Harry & Luna

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Rorschach's Blot - Larceny, Lechery, and Luna Lovegood!
Chapter 5 - The Not So Great Escape

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Disclaimer: Don't sleep when you're on duty, bad things happen and it's a fairly serious offence.

The Not So Great Escape

Harry and Hermione spent most of the next week copying the Hogwarts library into a more portable form. "That's the last of them," Hermione said with a smile. "Now all we have to do is take care of your eyes."

"You sure this will work?" Harry asked mildly.

"The theory is good," Hermione replied, "but I don't know about the practice."

"It sounds good to me," Harry said with a sigh. "If it works… if it works, do you think that it'll trip the wards?"

"Shouldn't," Hermione said slowly. "I guess it's something to investigate."

"No sense delaying," Harry spoke suddenly. "Wish me luck."

"You'll do fine," Hermione said with a smile.

"See you in a few," Harry muttered as he walked off. It took Harry several minutes to reach McGonagall's office. Taking a deep breath, Harry raised his hand and knocked on the door.

"Come in," McGonagall called through the door.

"Professor McGonagall," Harry said as he entered. "May I have a moment?"

"Harry," the Professor greeted him with a smile. "Come in, I've been expecting you."

"You have?"

"Yes, I have," Minerva agreed. "Now the first thing I want you to know is that there's no shame in having to ask for help with this."

"There isn't?" Harry asked in confusion.

"No there isn't," McGonagall said firmly. "The first thing you need to know is that every girl is different, no one likes all the same things. This means that you'll have to be sure to communicate, ask Ms. Granger what she likes and encourage her to ask you the same."

"Uh… thanks," Harry stammered. "But that wasn't what I wanted to speak with you about."

"Then what can I do for you?" Minerva asked with a raised eyebrow.

"I had a question about becoming an Animagus," Harry replied. "And I figured that you could answer it better then anyone else."

"So long as you promise me that you are not planning on becoming an illegal Animagus," McGonagall agreed with a sharp look.

"Nothing like that," Harry said hastily. "It's just… well, I was wondering if it would be possible to partially transform?"

"For what purpose?"

"My eyes," Harry replied with a frown. "Are not very good, I was thinking that if I became… say, a Hawk Animagus then maybe I could improve my eyesight."

"I see," the old woman said simply. "You realise that you could not use this during a Quidditch match?"

"I don't care about that," Harry said quickly. "I'd just like to be able to take my glasses off once in a while and see the world the way it really is."

"I understand," McGonagall replied. "It's not easy to look at the world through a dirty piece of glass, is it Mr. Potter. It is indeed possible to stop yourself during a stage of the Animagus transformation, for example your godfather may wish partially transform to add a touch of sensitivity to his nose or ears."

"Thank you Professor," Harry said with a smile. "Could you tell me the best way to get started?"

"I'll do more then that, I would be happy to teach you the first few exercises myself if you'd like," McGonagall replied. "I don't believe that it will take you long to master enough for your purposes."

"Thank you, Professor," Harry all but shouted.

"Do you have any idea what kind of animal you'd like to be?" McGonagall questioned.

"Some sort of feline I think," Harry said nervously.

"Oh?" McGonagall's eyes widened in surprise. "Any particular reason for that?"

"Several," Harry agreed. "It'd be nice to be able to see in the dark, I'd love to have better balance, and…" Harry broke off.

"And?" Minerva prompted.

"And there is a person that I have a great deal of respect for that has a feline form," said Harry as he stared down at his hands.

"I… I shall begin instructing you immediately then," Minerva did her best to hide her shock at Harry's statement. "See me after class tomorrow."

"Yes, Professor," Harry agreed. "And thank you again."

"I am always happy to help one of my students, Harry," Minerva said fondly.

"Would I be able to practice during the summer?" Harry paused to ask on his way out, "I wouldn't want to break the law by mistake."

"It won't be a problem," Minerva said quickly. "The Ministry is unable to monitor internal magic such as self-transfiguration."

"Thank you, Professor."

"Though I do imagine that you could make quite a bit of money if you managed to create a ward that did," Minerva mused.

