Harry Potter and The Two Year War

by TheRealXenocide

Disclaimer: This story contains characters created and owned by J.K. Rowling, Bloomsbury Publishing, Scholastic, Inc. and AOL/Time Warner, Inc. No permission has been given and since no money is being made here, no infringement is intended.

Chapter 10

The Surprising Hero

After a round of general agreement, the group broke up into their smaller groups as planned. Harry, Luna, and Remus went first to the stationary shop and the apothecary for school supplies, then to the cauldron shop. Luna wanted a new copper one to use for her OWLs, remembering Neville's worries about whether or not his had been clean enough for his exam. Harry was debating getting the silver cauldron he would need for NEWT potions class, when Remus came to the rescue by conjuring up a muggle looking hand trunk. "I figured you would have some experience with one of these, Harry, giving what we've been learning about the Dursleys."

"Yeah, I do, actually. Thanks, Remus." Cauldrons purchased, Harry put them on the hand truck, with Luna's on top, and their other school supplies inside the cauldrons.

As they made their way toward Eeylop's Owl Emporium for Luna's owl, Harry was starting to feel a little nervous. This was the thing that had supported Luna asking him on this date in the first place. He noticed, however, that Luna didn't seem to be making a big deal out of it. He knew it was, though. The light bump/scrape against his skin whenever his stride caused the butterbeer cork to move reminded him of that. For her to give him one made with the same color threads as her mother . . . might they even be off the same spools?

When they arrived at the owl shop, Harry parked the hand truck as close as he dared to the door. "I'll watch this, Harry." Remus offered. "You go on."

"Thanks, Remus." Harry turned toward the door of the owl shop only to stop short. Luna was standing there, looking at him. And looking . . . the only word that seemed to fit was nervous. But that was such a foreign look for her that he wasn't sure. "Luna? Are you okay?"

"I guess it's real now, isn't it?"

"Real?"

"I mean, I've never been on a date. Everything else was school. This is different."

Harry would never understand where he got the nerve to do what he did next. Hadn't he been nervous a moment ago? Nonetheless, he found himself gently taking Luna's hands in his. "Please don't worry. If I didn't want to be here, I'd have figured a way out. But I'm here for you. With you. I really want this to work, Luna."

Luna's smile was small, but her blush was not. "Thank you, Harry."

"Come on. Let's find your owl."

The inside of the shop was arranged in such a way as to tap dance on the border between order and chaos. The attendant was helping another pair, a mother and child by the look of things. "You know, every time I'm in here, I'm amazed by the fact that Hagrid somehow managed to navigate through this place." When silence answered him, he began to look around. "Luna?"

His eyes found her looking intently at an owl near the window, who seemed to be equally interested in her. He carefully placed a hand on her shoulder, trying not to startle her, and gave the owl a closer look. The owl in question was not quite a foot long in body. Harry didn't think it weighed a full pound yet. Probably still young. Its head featured two smallish tufts of feathers that looked like small ears. That sparked a memory from the books he'd read while teaching himself how to care for Hedwig. "Oh, I know this kind. It's a short-eared owl. The white on its beak is a bit different, though." The owl had sand-like tan feathers with specks of white on its back and wings, while mostly white with tan streaks on its chest. Its black beak had some odd white streaks. Its face looked like it was trying to solve a puzzle.

"I think she looks very clever."

"Does seem interested in you. Like it's trying to figure you out."

"Her gaze drew me here."

"Sorry for the wait, you two." The attendant called from the counter. "Be there soon as I make sure this lad's all set."

"That's fine." Harry called back. He turned back to Luna. "You know, I'm reminded of how quickly Hermione and Crookshanks took to each other."

"I don't think I've heard that story."

"Remind me the next time we're with Hermione."

Just then, the door opened, and the other pair of customers left. The boy was carrying a cage with a young barn owl, looking as happy as could be. The attendant came over to Harry and Luna. "I would ask if I can help you find the right owl. But I know that look, young lady." His voice had the same smile his face did.

"They do seem quite taken with one another." Harry remarked.

"Yes." Luna answered. "I'd like to have her, please."

"Well, miss, there are a few things you should know. First off, it's a he. Males of this kind are a bit smaller than the females. He's also a juvenile, barely old enough to leave his mum. And he was the smallest of his clutch, although he seems to be growing alright. But if you're okay with all that, I'll bring him to the counter, and gather up everything you'll need to raise him right."

"I understand. And I would still like him, please."

"Of course."

By the time they were ready to leave the shop, Luna's new owl had been graced with the name Sandy. In addition to all the standard accessories for first-time owl owners, Luna had selected a cage made of copper, to match Sandy's plumage. When they learned that the price would have blown Luna's budget for this trip, Harry insisted on paying for it separately. "This is the first time I get to treat you to something, Luna. Let me?"

"Alright, Harry."

Outside, Harry put Sandy's supplies into Luna's cauldron, and a couple of thing he'd bought for Hedwig in his, while Luna introduced Sandy to Remus. Harry would have placed Sandy on the hand truck, but the attendant reminded them that it would be best if Luna carried him in his cage for the first couple of hours. Apparently, it helps with the bonding process. 'Not that those two need much help' Harry thought happily.

