Chapter 10: Love

Harry opened his eyes and found himself lying down, alone in what seemed like a train station. Everything was white and clean.

He stood up and found a box. What’s inside it shocked him: It was a shrunken body of what seemed like a baby, but it looked like Lord Voldemort. He moved away from it and bumped into someone.

Albus Dumbledore. There was no mistaking the blue eyes, that long silvery gray beard…So, does this mean that he, too, was dead?

“Harry,” Dumbledore said, “You brave brave man.”

“Professor,” Harry smiled, “It’s good to see you.”

Dumbledore smiled back, “It’s nice to see you, too.”

“Does this mean that I’m…dead?”

“No, I don’t think you are.”

“But are you?”

“I am.”

“If you’re dead and I’m not, then…that’s…impossible.”

“Harry, you know that nothing is impossible.”

Harry smiled.

“Where do you reckon we are?”

“King’s Cross,” Harry answered, “Only it’s much cleaner…Professor, do you know what that thing is?” Harry pointed to the box with the shrunken baby in it.

“That,” Dumbledore said, “is the part of Lord Voldemort’s soul that lived within you. It’s gone now.”

“Gone?”

“Dead.”

“Dead?” Harry asked, “Wait…You mean he killed that part of himself.”

“Yes.”

“But I don’t understand—”

“Harry, you were the horcrux he never meant to make.” Dumbledore explained, “When he tried to kill you, the spell rebounded so a part of his soul latched itself unto you, and now he tried to kjll you again…”

“Meaning the only thing he killed is that part of his soul that lived within me?”

“That’s right.”

“But he’s still alive?”

“Yes,” Dumbledore said, “But I believe that if you come back, and the snake dies, there’s a big chance that he’ll be gone for good.”

“If I come back,” Harry repeated, “meaning I have a chance not to?”

“We’re in King’s Cross, you say?” Dumbledore said, “I think you have a choice where to go.”

“Professor,” He said, “Professor Snape…he…his Patronus is the same as my mom’s.”

“And I think you should know why,” Dumbledore replied, “It’s the thing Tom can’t understand.”

“Love.”

“Love.”

Harry nodded his head, “Luna,” He said, “Is she okay?”

“Why don’t you come back and see?”

Harry smiled, “Will I see you again?”

“Someday, my boy,” Dumbledore said, “Someday.”

Chapter 9: A Flash of Green Light

“After all this time?”Dumbledore asked a tear-stained Snape.

“Always.”Snape answered.

XXXXXX

Harry went back to the real world. Now he knew everything he needed to know. Harry, Ron and Hermione went to Snape’s aid shortly after Voldemort asked Nagini to kill him. Harry didn’t know why but he felt like Snape didn’t deserve to die.

And now he knew.

Snape was Dumbledore’s servant all along. Snape loved his mother. Smape was trying to protect him. And just like the others, Snape died.

And now he had to die, too.

For some reason, a part of him felt like he knew it all along. He knew he had to die. Didn’t Dumbledore and him talked about this two years ago?”Neither can live while the other survives.” And now the truth was finally out.

He, Harry Potter, had to die.

He was about to stand up when just like most times, he entered the Dark Lord’s mind.

“Master, why do we have to keep this filthy girl?” Bellatrix asked, holding Luna.

“Shut up, Bella,” Voldemort said, his eyes full of anger, “The boy will come.” He then turned to his snake, “Nagini. Stay. You have to be safe.”

Harry got out of the trance. They have Luna. They can’t hurt Luna. He has to save his Luna.

He left the room. When he arrived at the great hall, he saw the disaster that the dark Lord and his followers have done.

Neville and Oliver were carrying a dead body: Colin Creevey. Harry’s stomach lurched. He moved forward and saw Ron and Hermione, Bill and Fleur, Ginny, Fred and George, and Mr. and Mrs. WEasley huddled around a body. He moved closer and saw that it was Percy.

