look," said Mr. Lovegood wearily. "That was a long night. You gave us all quite a fright."

"At least you got a consolation prize," said Luna. "How do you like her?"

"She's beautiful. I'd forgotten how small they are."

"I didn't think she was that small this morning," sighed Luna, wincing.

"She looks just about how you did when you were born, said Mr. Lovegood. He hesitated, then said softly, "I wish your mother could have seen her, and yours, Harry."

"I think," said Luna gently, "That they must know. Harry, have you ever read the Muggle poem called 'Ascension'?"

"No...who wrote it?"

"A Muggle named Colleen Hitchcock. It's always meant a lot to me," said Luna, beginning to recite rapidly:

And if I go, while you're still here...

Know that I live on, Vibrating to a different measure

Beyond a thin veil that you cannot see through.

You will not see me, So you must have faith.

I wait for the time when we can soar together again,

Both aware of each other.

Until then, live your life to the fullest,

And when you need me, just whisper my name in your heart...

I will be there.