"I'll keep that in mind," Harry said with a grin. "See you tomorrow, Professor."

"Till then, Mr. Potter," Minerva replied. Minerva waited until her student was gone before she began to giggle. "I knew it, wants to look his best. Didn't care about his glasses until he had someone to look good for; ah, to be young again."

Harry walked out of McGonagall office to find Hermione waiting for him. "Well?" She asked impatiently.

"Should work," Harry replied.

"Good," Hermione whispered. "'Cause we don't have a lot of time before classes end."

The days passed and almost before they realised it, the students were taking the train ride home.

"Well," Harry began. "I've got your number."

"Call me in a few hours," Hermione suggested, "and I'll let you know if our theory on underage magic detection is correct."

"Take care of yourself," Harry muttered back.

"Ok," Hermione said as the train pulled into the station. "Time to go."

"Hey guys," Ron met them at the door. "Saying your goodbyes?"

"Yeah," Harry agreed. "Why'd you leave us alone?"

"Didn't want to get in the way of the more… personal goodbyes, Mate," Ron explained with a blush. "But that's not important now, either of you want anything from Romania?"

"Personal goodbyes?" Harry whispered to Hermione.

"I'll explain later," Hermione whispered back.

"Anything's fine," Harry spoke up.

"Especially books," Hermione agreed. "On wards if you can find them."

"Sure thing, Hermione," Ron replied. "Well… I guess I'll see you two next year."

"Take care of yourself, Ron," Harry said thickly.

"And don't forget to write," Hermione added. "Especially if you get into trouble; the second something seems odd to you, I want you to call us for help."

"I'll be fine, Hermione," Ron said to his friend. "It's not the first trip I've made out of the country and I shouldn't get into any trouble without Harry to attract it."

"Hey," Harry yelled.

"True," Hermione agreed. "Well… no sense delaying things, let's go."

Upon leaving the train, the three friends were enveloped by the arms of an excited Molly Weasley.

"Mum," Ron's muffled voice protested.

"Yes Ron?" Molly asked with a smile.

"Never mind," Ron said in defeat. Nothing he'd ever done in the past had managed to restrain his mother's shows affection.

"Did you understand your talk with Arthur, Harry?" Molly asked with a smile.

"Yes, Mrs. Weasley," Harry said quickly.

"Good," Molly said firmly. "I want you to know that we're both here for you if you ever have any questions."

"Ok," Harry managed to say.

"Now, if you boys will excuse me," Molly began, "there's something I want to speak with Hermione about."

The boys watched as Molly took Hermione by the arm and led her off to a secluded corner.

"What do ya think they're talking about, Harry?" Ron asked with a frown.

"I'm not sure we want to know," Harry replied watching the rapidly blushing Hermione. "Say hi to Norbert while you're in Romania, would you mate?"

"Sure thing, Harry," Ron agreed. "So what do you think of the Cannons this year?"

"Same as every year," Harry said neutrally.

"Just a bit of luck and they'll take it all," Ron said proudly. "I'm thinking of going to the tryouts if we get back in time."

"Good for you, Ron," Harry said with a grin.

"Not that I think I'll make it," Ron added quickly, "but it'll give me an idea of what I've got to do after I graduate."

"Looks like your mum is coming back," Harry said.

"Come along, Ron," Molly said. "Let's go collect your siblings."

"Bye Harry, Hermione," Ron called out over his shoulder.

"Later, Ron."

"Bye, Ron."

"So what was that all about?" Harry asked.

"She just wanted to give me some advice," Hermione said with a blush. "About… well, that's not important."

"Ok," Harry agreed with a shrug.

"I'll call you after I get home," Hermione said suddenly. "Even if our theory is wrong and the Ministry can detect our magic, I think it might be a good idea for you to find another place to spend the summer."

"We'll work something out," Harry muttered. "That's my uncle, I'd better go."

"Bye Harry," Hermione hugged her friend.

"Bye Hermione," Harry said with a forced smile. "I'll see you soon." Harry walked away from his friend and towards his 'family'.

"Hurry up, boy," Vernon growled. "Don't think I didn't see you dawdling with that tart of yours."

