Chapter Fifteen:

Harry's Pledge

"Well, your night at Cold Kielder Farm was certainly productive!" Professor Moody remarked to Harry.

The two of them - plus Ron, Hermione, Luna, and Padma - were all sat in a committee meeting room at the Ministry of Magic, in London. At the head of the table was the Minister of Magic himself, the leonine-like Rufus Scrimgeour - and, to his left, Percy Weasley, and a female secretary, who was writing notes at a furious pace.

They had just sat down, and the meeting had started. Four days had now passed since the successful tracking down of, and combat with, the Death Eater group. Although a couple of Ministry Aurors had perished in the fighting, and most of the werewolves on Harry's side had been injured, all of the enemy had been accounted for. Half of them - mainly werewolves - had fought to the death, whilst the rest were now under lock and key.

"It has certainly given us food for thought," Scrimgeour announced, one hand resting on top of his walking cane. "First, it has been proved that a pack of werewolves fighting for our side can be successfully used against enemy werewolves in battle. Secondly, a kidnapped witch, turned into a werewolf under Fenrir Greyback's control, has been able to break free of her conditioning! And killing one of Greyback's deputies in the process!" The minister chuckled, looking distinctly pleased - the first time Harry had ever seen him smile.

Padma nervously raised her hand.

"Yes, Miss Patil?" Scrimgeour asked.

"How…? How is my sister since I last saw her?"

The minister looked across to Percy, who responded.

"I understand that the Aurors who attended to her have managed to break open Miss Patil's collar. And the ingrained imperious curse the Death Eaters put her under is slowly clearing." Percy pushed the bridge of his glasses back up upon his nose. He allowed himself a small smile. "She's started to provide us with an account of what the Death Eaters have been doing during the last few months - and it's as much as we feared. Several young wizards and witches - pupils and ex-pupils - have been kidnapped. Most have been converted into an imperious-bound army of werewolves. However, it seems that the group at Cold Kielder Farm was one of the last groups left. The only sizeable gathering of the Death Eaters and their forces, now, is at Hogwarts."

Padma looked relieved. "What will happen to Parvati?" she asked.

"The same as any other imperious-controlled werewolf we manage to capture," Scrimgeour answered. "The Ministry will try to rehabilitate her. We will provide what support we can. However, it will be some time before she can walk free. She used an Unforgiveable Curse, despite the circumstances."

"She had little choice!" Harry protested. "Parvati acted on the instincts that the Death Eaters had forced upon her."

"But you're not locking her up indefinitely?" Hermione interrupted.

"No." In turn, Scrimgeour cast his steely gaze at each of the Freedom Fighters. "As soon as we know she's a danger to no one, Parvati Patil can go back to her family. That's as fair as I can be. If it wasn't for the circumstances, and the information she has provided, the young lady would have fared worst."

Padma gave a small nod, accepting the Minister's decision. She sighed. "I want to be here for my sister. To help her…readjust." She turned to Ron. "With your permission, of course."

Ron glanced at Harry and Hermione, who both nodded back. "Sure. We understand, Padma," Ron declared. "Take as long as you need for Parvati. And for any other werewolves freed from the control of the Death Eaters, if you like. After all, they weren't acting of their own free will."

"Thank you." Padma bobbed her head.

There was a momentary silence in the chamber. Harry broke it.

"You said that you had important news for us, Minister. The reason why you called us here, in particular."

"Yes, indeed…" Scrimgeour's bushy brows drew closer together as his expression became pensive. "Having spent some time in a prison cell seems to have changed Mrs Malfoy's tune. She's started to give away secrets of what her sister and son are up to, whilst being under siege at Hogwarts."

Harry frowned, confused. "She's decided to talk? Can you trust her…?"

"I've interviewed her, as well, Harry," Mad Eye spoke up. "Narcissa Malfoy is losing the appetite for this war. She had thought that her side would have conquered the British wizarding community by now. But the destruction of the Brollachan, and the strong opposition we've collectively amassed, has rather spoilt her confidence. And, in hiding amongst muggle society, she's become more exposed to the lives and feelings of ordinary folk."

"In short, she has learnt what it means to live amongst those her family sneered at," Hermione interjected, intrigued by this turn of events.