"Is there anything else you two need to do today?" Remus asked.

Harry thought for a moment. "Nothing I can think of. Luna?"

Luna thought. "Well, the owl shop was a bit dusty. I could use something to drink."

"If I might suggest." Remus offered. "I'm sure a small ice cream wouldn't ruin your appetite for whichever of Molly's recipes Dobby is making for us. It should feel good for your throat, Luna, and allow you two to sit and enjoy each other's company for a while."

"It probably would feel better than a butterbeer." Luna replied. "What do you think, Harry?"

Harry couldn't help but grin. "I think somebody needs to learn to be subtle with his hints."

"Not when the person I'm hinting for does subtle as well as my old friend James." Remus answered, smiling unabashed.

Harry shook his head in amusement, then refocused on Luna. "Yes, Luna, I think spending time with you at Florean Fortescue's is an excellent idea."

While Remus sat outside with the hand truck and Sandy, Harry and Luna ordered a single scoop each. Luna surprised him by ordering elderberry flavored ice cream with raspberry syrup. "I don't think I've ever seen anyone eat elderberry anything. What's it like?"

"Tart and sweet and a little bit earthy. My mom used to make elderberry jam. I've always liked it."

"I guess I'll have to try it, then." Harry said, and ordered the same thing for himself.

As Harry and Luna returned to the outside seating area, Harry saw that Remus had placed Sandy's cage a couple of tables away from him. "I thought you might want to sit alone, but Luna and Sandy are still bonding. I hope you don't mind." Remus said in answer to Harry's questioning look.

"That was very thoughtful. Thank you." Luna replied.

Harry just shook his head as he followed Luna to the table. After they were seated, Harry spoke softly. "You do realize that he's having fun with us, right?"

"I think you're almost right." Luna said. "He's your father's schoolboy friend, and a former Marauder. He also cares for you greatly, Harry. I think he is amused, but I think he is using that to spare your pride, so he can help you without hurting your feelings."

"Oh. Wow, Luna, now that you say it, it makes so much sense."

She patted Harry's hand. "Let's spare his pride, and continue to act like we haven't figured it out."

Harry smiled. "Sure thing, Luna. Let enjoy the ice cream and talk."

Harry's reaction to the taste of his elderberry ice cream seemed to change as he progressed through it. At first, the tartness was a bit more then he preferred, but it was tolerable. But as he continued to eat, he found the complexity of the taste growing on him. While he didn't think he would ever order it when he was alone, it was becoming something he could easily enjoy with Luna.

About fifteen minutes later, the ice cream was gone, but not the pleasant conversation. Then a voice Harry very much did not want to hear interrupted them. "Oh, this is just too good to be true."

Harry had to work to bury his instant flash of hatred for the speaker. "And what's that, Draco?"

"Is the great Harry Potter holding hands with Loony Lovegood?" Harry shot to his feet. "Oh, how the mighty have fallen!"

"Like the house of Malfoy?" Harry spat back.

Draco's face instantly turned to anger. "Should have known the Headmaster would have told his pet student."

Remus stepped between the two boys. "Both of you are better than this behavior. And before you say something, Mr. Malfoy, I know you've been informed of my return to my Professorship at Hogwarts. So keep that in mind when I strongly suggest you continue with your day somewhere else."

Draco glared at Remus. "Yes, I know about that." He turned his gaze to Harry. "But since you know, there's one thing to clear up for you first, Potter."

"What."

"The phrase 'the enemy of my enemy is my friend' does not apply to us. The Dark Lord is my enemy now, and you know why. But don't EVER fool yourself into thinking we can ever be friends, Potter. That will never happen. Clear?"

"Crystal."

"But it is also true that you don't need to be friends in order to be allies against a common enemy." Luna chimed in.

Before either young man could respond, Remus added. "That's a fair point. It's happened before in history. Why not with you two?"

Draco looked from Remus to Luna and back, then shook his head. "Excuse me, but I need to leave before you people rut my brain." With that, Draco turned on his heel, and strode toward Gringott's.

Once Remus was sure Draco was gone, he turned to Harry. "I know he insulted Luna, but going to his dead family was uncalled for, and unworthy of you, Harry. Especially you."

Harry was trying to think of how to respond to that, when he felt Luna pull on his hand with hers. The same hands that they had been holding the entire time. He looked at her, and the sadness in her eyes punched him. "I appreciate you rising for me, Harry. But you shouldn't let him cause you to be worse than who you are." She gently placed her hand to his necklace, making a point of running her finger along the thread. "Worse than either of us are."

The thread. Her mother's colors. Her dead mother. Harry silently cursed himself. "I'm sorry, Luna. You're right. I should be better than that."

"Michael is coming." Remus interrupted. Harry looked in the direction of The Leaky Cauldron, and saw Michael Morris from Moody's reaction team jogging toward them. "This doesn't look good. Quickly, Harry, get the hand truck ready. Luna, secure Sandy."