"Don't call her that again," Harry said in a low dangerous voice, "or I might forget I'm not supposed to use magic outside of Hogwarts."

"You'll get expelled," Vernon said quickly.

"But I'd have a few hours alone with you before they could do anything to stop me," Harry said with a sick grin. "It'd almost be worth it."

"Just know that you're on your own if you get her in trouble," Vernon said quickly. "Now get in the car."

"Yes, Uncle," Harry agreed.

IIIIIIIIII

"Was that Harry?" Hermione's mother asked as she watched the young boy leave the station.

"It was, Mum," Hermione replied.

"That man he went off with didn't seem happy to see him," Hermione's mother continued. "And the look he gave you."

"That's his uncle, Mum," Hermione explained. "He's not a very nice man."

"I should say not," Hermione's mother agreed. "Ready to go?"

"Yes, mum," Hermione agreed.

"Any plans for the summer?" Hermione's mother asked as they walked towards the car.

"A couple," Hermione admitted.

"Oh? What kind of plans?"

"I don't think you'll be happy when you hear them," Hermione said with a frown.

"Try me."

"I was hoping to do a few things with Harry this summer," Hermione said with a nervous smile.

"Maybe a trip around England."

"That sounds like a wonderful idea, dear," Hermione's mother said. "Just be careful."

"What?" Hermione was shocked. "You're not going to forbid me from doing it?"

"I did something similar when I was your age," Hermione's mother said with a grin. "It was a most enjoyable summer."

"Thanks, mum," Hermione said quickly, hoping to be spared the details.

"Just don't… just be careful," Hermione's mother said. "You've always been a very responsible child; don't change just because you're on your own."

"I won't, mum," Hermione agreed.

"Good, now how are we going to break this to your father?"

"It won't be a problem," Hermione said confidently. "He can never say no to me."

"That's because you're his little girl," Hermione's mother said. "I don't know how he's going to take you growing up."

"Oh… could you tell him."

"I could but I wouldn't want to deprive you of such a great character building experience."

"It's no trouble," Hermione said quickly.

"Tell him yourself."

"Damn."

IIIIIIIIII

"I'm expecting a call," Harry announced. "If I don't get it, then I'm liable to do something… freakish."

"We'll call you if it comes in," Vernon assured his nephew.

"I'll be in the second bedroom," Harry said mildly. "Don't bother calling me for dinner."

"Why are you letting him give you so much backtalk," Petunia hissed.

"Boy said something to me," Vernon began. "He said that while he might get expelled, he'd still have a few hours with us before the rest of the freaks got here."

IIIIIIIIII

Harry was in his room flipping through one of his family books when his uncle called him down.

"What is it?" Harry replied.

"Your tar… girl is on the phone for you," Vernon replied hoping that his nephew hadn't his slip.

"I'll be right down then." Harry walked down the stairs and put the headset to his ear. "Thank you, uncle, I won't be needing anything else."

"Harry?" Hermione's voice sounded tinny over the phone. "Are you there?"

"I'm here, Hermione," Harry said with a grin.

"It worked," Hermione shouted. "They didn't detect anything."

"That's great," Harry said quickly.

"Can you get over here later tonight?" Hermione asked, "I need your help to get a few things done before we get started."

"Sure," Harry agreed. "What time did you have in mind?"

"Any time after the next few minutes," Hermione replied. "I have to take care of something before you get here."

"I'll be there soon," Harry agreed. "Bye Hermione."

"Good bye, Harry."

"Going out then?" Petunia's voice startled Harry.

"Yes I am," Harry replied with a frown.

"You know what time you're coming back?" Petunia demanded.

"No," Harry said with a frown. "I don't."

"I see," Harry's aunt seemed to be thinking about something. "See me before you go."

"Why?" Harry demanded.

"Just do it," Petunia commanded.

"Fine," Harry agreed.

"Fine," Petunia sighed as she watched her nephew storm up the stairs.

His good mood spoiled, Harry returned to his room to pack.

IIIIIIIIII

"Daddy," Hermione said, sounding as child like as possible. "Can I talk to you?"

"What do you need, Hun?" Her father asked with a raised eyebrow.