"Exactly, Miss Granger." Scrimgeour nodded. "But from what I understand of the account Mrs Malfoy has given so far, her sister - Bellatrix Lestrange - and her son have become more determined to achieve their aims. To destroy the present wizarding hierarchy, and become rulers over an enslaved population of muggles.

"Narcissa Malfoy has expressed to us her unease with a new development which her sister and son are working on of late. And so, she has started to 'spill' the beans', so to speak."

The Minister stopped speaking. Harry heard the ticking of the Swiss clock set in one of the wood-panelled walls.

Having listened to the proceedings so far, in interest, but without comment - Luna now spoke. "What kind of development?" she asked lightly.

Scrimgeour gestured at Percy. Ron's brother consulted his notes, then spoke.

"Mrs Malfoy has told our Aurors - including Mr Moody here - that her people were recently able to track down a magical artifact that we had previously only heard rumour of. The Gaunt Stone. A magical orb that belonged to the Gaunt family…"

"Who are Lord Voldemort's ancestors, on his mother's side," Harry added.

"Yes. Our prisoner has told us this artifact has the capacity - of absorbing power on a huge scale. I'm inclined to believe this is nonsense, but Lestrange and the young Malfoy intend to use advanced magic to activate the Gaunt Stone, and…and..." Percy pulled out a handkerchief to dab at the sweat forming on his forehead.

"Use it to absorb the energies of as many human beings as possible within these shores," Moody announced curtly. "They must have a means of protecting their own from the gigantic wave of magic they intend to unleash. Everyone else will be sucked dry of their very lives - including us."

A collective gasp of horror and exclamation resounded around the table. Even the secretary froze for a while - before resuming her shorthand, her face now pale.

"How..? How far will this magic spread its net, if the Death Eaters manage to get it case?" Hermione put to the Minister, in a small voice.

"We are not sure." Scrimgeour suddenly looked very grim. Harry saw the veins beating faster at his temples. He wondered if the Minister was able to sleep at night. "My belief is that it would be for many, many miles. The spell could easily engulf Scotland, for example - maybe further, with the help they will be getting now."

"Help?" Ron frowned.

"Why Scotland, in particular?" Luna's dreamy voice carried across the room.

"There's something else - isn't there?" Harry shifted in his high-backed chair, as he observed the glances between Scrimgeour, Percy, and Professor Moody.

The Minister of Magic straightened himself in his chair and pulled out a drawer before him, set in the heavy committee table. He produced a saucer-shaped disk of shiny grey metal, and laid it flat on the table.

"We received this, by owl, yesterday. Evidently, they've realised that we have captured Mrs Malfoy." Scrimgeour took out his wand and tapped the disk with it. "Activiticus," he commanded.

There was a 'click', and then the disk glowed with a white light. A 3D image was suddenly projected into the air above the artifact as it shone upwards towards the ceiling. It was a portable means of relaying communication in sight and sound, Harry realised. Probably a Ministry-designed device.

His lips curled with distaste as he saw the projection take on a clearer focus. The short, toad-like woman at the centre of the image was wearing a pink dress and a cream-coloured woollen jacket. Her curling, dark-brown hair was permed.

"Greetings to the Ministry of Magic from the Headmistress of Hogwarts!" the woman declared in a tone of voice that was sickly-sweet. "It has come to our attention that our agents, under Narcissa Malfoy, have become lost to us in this ongoing war. No matter! The chief objective of Mrs Malfoy's group has been achieved - we have received the Gaunt Stone, courtesy of our special owl delivery service."

The woman, aged somewhere in her fifties, rested her hand on an object that resembled a grey orb the size of a man's fist.

"Professor Umbridge…" Hermione let loose a growl that echoed the unspoken sentiments of Harry, and - he suspected - of the other werewolves present.

"Rufus Scrimgeour… You know what we are capable of with this magical artifact, once its potential has been realised with the abilities of a long-practised wizard. I am delighted to say we have such an…expendable…expert to hand."

Umbridge gave a quick, simpering giggle, and gestured to someone. Professor Flitwick walked into the field of vision conveyed by the disk. The little, legitimate Headmaster was moving stiffly, apparently only half-aware of his surroundings.

Luna gave an uncharacteristic yell, and stuffed the knuckles of one hand inside her mouth. "The imperious curse!" she managed to squeak.

"They finally got him, and put Flitwick under their control!" Ron slammed his fist on the desk - then saw his brother's withering gaze. "Urr… Sorry, Percy."