“He said sorry, you know?” Arthur said, “He went back to us and now—”

Harry couldn’t stay with them. He couldn’t stomach seeing the Weasleys hurt. But what he saw made him want to leave even more.

Remus and Tonks, lying down without life, hands as if reaching out to each other, eyes closed, peaceful beneath the turmoil of it all.

Harry wanted to cry, to shout, anything but he can’t. He had to leave. He had to face Voldemort. He didn’t want any more people to die, or be hurt. He was making his way out when he bumped into Neville.

“Harry? You okay?”

“Yes,” He said, “Neville…I need you to do something.”

“Sure, Harry,” Neville answered, “What is it?”

“You know Voldemort’s snake, right?” Harry asked, “Nagini.”

“Yes,”

“Just in case, you get the chance, kill the snake.”

“Kill the snake?”

“Yes.”

“Okay.”

“Thanks,” Harry said.

“No problem,” Neville said, “And Harry, we’re all going to keep fighting, you know?”

Harry nodded his head and started walking again.

“Harry, you’re not gonna give yourself up, are you?”

“I should go,” Harry said and left.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Harry found himself at the forbidden forest. He took the golden snitch from his pocket whispered to it parseltongue and said, “I’m ready to die.”

Something came out of the snitch. A stone. It was black and small, and suddenly he felt less alone. He realized he was surrounded by his mother, his father, Sirius, and also Remus.

He held out his hand to touch his mom, and she did the same thing, but they couldn’t touch each other. He, however, realized how much their eyes were the same. Looking into his mother’s etes, he realized that it was as if Lily lived in him all along.

“Can everyone else see you?” Harry asked.

“No,” Lily answered, smiling. “Harry, you’ve been so brave.”

“You truly are,” James said, “When I was your age—”

“All you did was hex people,” Sirius said jokingly.

Harry smiled.

“Does it hurt?” He asked. “Dying?”

“Easier than falling asleep.” Sirius answered.

“I’m sorry,” Harry told them all, “I never wanted any of you to die,” He faced Remus, “And you, Remus…Teddy’s just—”

“A baby,” Remus said, “I’m sad I wouldn’t get to be with him more, but at least he has a chance to live in a much peaceful manner.”

Harry nodded his head.

“Will you stay with me?”

“Always.” Lily said.

“Until the very end.” James added.

“Stay close with me.” Harry said.

And then he walked deeper into the forest. He saw hagrid tied into a tree, and Luna, held by Bellatrix.

“Harry?” Hagrid said, “Dear boy, why did you come—”

“Ah, Harry Potter,” Voldemort said, “The boy who lived has come to die.”

“No, no, he’s not gonna die!” Luna said, “Harry, please, go, just—”

‘CRucio!” Bellatrix pointed a wand at Luna. Luna fell on the floor, shaking, screaming.

“You will now longer hurt them!” Harry shouted, drawing out his wand, “Have me instead!”

“Your wish will be granted,” Voldemort said coldly.

“HARRY!” He heard Luna scream.

‘Avada Kedavra!” Voldemort said, and with a flash of green light, it was over.

Chapter 8: A Circle has no beginning

Harry, Hermione and Ron were escorted by Neville back to the Room of Requirement. They passed through Ariana’s portrait.

“Neville, are you sure this is right?” Harry asked, “I mean, why did you have to go through with the whole DA thing? You know it’s dangerous…”

“Harry, we did this together,” Neville said, “We’ll always keep fighting, you know?” He went on and realized they were in the Room of Requirement. “Oh we’re here.”

The Room of Requirement was bigger than how Harry remembered it. He was also surprised to find a large number of people—Order members, Original DA members—Fred, George, Ginny, Seamus, Cho, Colin, Lee, Dean, Ernie, Hannah, Parvati, Padma, even Zacharias Smith was there! And then new ones too, whome Neville and the rest of them probably recruited the past coupld of months. Even Bill and Fleur were inside the room, as well. And then he saw Luna. His sweet, beautiful Luna. Luna, whose heart he broke.