"I'm just worried about all the things that are happening in the magical world," Hermione replied.

"That Volde fellow?" he asked. "The one that doesn't like people that weren't born magical?"

"Yes," Hermione agreed.

"Don't think we're safe?"

"No, I don't," Hermione said with a sigh. "I…"

"Why don't you drop the act and just tell me what you want," he said with a grin.

"How'd you know?" Hermione demanded.

"You've been shooting me looks since you got home and your mother looks like she's ready to burst into laughter," Hermione's father explained.

"I want to have a friend put some wards up around the house," Hermione said slowly. "And I was planning to spend some time with him after he gets done."

"How much time?"

"Most of the summer," Hermione said reluctantly.

"Does this friend of yours have a name?"

"It's Harry," Hermione said.

"Well… I guess you're old enough to make your own decisions," he said reluctantly. "Just so long as you don't do anything that makes me regret allowing you to do this."

"It's not like that," Hermione said quickly. "We're just going to do some studying."

IIIIIIIIII

"Well?" Harry said with a frown. "I'm on my way out, what did you want."

"Here," Petunia thrust a small card into Harry's hands. "My parents would never forgive me if I didn't give this to you before you go."

"What is it?"

"Just go there," Petunia ordered. "And forget I gave it to you, we're respectable people here and we want nothing to do with… with all that. Since you have it, there's no need for Dudley to get mixed up in any of it." With that, Petunia turned her back and swept out of the room.

Harry turned the card over and was surprised to find it to be the twin of the one he'd found in his family trunk. "Tell them you're the Fox's son," Harry read aloud. "Strange." Harry stepped outside and performed a quick charm to allow himself to look at Dumbledore's Wards. "Those are what've been protecting me?" Harry said in horror. "Those? What the hell is he thinking?" Still shaking his head in disgust, Harry walked up the street to find a secluded place to summon the Knight bus.

IIIIIIIIII

"And that takes care of that," Moody said as he watched Harry leave his former residence. Waiting till the boy was well out of sight, Moody walked up to the sleeping guard and kicked him in the side. "Get up you."

"Wha… Moody?" the man said nervously, "What're you doing here?"

"Wondering why you're sleeping," Moody replied with a dangerous leer. "Care to explain yourself?"

"I work nights," the man said defensively, "and we had a meeting yesterday so I haven't been able to get much sleep… I was only resting my eyes for a minute."

"Where's Potter," Moody glanced up at the second floor. "I don't see him in the house."

"Must have gone to the market or something," the man said nervously. "He should be back soon."

"I'm going to take a walk around the neighbourhood," Moody announced. "You stay here and stay awake in case he gets back while I'm gone."

"But it's the end of my shift," the man protested.

"And you'll stay here till we find Potter or you'll answer to me," Moody growled. "Understand?"

"Y… yes," the man said quickly.

"Good."

AN: Not gonna do it.

Omake by Lone Wolf

"Hermione, before Harry gets here, I have a question for you," Mrs. Granger said. "What was that black silk suit for that you wanted a few weeks ago?"

"Um, a kinky play acting thing between me and Harry?" Hermione half replied, half asked nervously.

"Oh, is that all?" Mrs. Granger asked in reply. "You know, making that thing brought back a lot of memories from dental school."

"Oh?"

"Your father and I married right out of high school. While were are able to get a scholarship to pay from some of our education, we had to resort to other means to pay the rest and to live on."

"What kind of other means?"

"We robbed the rich and arrogant of their cash and small jewellery. We considered ourselves pretty good, until we got caught."

"How did you get out of it?" Hermione asked.

"We got out of it because of who caught us," Mrs Granger replied. "We got caught by this couple that were also breaking into the house to rob it. We agreed to split the take from the job, and then they would teach us all they knew. Your father and I spent two years learning from them, becoming amongst the best thieves in England."

"How did you explain where you got the money from?" Hermione asked, curious.

"We told anyone who was curious that we spent weekends making adult movies for an American company that had a studio in London."

"Just out of curiosity, who caught you?"

"Their names were Rose and Edward Evans," Mrs. Granger replied. "They had two daughters named Lily and Petunia."

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