"The successful casting of the Oblivion spell will result in the deaths of non-protected magic users, muggles, filthy centaurs, and the like. Oh, and it will probably fry the brains of our former Headmaster here." Professor Umbridge was still smiling serenely to her audience. "Of course, this…measure…can be avoided if the Ministry of Magic surrenders, and accepts the reasonable terms of the rulers to be, Bellatrix Lestrange, and her Regent, Draco Malfoy. The Order of the Phoenix and their allies - including Harry Potter and his friends - must come forward, to face charges for prolonging this war! Failure to comply with our requests will result in countless lives being lost, needlessly…"

"Shut her off!" Harry snapped.

Scrimgeour tapped the disk again with his wand. "Finnicus!" he intoned.

The projected image was abruptly cut off. The room fell deathly silent.

Hermione's voice eventually cut through the tension that she could smell around the table. "What…? What do you intend to do, Minister?" she asked, fighting to control her voice.

"We do not intend to give into the agents of terror!" Scrimgeour declared. He almost sounded like a lion as he spoke with anger, his nostrils flaring. "If we surrendered, we may well save lives in the short term. But after that…" The Minister shook his head. "The consequences of the Death Eaters overturning everything that was done to ensure a better world after You-Know-Who's defeat by young Mr Potter here…" He visibly shuddered. "You are in the process of forming an army. Use it to rescue the captives of Hogwarts and destroy the agents of Darkness! We do not know how long it will be before the confounded Professor Flitwick will be able to activate the power of the Gaunt Stone - so act swiftly." Scrimgeour stood up, and leaned stiffly on his stick.

"For what it's worth, I reckon we have a month's grace. Maybe more," Moody spoke up. "Such a great spell, by its very nature, must take a complex ritual to invoke. Even Albus Dumbledore would've struggled with this…Oblivion…spell."

"Why are they doing this?" Padma wailed.

"Because they're stuck within Hogsmeade and the school grounds," Harry answered. "This is their last, desperate gamble to break the noose we've got around their necks."

"Well…," said Ron. "We knew we had to take back the school - despite the consequences. We'd better get our forces ready and ask for all the help we can gather. One way or another, it looks like this war will soon be over!"

*o*o*o*o*o*o*o*o*o*

After apparating back to their lodgings in Scotland, the pack split up and retreated to their respective digs. The entire group, Harry knew, was now getting the hang of apparation, though the sensation was still a disorientating one.

Back indoors, Harry spent some private time with Ron.

"How did it go, Ron? The evening of your birthday, I mean - whilst the rest of the pack and I were having fun around Kielder Forest?" he asked.

"Oh, okay." Ron pulled a sour face. "Hermione and me were planning to have a run together, as wolves, after sunset. Only, who was following us from the tents as we headed into the forest?"

Harry thought of those he'd heard had arrived to join the Flitwick Freedom Fighters in the last week. Seeing the disgruntled expression on Ron's face, Harry hazarded a guess. "Viktor Krum?"

"Too right! He was with one of his German friends - Hans, I think he was called - but it was Krum doing most of the talking. Catching up on what happened with us since the TriWizard tournament. He…, he was making puppy eyes at 'Mione, Harry. But she didn't seem to notice that much. She was saying how sorry we were to hear of his Headmaster's death, the year before last. You know - Karkaroff. After he did a runner from Hogwarts."

"I remember. Okay… What happened between you lot?" Harry asked.

"I brought the conversation to a close after a few minutes, insisting to Viktor that Hermione and me had to move on. We got to change, and have our hunt - but 'Mione was a bit sulky with me. Said I was blunt with Viktor. That spoilt the romantic evening I was hoping for." Ron huffed. "I know I don't own Hermione, Harry. But I don't want that git stealing her away from me. She thinks I'm being paranoid, but I reckon he still fancies her."

*o*o*o*o*o*o*o*o*o*

The next two weeks were busy for all of them. Harry, Ron, and Hermione joined up with the rest of the werewolf pack - plus Professor Moody, Hagrid, Tonks, Madame Hooch, Neville, Charlotte, Ernie, Fred and George, Arthur Weasley, and the centaurs Firenze and Magorian in a series of meetings to draw up a timetable for the preparation - and execution - of the liberation of Hogwarts. After suggestions from all sides, plus many changes, a detailed plan of attack was falling into place.