“Luna,” Harry muttered and everyone turned to look at him.

“‘Arry, we’re really sorry, we ‘old ‘er she’z not allowed ‘oo fight, zee’s too young but—” Fluer’s words were interrupted by Luna.

“I am a part of Dumbledore’s Army,” She said, “WE’re here to fight.”

“What you don’t understand,” Bill said, “is that this isn’t a game. People get hurt. People—”

“Die,” Fred said, “That we know, bro.”

“But our dungbombs are so ready.” George added.

“And we all could use some Canary creams…”

“This isn’t a joke,” Bill said, looking angry and worried at the same time, “I don’t want anyone risking their lives, getting bit by werewolves, attacked by death eaters—”

“We know the risks, Bill.” Ginny said.

“Ginny—” Ron said.

“Okay, okay, llet’s not get into all these arguments, Harry’s back, and he needs our help.” Neville said, “Harry?”

Harry took a deep breath, “So, uhm…Dumbledore, he, uhm, asked us to look for stuff…this will…help..destroy Vol—”

“Don’t say his name!” Ron said.

“You know who,” Harry continued, “Does anyone know anything Rowena Ravenclaw owned?”

“The lost diadem,” Luna said in her dreamlike voice. NO one said anything. Ron and Hermione looked at each other. “The lost diadem of Ravenclaw.” Luna repeated, “Anyone heard of that? It’s famous.”

“Yes Luna,” Cho said, “But it is lost.”

“Excuse me…” Harry said, “Lost? How?”

“And what exactly is a diadem?” Ron added.

“Iz like a tiara,” Fleur said, “Like the one Muriel lent me on my wedding…”

“Oh.,”

“Cho? Go on,” Hermione said.

“The lost diadem once belonged to Rowena Ravenclaw, but it’s, well, lost. NO one has seen it for centuries now.”

“But it’s real?” Harry asked.

“Of course,” Luna said, “It can’t be lost if it didn’t exist.”

No one spoke.

“What?” Luna said, “Harry Potter, don’t tell me you won’t believe me now?”

“It’s not like that.”

“Thens top wasting your time and come with me.”

“Go, Harry,” Hermione said, “Ron and I have a plan.”

“Okay, ” Harry said, taking a deep breath, “Luna, let’s go.”

XXXXXXX

Harry was holding Rowena Ravenclaw’s diadem as he saw Luna waiting for him outside Ravenclaw tower. She was right, he thought, the diadem is real.

He didn’t know what to say to Luna though. He, after all, broke her heart. And yet, she was still there, waiting, ready to lend a helping hand.

“Oh you’re back!” She exclaimed as she saw Harry, “And you have the diadem!”

“You were right, Luna, you were right.”

She smiled kindly.

Their eyes met and they ran to each other and in a matter of seconds, they kissed.

“I’m so sorry,” Harry said, “I broke your heart, I didn’t meant to..I love you—”

She smiled, “A circle has no beginning,” She said.

He smiled back. Who knows? It may be over soon. They may never see each other again. He didn’t want to think about it, but he knew there was a possibility. But he loves her, and at that moment, that was all that mattered.”

“We have to go back,” He said.

“I know,” She said, “It will be fine.”

He smiled lightly and looked her in the eye.

“WE’re all ready for battle,” She said, “But it doesn’t matter that everything has to end.”

He kissed her on the forehead, “Let’s go,” He said, and then they made their way back to the castle, where a war was already in full blast.

The Dark times

“Where is ‘Arry?” Fleur asked as she flicked her wand, allowing the plates, glasses and utensils to set themselves on the table. It’s been a few days since Dobby died, and Harry, Luna, Ron, Hermione, Deam, Mr. Ollivander and Griphook were staying at Shell Cottage, Bill and Fleur’s humble abode.

The Wedding

Months passed since Dumbledore died. So many things have happened: George’s ear was hit by a curse, Hermione had obliviated her parents’ memories, Hedwig’s dead, Mad-eye’s dead…And yet, through it all, they still decided to go through with Bill and Fleur’s wedding. Everybody needs a breather.