Harry had to agree with Remus's assessment. The teens quickly complied with his instructions. Michael reached them just as Harry had the hand truck ready to roll. "No time for subtlety. Code Red." All three knew what that meant. A Death Eater attack was in progress. "Tonks and her two have already left. McGonagall is getting the other group. Which cauldron is who's?"

"Luna's is on top." Harry answered. "Mine's the bottom."

"Right." He grabbed Luna's from the stack, pulled a brass ring from his pocket, and stepped toward Luna. "I'll portkey Luna to your place, Harry. Remus can get you there. Luna, grab the ring, please." She had been drilled on this produce, so she grabbed the ring, and she, Michael, Sandy, and her cauldron disappeared.

Harry grabbed his cauldron, and turned to Remus, who had his own portkey ring ready. "Any idea?"

Remus shook his head. "None. Let's go find out." Harry nodded, grabbed the ring, and felt the familiar tug behind his naval as they disappeared.

Harry was glad that the portkeys were keyed to bedrooms. When he and Remus descended the stairs, he saw that most of the ground floor was in a state of barely controlled chaos. Mrs. Weasley saw Harry, and waved him over. "Harry dear, please, we need to talk."

He saw her face, and felt an ice dagger of dread in his gut. Hurrying to her, with Remus right behind him, he asked. "Was it . . . the burrow?"

"No, Harry, but please sit down. I'm afraid, knowing you, it's just as bad."

Having learned not to fight such requests, Harry sat down. And found Luna next to him a moment later. "Sandy's in a third floor bedroom. He'll be fine."

"Sandy?" Mrs. Weasley asked, surprised by the unknown name.

"Her new owl." Harry answered.

"Oh, yes, of course. I'm glad you got that done before this happened, Luna. But Harry, I need to tell you some bad news. But please, don't try to go charging into it. Your friend will need your support, here."

"Who? What is it, Mrs. Weasley?"

"First, you should know that Dumbledore himself is there, and he has Moody and Maeve with him. Kingsley and Tonks are leading the group checking on the rest of the DA."

"Okay." Harry's dread was growing by the syllable.

"Now, I don't know the details yet, but . . . Harry, they've attacked Hermione's parents."

"What?!" Harry tried to jump up, but Luna held his hand in a shockingly powerful grip as Remus moved into position to intercept him.

"I know, Harry." Remus said. "But Dumbledore and Moody are leading the response. I suspect Molly needs your help here."

"With what?"

"Well, Harry. And I'm sorry for imposing like this. With just how much extra space this house has with all those extension charms, I was hoping you'd be willing to let us use Grimmauld Place as a temporary shelter for Hermione's family, or anyone else who needs it."

Harry only had to think for a moment. If he couldn't charge into action, he'd put his energy here. "Dobby!"

With a pop, Dobby was at Harry's knee. "Yes, Harry Potter sir?"

"How many rooms are ready for guests?"

"Two double rooms and two single rooms are ready now. Four more of each can be ready in five minutes each." He sounded rather proud of that statement.

"Have a double and a single ready for Hermione and her parents. And be ready to need more rooms ready without notice. We have no idea how bad this is going to be."

"Dobby understands."

"Thank you, Dobby." With that, Dobby popped out if the room. "Remus, what should we do with Buckbeak?"

"Good question." Remus said. "I'm not sure."

"Can he go back to Hogwarts?" Mrs. Weasley asked. "I mean, with Fudge trying to save his job by helping us, would he be able to clear Buckbeak so he can go back?"

"Maybe." Remus answered. "With all the departments moving to a war footing, it is too difficult to tell if that will make it easier or more difficult. I'll ask Dumbledore to talk to Fudge. In the mean time, we should ward the door to his room against muggles. That should protect Hermione's parents from him."

"Protect them from whom?" Hermione asked as she entered the room.

XzX

The next fifteen minutes were among the most tense Harry could remember. Ron was trying his best to comfort Hermione, who hadn't moved from her seat since her initial attempt to rush to her parents. Harry wasn't sure whose expression worried him the most. Hermione's worry and fear, or Ron's grim determination.

Finally, a sorrow faced Albus Dumbledore walked into the sitting room. Seeing where she and Ron were seated, he sat down in an arm chair that allowed him to easily address them. "Ms. Granger. Hermione. Do you want everyone here to hear this with you?"

Hermione nodded. "Yes." Her voice was barely a whisper.

"I believe that is wise. Now, first the good news. Thanks to the quick action and alarm from Hesta Jones, who was watching your parents, we were able to get there fast enough to prevent the worse." Hermione's head perked up at that. "Both of your parents are alive, and appear to have only minor injuries. They are being checked over by Madam Pomfrey to be sure. But . . ." He paused here, he's sorrow even more obvious. "Hermione, it seems that the only reason your mother is not near death herself is because somebody threw himself into her at the right moment, and took the bludgeoning curse meant for her head."

Hermione's eyes were both shocked and scared. "Who?"

"I'm so sorry to have to tell you this." Nobody hearing this could doubt his sincerity. "Crookshanks saved your mother, and is now in critical condition. He is receiving the best care available, but . . . they do not believe he will survive."

Even though his conversations with Moody told Harry that these moments would happen, he hoped to never hear anything like the wail of sorrow that came from Hermione in that moment.