"It's going to take all the resources and manpower that are available to us," Mr Weasley had pointed out. "Despite its loses so far, the Ministry is still on the lookout for any further signs of Death Eater activity away from Hogwarts - to be on the safe side. But otherwise, it will help you in whatever way it can, even if it's just to maintain the cordon of Aurors around the school."

Harry smiled. "Thanks, Mr Weasley. It's appreciated."

And once the plan - 'Operation Butterbeer' as they were calling it - was finalised, the army of Flitwick's Freedom Fighters were informed of what they had to do. Here, however, Mad Eye had urged caution. Having already appointed team leaders, the assigned couriers - Tonks and Neville - made sure that each division of the army only received the battle instructions they needed to know. The entirety of the invasion plan was only known to the 'inner circle', and to the werewolf pack.

"There may be people amongst our forces who still secretly support the Death Eaters," Moody had voiced to the 'war committee'. "We can't afford to mess this up."

And so the preparations got underway. Ernie and the centaurs continued to teach their archery classes to the designated pupil groups. Charlotte Greenway and Neville showed a few others how to throw daggers. Madame Hooch, Marcus Flint, and Oliver Wood oversaw the night-time lessons in broomstick flying. Moody, aided by Harry, taught advanced blocking and striking spells. And the werewolf pack carried on their semi-regular sessions of voluntary transformations and exercising their self-control whilst in animal form.

Baring a few quibbles - everything seemed to be going like clockwork. But as the day of no return drew nearer, Harry was feeling more and more twitchy. He, like Ron, started to become obsessed with checking and double-checking that everyone knew what to do when the time came to launch their invasion. That each individual knew what they were really letting themselves in for.

None of the pupils and staff who were still around were ducking out. They all wanted to play their part, despite the certainty that at least some of them would die in the attempt. Only the odd individual, such as Professor Trelawney (an odd teacher indeed, Harry reckoned) wasn't taking part in the fight to come. Being non-combative, the Divination teacher had grudgingly agreed to help with accommodating the recent influx of volunteers. And some of the wizarding parents who had come to add their support, were volunteering as first-aiders, as well as helping to run a welcome new addition to the growing village of tents - a canteen which Molly Weasley, along with Bill and Fleur, had set up.

About thirty hours before the time that Operation Butterbeer was scheduled to take flight, Harry helped to wash the plates after the evening meal with Ron and Hermione. Unfortunately, Harry's friends were starting to bicker again, when Hermione let slip that Viktor Krum had personally handed her a small bouquet of roses, whilst she had been going around the tents, giving pep talks to the younger volunteers amongst the Freedom Fighters.

"So you accepted them?" Ron muttered darkly.

"Well, yes! But when he'd gone, I gave them to the seventh-year boys I saw some minutes later," Hermione retorted. "I told them to give the roses to their girlfriends, and spend some time with them before the big event. But honestly, Ron! Viktor only meant well. Girls do like to receive flowers now and then. You should follow his example…"

"I'll leave you two to it," Harry told Ron and Hermione. He couldn't bear to listen to another tiff between his friends right now. The tea-towel he threw onto the rail of the gas cooker was barely noticed by the others, as Ron got angry.

Zipping up his jacket, Harry shivered as he walked through the mist that had gathered outside. He paused, wondering where he was going. The urge to get out, to do…something…had taken him over. His instincts were pulling him now.

I'm getting broody, that's what it is, he realised. I DO know where I want to be. I just had to let my heart guide my head…

Minutes later, he knocked at the door to one of the houses in the next street. He waited, and stuffed his hands in the pockets of his jeans, to keep them warm.

What if I've come at the wrong time? And it's just the other pupils who are in? He asked himself.

No…, she's here. I know it…

After a minute that seemed longer to Harry, the porch light came on.

"Harry!" Luna didn't seem surprised to see him as she opened the door. But her face lit up, nevertheless.

"Evening, Luna." Harry grinned back. "Am I intruding on you and your fellow Ravenclaw lodgers?"

"No, they've gone out to a house party with their friends. A last gathering…before-you-know-what. I'm alone… Unless, you wanted to come in?"

Harry nodded. "I'd like that."

*o*o*o*o*o*o*o*o*o*

Some minutes later, the two of them were lying together, stretched out on the sofa before a roaring coal fire. Two bottles of Butterbeer lay on the nearby coffee table.