Months passed. Luna saw Ron and Hermione leaving Harry at the Astronomy tower. It was their last day at Hogwarts after Dumbledore’s death. Hermione and Ron gave her an encouraging smile and she returned it to them.. She then continued walking up to Harry who was looking far and away.

She put a hand on her shoulder.

“Hey,” Harry said as he faced her.

Harry took a deep breath. “Snape,” He said, “How could he? Dumbledore trusted him.” Harry was crying once more, “I..can’t..I’m…He’s gone.”

“He’s not really gone, you know?” Luna told him, “Like your godfather. Like my mother.”

“But he’s Dumbledore…He shouldn’t have died.”

“Death will come get all of us, Harry,” Luna said, “But we’re still here. We’re still alive. And Dumbledore still will look after you. I know.”

“He’s getting stronger,” Harry said, “Voldemort.”

Luna nodded her head, “But you’re still stronger than him.”

“But if Dumbledore died—”

“It’s not your fault,” Luna said, “And…things…happen.”

Harry took a deep breath, “I don’t know if I could handle this,” Harry cried and Luna hugged him.

“You could always look in the mirror, you know?” Luna told him.

“What?”

“The mirror…the one your godfather gave you. It’s curious, but I believe it’s useful…”

Harry didn’t know whether he would believe her or not. But a part of him felt like Luna’s words had meaning. He felt like maybe, she was telling the truth, After all, Luna never lies. And maybe, like her, he should start believing, too.

“You’ll be fine, you know?” Luna said. “When my mother died, my daddy became sad…and then we learned to move on.”

Harry remembered Luna’s mother’s portrait. “Luna,” He said, “Your mom’s portrait…You never clean it…Why?”

“Why should I?” Luna said, “That’s mommy…” She looked far and away and smiled. “Harry, they’re all just behind the veil. We never lose them.”

And though the pain in Harry’s heart didn’t disappear completely, somehow he felt relieved. Things may become harder in time, but he had Luna, and with that he was fine.

“Stay with me, will you?” Harry said, holding her hand.

“I will never let go.”

Pictures and Plimpies

Afternoon of Christmas eve, Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny and Neville were at the Lovegood’s house as Luna invited them to stay with them for the holidays. Ron and Hermione were playing with Crookshanks at the yard, while Neville and Ginny were strolling around the vast yard, looking at different species of plants they have never seen before. The dirigible plums also kept on following them, and Harry couldn’t help but smile fondly. Luna was nowhere in sight; Xenophilus said she was at the lake, fishing for Plimpies. Harry decided to roam around the house and check out Luna’s bedroom.

The room was beautiful. It wasn’t big, nor grand, but seeing it will really make you think of Luna. The walls were colorful, and up the ceiling was a painting: It was a painting of Harry, Hermione, Ron, Ginny and Neville in a circle and linking them was the word “friends” painted in Gold. Harry’s heart softened up even more, knowing how much Luna values them. He then noticed a portrait hanging on the wall: It was a portrait of a much younger Luna and a woman who looks like her—the straggly blonde hair, those protuberant eyes…Harry came to the realization that it was Luna’s mother. He wanted to stay in the bedroom longer, but he felt like he has already seen too much. He went out and bumped into Ginny at the living room.

“Hey,” Ginny said, “Where are you going?”

“I’m going to….uhm…try to check if Luna needs help with the Plimpies.” Harry replied.

“Oh,” Ginny said, “Okay.”

Harry walked out of the house and walked briskly to the lake where Luna was. The basket sitting on the grass was already full of fishes, and Luna seemed to be going back already. She was surprised to see Harry standing in front of her.

“Hi, Harry,” She said.

“Hey…”

“Are you okay? Did daddy ask you to fetch me?”

“Oh, no, I just…I was just wondering if I could…help.”

Luna smiled, “Well, you can carry the basket, then,” She said, “And don’t worry, there are no nargles.”