"…and so I left Ron and Hermione to it," Harry finished telling Luna about the latest hurdle in the relationship between his friends. "I want them to just…get on with each other, instead of letting other people and…things…come in-between them."

"I think they will soon see sense, Harry." Luna smiled. "Ron inadvertently made Hermione a werewolf, but she has totally accepted her animal side now. I think there's a subtle bond between a werewolf and those they make." She looked up at him. "Besides, they've been through so much, at your side. They'll soon stop bickering."

Harry considered this, then spoke. "Well, your theory has some weight in its favour, Luna. I somehow knew you were at home, tonight…"

"And I sensed that you were coming. Just before you arrived." Luna beamed.

"And Professor Lupin was one of those who bit Ron…" Harry idly ran his fingers through Luna's untidy ash-blonde locks. "Ron has told me he's sure the Professor's still alive. He…, he just knows it. So that could mean there is a faint psychic trace between a werewolf and their progeny, as you say, Luna. It just requires some time to make itself felt."

Silence fell. Only the lapping of the fire's flames, and the ticking of the clock on the mantelpiece filled the air. Harry's sensitive ears, though, could hear Luna's steady heartbeat.

"Luna… Out of interest… When is your birthday?" he asked.

Her lips twitched. "It was over a week ago, Harry. The ninth of March. I didn't feel like celebrating… Not with you-know-what coming up."

"But that makes you seventeen! In our community, that makes you an adult! You could have told us. Me, Ron, Hermione… We would have made it a special day for you!"

Luna's gaze was now fixed on the flames. Her expression was pensive.

"Tell me what's bothering you, Luna," he encouraged her.

She twisted herself round in his light embrace and tilted her face up at him. But she lowered her eyes. "I…, I feel guilty, Harry. I'm here, in your arms. And it feels so right! But I'm only here, because…, because Ginny has gone. I miss her… I don't want her spirit to be angry with me, because I'm now in your heart!"

Harry stiffened, then breathed a sigh. He gently cupped Luna's delicate chin and angled her face around so that her moist eyes were level with his.

"Did you hex Ginny, or cause her to die in any way?" he asked.

"No. Of course not."

"Exactly. Ginny's dying words to me and Ron were that someone else was destined to look after me. She knew how you felt about me - so don't think she'll be angry with you, Luna. She wanted us to become an item, in the event of her death. And we can't change what's happened. We just have to deal with the cards that fate deals out to us. It's taken me years of experience for me to come to that conclusion - but there it is. And you are not…second prize…to me, Luna Lovegood. I love you for who you are. What you believe in, how you remain strong after how other people have mistreated you, how you help others, how you have broaden my mind … Yes, I fell for Ginny - but then I saw more of her around, since she was Ron's sister. And I met her years before I first knew about you." Harry gave a small smile. "But now, you are in my arms, Luna. And I want us to be together for as long as fate will allow us to be. So, no more guilty feelings. Please?"

Luna now-protruding eyes were crying, but she nodded - then she leaned in and hugged him tightly. "I want us to be together, Harry. But that's the other thing. 'For as long as fate will allow us to be', you say," she sobbed. "I know we're fighting a war, but…I'm terrified of losing Hermione, or Ron, or Neville! And I'm scared I'll find myself crying over your grave!"

Harry rubbed her shoulders as she wept. "I'm terrified too, Luna. When I think about the battle that's coming… You know all about the times I've seen good people die, right before me - including Ginny. I don't want to lose anyone else. Certainly not anytime soon." He paused, and gently wiped the tears from her cheeks. "I don't want to lose you."

Luna sniffed and managed a weak smile. With her handkerchief she dried her eyes as she slowly regained her composure. "But you know you and Draco are bound to meet head on. He could be the end of you, Harry. Especially if you let him goad you to the point of obsession. He'll try to unbalance you… Force you to make a fatal mistake…"

Harry considered her words, then he sighed. "You're right. I've been too obsessive in the past. I've blinded by my prejudices at times. But someone's got to deal with him. Alex will want his blood - but Malfoy will be after my head."

Luna reached up with her hand and lightly brushed Harry's brow. "I know, Harry. But if you get killed at Hogwarts and I survive, I might not be able to forgive you." She gave him a half-serious smile.

"Ahh… Well - can I make amends to you, in advance?" Harry grinned. Then he angled his head, and gently nipped her ear. Repeatedly.

Luna giggled. "Maybe you can. But you will have to do better than that!"

"All right…" Harry held Luna close to him. He kissed her brow, then slowly worked his way down to his friend's nose and cheeks - and ended with her parted lips.

When they broke contact, Luna sighed happily.

"You believe in a better place than this, Luna," Harry thought aloud. "If we… If we both perish in the battle that's coming… Does that mean you and Ginny will be competing for my time?"

The ends of Luna's lips arched upwards. "I think we can share you, Harry… Besides, if we both die, we can meet your parents and your godfather - and I can introduce you to my mother. But right now, I just want you for myself. To look after you. To take away your anger at Ginny's death. To help make up for all the pain and misery you had to endure so far." She nuzzled Harry's face. "Do we have…a deal?" Luna asked him.

Harry considered this. "That sounds fine. But what do you want from me?"

"To look after me. To help me to have courage in myself." She smiled shyly. "You know, you never stated a forfeit for me when you accepted my bet, that night you bit me."

"I forgot… Alright, Lu. Your forfeit is to make sure I never get so hot-headed, or arrogant, or stupid, as I've been in the past." He chuckled. "That's probably too big a task."

"Oh, I'm up for the challenge, Mr Potter!" Luna announced, smiling.

"Then, if we both survive this war, Luna Lovegood…" Harry paused as he met her gaze directly. He then spoke from his heart. "…I pledge that I will love and care for you, and never let you down. As much as it's in my power to uphold that promise. And we will celebrate your seventeenth birthday, as well as our victory. Deal?"

Luna's eyes widened. She was silent for a long moment, then she nodded.

"I pledge myself to you, as well, Harry Potter. With all my love." She met him halfway in another, slow, passionate kiss.

As one, they began to explore each other - hands brushing hair, shoulders, and faces. Then Luna started to unbutton Harry's shirt. She slipped her hand inside, gently stroking his bare chest underneath.

"Hmm… You're not so skinny now," she remarked dreamily. "All that running as wolves has improved us both."

Harry grinned back. "Thanks. You look good, too."

Any resistance they were holding onto now crumbled away. Harry pulled Luna's jumper over her head, and she allowed him to unbutton the top of her blouse.

"Ready to take our friendship to the next level, Luna?" Harry asked her.

"Yes…" Luna held him still for a moment. "Harry… Apart from Ginny, have you…? You know…"

Harry looked her in the eyes. "No. This will be only the second time, ever," he answered her. "And you?"

Luna gave him a shy look. "I haven't been with anyone like this, before," she admitted.

"Then let's do this the right way." Harry stood up and swooped a shrieking Luna into his arms. She began to giggle, as Harry nearly staggered.

"Direct me to your bedroom, Luna!" he instructed her, grinning widely.

*o*o*o*o*o*o*o*o*o*

One Muffulato spell later (so as to not disturb the pupils next door) Harry and Luna fully undressed each other on the bed. Next, she carefully removed Harry's glasses and placed them on her bedside stand. Her hand returned to Harry's face.

"May I…?" she asked tentatively.

"Oh, sure," he replied, understanding her. He allowed Luna to softly trace his lightning-shaped scar with her gentle fingers.

"It doesn't hurt anymore, does it?" she whispered.

"No - not since Voldemort's death." Harry smiled. "And it never will again."

Luna nodded happily. Getting Harry to stand up for a moment, she then dived deep underneath the covers, and turned her head sideways to him. Harry could just see the hand holding the blanket, her dirty-blonde hair, and her eyes - which were now fluttering their lashes at him impishly.

He could not resist her. He pulled the blanket out of Luna's light grasp, and flung it aside, as he stretched himself out next to her.

They then acted on instinct, moving in harmony to create their own slow dance of love, as they aroused each other - then locked their bodies together. Luna gave a gasp – but within minutes they were drowning their fears and anxieties with their kisses and increasing passion. Both of them were eager to saviour the moment, before the night - possibly their last chance ever - passed them by.

After reaching a perfect peak moment together, Harry gasped for breath then panted. Underneath the covers, his body began to prickle. He sat up and looked down to see fur emerging from his pores.

The change in his scent made Luna sigh dreamily. She examined her lengthening nails and the grey-white fur that was now spreading across her soft skin.