Harry laughed lightly, “So…I was at your room.”

“Oh,” Luna muttered.

“I’m sorry, I just—”

“It’s okay, Harry,” Luna said.

“I saw your painting…”

“Did you like it?” She asked, “Although I must say, I did make a good illustration of you, didn’t I? You look happier in my painting…”

Harry laughed, “Yeah, yeah…” He said, “Luna…that woman with you in the portrait…is she…is she your—”

“My mother?” Luna said, “Yes, that’s her.”

“She’s beautiful.”

“She is,” Luna smiled, “And people loved her…She was exceptional. And popular…She was a prefect of Ravenclaw house before, and then…and then when she and daddy got married, everyone kept saying she lost it…that it was a wrong move…and then one day, while doing one of her experiments, she died. It was sad. Daddy was sad…and I was, too…”

“I’m sorry,”

“Everyone dies, Harry,” She said, “But that doesn’t mean they’ve left.” She smiled, “And I still have daddy…and friends like you.”

He smiled. Luna always knew what to say. Luna always had something good to make him feel better, even though he knew she’s also going through a lot.

“So, let’s go back now?” She asked. “They’re probably starving…”

He laughed, “Yeah, let’s go.”

And he held her hand as they went back to the house together.

“he loved her,
he always did..
although she had her heart out for someone else,
he still cared.
Not even death could make him stop,
because he loved her
he always did, he always will.”

Chapter 1—because they’re different

“Hello, Harry,” Luna Lovegood said as she found Harry sitting down at the forest, near Hagrid’s cabin, looking at the thestrals. Harry was feeling under the weather—losing a Quidditch match, last minute exams, potions…

Harry turned to look at Luna. He thought she looked beautiful—her long, straggly blonde hair was pulled down to her waist and she was wearing her famous radish earrings. It’s been a year since they met each other. Luna was now in fifth year, while Harry was in his sixth year.

“Hi Luna,” He greeted back.

“I thought I’d be seeing you here. Guess you’ve grown fond of the thestrals, huh?” She smiled.

“Yes…they take my mind off things…”

“That they do,” She said, “It’s a shame others don’t like them as much…Because-“

“They’re different,” Harry finished for her, remembering a conversation they had the past year. He smiled.

“The nargles don’t like them, though,” She said, “They like infesting the carriages.”

Harry laughed fondly. He has grown to accept Luna for who she is—nargles and all.

“Where are you staying for Christmas, Luna?” Harry asked.

“I’ll be going home,” She said, “Christmas is amazing at home. Daddy makes all these puddings and I catch freshwater plimpies for soup! You should taste it, Harry. Oh! I have an idea, why don’t you, Ron, Hermione, Ginny and Neville come around for Christmas? It will be wonderful, and I’ll make sure the nargles don’t infest the misletoes!”

Harry smiled, “Well…that’s a…a…brilliant idea,” He said, actually meaning it, “I’d love to, Luna.”

“Good!” She exclaimed happily, “I will tell Ginny later.”

“And I’ll tell Ron and the others…”

Luna smiled as she looked at the thestrals, “This will be the first time that other people will be coming over to the house…Daddy and I…we don’t have many friends and-“

“Luna, I told you, I am your friend.” Harry said as he held Luna’s hand. Luna was surprised but she smiled. Harry felt a certain sense of comfort as he held Luna’s hand and looked her in the eye. He felt as if he was closer to home.

“Thank you, Harry,” Luna said, “So…I’ll see you around. I have a couple of projects to submit to professor Sprout and then tomorrow I could pack.”

“If you’re losing stuff, tell me, I’ll help you find them…”

“Okay,” Luna smiled, “Thank you, Harry.” And then she hopped back to the castle, her beautiful hair fluttering in the wind.

“Beautiful, ain’t she?” Harry told the Thestrals though he knew they wouldn’t answer. He laughed at himself, “What am I saying? I should go…” He then stood up and made his way back to the castle. Seeing Luna made him feel better.

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