"Oops! Looks like my wolf wants to come out and play! I've forgiven you for giving me grey hairs, by the way, Harry!" Luna's lips curled upwards, as her skeleton began to reshape itself. "At least it doesn't hurt this time."

"No. It feels…better than ever," Harry confessed. His grin grew wider as his face slowly began to edge outwards. "The other half of me…wants to play, too. So… Does this mean we'll be animals in bed?"

"Well... I don't want to rip the blankets with these…" Luna raised her half-formed claws. "Therefore…" Carefully forcing the blankets aside, she wrapped her changing arms and legs around Harry's - then rolled over.

Harry's 'yelp' was silenced as Luna planted another kiss on his lips. In the next instant, they fell off the bed, and landed with a 'thump' upon the carpeted floor. The noise was soon followed by helpless human laughter.

Minutes later, two joyful howls rang out from next to the bed. But the spell that had already been cast prevented the noise from escaping the room…

*o*o*o*o*o*o*o*o*o*

Having showered and redressed round Luna's place, an exhilarated Harry climbed the stairs of the house that he shared with Ron and Hermione. He checked his watch again. The time was past midnight.

Reaching the landing, Harry sniffed the air, picking up a scent coming from the main bedroom - the room that was Hermione's. He recognised the smell. Not difficult, when he had just experienced it in Luna's bedroom, also…

He softly knocked on the door.

"Ha…Harry?" Hermione sounded half-awake.

"Yes. It's me." Without waiting for permission, he opened the door.

The room was in darkness - but Hermione switched on her bedside lamp, casting a soft glow around the pastel-coloured room, with a pile of books on top of a nearby tallboy.

She was in the double bed, the blankets held against her chest by the hand at the end of a slim, bare arm. Hermione was using the other hand to rub her eyes.

"What's going… Oh! Hi, Harry!" Ron suddenly popped up besides Hermione, revealing his lack of upper clothing.

Harry couldn't suppress his grin. "I see you've got over your argument, then."

"I wanted to prove to Ron that I loved him, not Viktor." Hermione answered, her face starting to blush. "And I…, um, proved my point."

"And I proved…that I could accept losing an argument like a man - and by, err, taking it lying down," Ron stammered. He glanced at Hermione, and they held hands together, as they half-rose from the bed.

"We're…mates…now, Harry. Ron and I," Hermione announced with pride. "Umm… This isn't embarrassing for you, is it?"

"Oh no. The timing's perfect!" Harry looked over his shoulder, and opened the door wider. "Ron, Hermione - I'd like to introduce you to my new mate."

Luna smiled serenely at the other couple, as she snuggled up against Harry. "Hi, Ron and Hermione! Harry and I decided you two should be the first to know. I hope you approve."

Ron was the first to react. "Approve? I think it's bloody marvellous! I mean… I wish Ginny was still alive - but…it seems she knew you two would've hooked up. It's alright, Harry. 'Mione and I had an inkling!"

Hermione gave a huge smile. Her eyes were sparkling with joy. "I'm pleased for you both," she declared. "You complement each other well."

"Thanks. And I'm happy for you two, as well." Harry came over to Ron to shake hands with him, before hugging Hermione as she remained under the cover of the blanket. Luna exchanged hugs with them both, too.

"Welcome to the inner circle, Luna!" Ron announced cheerily.

"Well, now that we are officially two couples, I guess we'll just need to survive the coming storm," Hermione pointed out.

"At least it will be a storm of our own making, for a change," Harry replied. He stood besides the double bed, his hand entwined with Luna's. "I guess I'm ready now. As soon as everyone is set, let's get to it! For the sake of those trapped inside. The teachers, Professor Lupin…"

"…the hypnotised werewolves…," Ron piped up.

"…for Professor Flitwick…," added Hermione.

"…and for Ginny, and the other casualties of this war!" concluded Luna.

"Yes - for all of them. Especially Ginny," Harry responded. "We're going to wipe away the grins from the faces of Professor Umbridge and her Death Eater pals. For good!"

END OF PART TWO

(Author's note: PLEASE continue to provide well-rounded, useful feedback! I particularly wish to know if you readers are enjoying the developments in the relationships during the chapters of Part Two! The last section, Part Three, will focus on the climax of the Death Eater war. Buckle your seatbelts – it should be quite a ride…:)