Testing Defenses
Disclaimer: Not my characters, no money being made, etc., etc.
Chapter 2: Luna's Visit
When Harry opened the front door to his Aunt and Uncle's house and started a pre-run stretch, a disillusioned Hestia Jones tapped him on the shoulder and whispered word that he needed to stay inside the property boundary "for his own good." Harry complained just long enough to allow Hermione to slip by unnoticed.
While he was waiting for his Aunt to officially release him from his room, Harry replayed Hermione's visit in his head. He hadn't realized it at the time, but it seemed clear to Harry that he had been flirting big time with his best friend. And that she had been flirting with him. Was that solely a result of the unusual situation they had been in, or had the situation been a catalyst for feelings that were already there?
Harry had plenty of time to consider that question, as his Aunt stayed true to form and had him spend the entire day working in the garden. Unfortunately, he didn't reach an answer. He might have blamed this on an anticipated liberation, but only a small portion of his brain was tied up wondering if Hermione's proof of the ward breaching would satisfy Dumbledore…Harry had grown accustomed to the Headmaster's single-mindedness when it came to his so-called safety.
Lunch consisted of a glass of tap water and the two heels of a stale loaf of bread. Dinner was more of the same, which was why Harry didn't feel bad at all that he had secretly stuck one of Hermione's muggle-repelling Post-it notes onto the refrigerator door while he was preparing dinner.
"What do you think's so funny, freak?" his Uncle demanded, as he pushed Harry up the stairs after he had done the dishes.
"Oh, nothing," his nephew replied slyly, thinking that Dudley was going to be dieting, whether he realized it or not.
"Can I use the loo before I turn in?" Harry asked.
Vernon scowled. "Be quick about it, boy."
Harry was indeed quick about it, only taking the time necessary to stick another Post-it on top of the toilet seat. He needed to bite the inside of his cheeks as he walked back down the doorway and entered his room. As the locks on his door were set he dove for his bed and laughed deeply into his pillow.
After a while, Harry decided that it would be good form for Hermione to find him studying (if and when she were to arrive). He therefore spent the evening reviewing the Advanced Transfiguration text that she had semi-intentionally left behind. When it was half ten and he found himself doing more head nodding than reading, Harry gave up on the hope that he'd have company and went to bed. He left the window open just in case.
A few hours later, the sight of a disembodied head caught Harry Potter by surprise.
"Shhhsh, Harry," the head said, as Harry was pulled him into an invisible embrace. "It's just a bad dream…everything's going to be alright."
"Luna?" the young wizard asked. "What are you doing here?"
"Testing defenses," the Ravenclaw replied.
"Where's the rest of you?" Harry asked, as he reached for his glasses from his nightstand.
"Oh, sorry," Luna replied, as she pulled Harry's invisibility cloak off and draped it over his desk chair. When Harry reached for his glasses he swallowed hard…even in the low light he could tell that the nightgown Luna was wearing was almost as invisible as his cloak.
"But…aren't you supposed to be hunting snorkacks in Sweden with your father?"
Luna smiled. "We're not leaving until next week…right after this month's Quibbler goes to press."
"Oh," said Harry. He turned his desk lamp on, and asked, "So, it's great to see you, but…why?"
"Hermione stopped by the newspaper's office today and asked me to spend the night with you."
"She….she did?" asked Harry.
Luna nodded solemnly. "She tried to pass it off as an opportunity to monitor nargle levels in Metropolitan London, but it was obvious that she wanted you to have a pair of dreamcatchers poking into your back while you slept tonight."
"Dreamcatchers?"
"Yeah, dreamcatchers…you know...breasts…bosoms…mammaries…titti..."
"I get the idea, Luna."
"Good," the young witch replied. "She also wanted pictures of you and me with a newspaper, for some reason. Did you know that your girlfriend was that kinky, Harry?"
"Pictures? Girlfriend?"
"Yes, it was strange…I told her that as far as I was concerned that she could watch in person, and reminded her that four dreamcatchers always work better than two, but then she went on with this cock and bull story about needing to prove that your protective wards weren't all that safe…you really should help your girlfriend accept her voyeuristic needs, Harry, even if they are a little pervy."
"Erm, Luna….are you sure that she didn't want the picture just to prove to Dumbledore that you were here?"
"Well, of course that was what she said, but when a wizard's girlfriend asks another girl to sleep with him, you just have to look past appearances, right?"
Harry shut his eyes tightly as he tried to process the situation. After a moment, he opened his eyes, and asked, "Luna, Hermione's not my girlfriend…and did she happen to give you a letter?"
"Oh, yes, she did," Luna replied brightly, as she leaned down to retrieve an envelope from her bag.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Dear Harry,
As you've probably guessed, my successful visit wasn't enough to sway Dumbledore's opinion about your safety. He claimed that Death Eater's don't use cars and scooters to travel about England, and that it wasn't a fair test because I'm muggle-born. Finally, he said it was a moot point, because you and your Uncle wouldn't be out and about any time soon for Death Eaters to follow like I did. How nice.
Dumbledore threatened to tell my parents and take away my prefects badge if I tried to visit you again on Privet Drive. Not that I care about that badge any more, particularly if it means keeping you safe…but now I'm pretty sure that I've got an Order member trailing me, so I doubt that I'd be able to visit anyway.
Harry, you really need to keep eating, and get some quality nights of sleep. And I need to prove to Dumbledore that you're not safe enough at your Aunt and Uncle's. So, as much as I wish that I could deliver this letter myself, I've asked Luna for her help. Since she's a pureblood witch, Dumbledore's muggle-born excuse won't hold water if she can sneak into your bedroom.
Forgive me, Harry, but I told her about your nightmares, and that it seemed to help when I laid in bed with you and held you close. If she decides to do the same…well, would it be wrong for me to say that I'll be just a little jealous? I'd tell you why (maybe even in graphic detail), were it not for the chance that Luna gets caught and this letter is intercepted.
Love,
Hermione
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Harry went through the letter twice, just to make sure he read what he thought he had read. By the time he lifted his eyes from the page Luna had erected a telephone booth-sized canvas tent in the middle of his bedroom.
"What's that, Luna?"
"Magical Port-a-loo," the young witch replied. "Hermione mentioned something about your aim being off with the chamber pot."
"She did, did she?"
Luna nodded hard enough for her radish earrings to sway back and forth. "I said that I'd be happy to help point your wand, but she didn't like that idea so much."
"I see….where did you get it?"
"Oh, Daddy and I were planning on taking it with us on our expedition, but then I read that the urine of a virginal witch is an effective perimeter defense against nocturnal Greezie attacks, so instead of using the loo I'll be marking our camp boundaries."
"Really?"
Luna looked at Harry strangely. "You aren't doubting me, are you Harry?"
The young wizard smiled, and let out a chuckle. "Never, Luna."
"Good," she replied, as she pulled the door flap away from the tent. "There's also a mini cool box inside with some food and drink," Luna added. "It's right next to the hot tub, if you wanted to snack and soak at the same time."
"Hot tub?"
"So they claimed," Luna replied. "Although it looks more like a lukewarm tub to me…want to join me in testing the waters?"
"Erm, no thanks, Luna."
"Phoo…so I suppose, then, we should take a few candids for Hermione?"
"Candids?" asked Harry. "Oh, you mean photos of you and me and today's paper?"
Luna nodded as she set up the magical camera.
"Sit back, Harry," she said. "I can't see your crotch from this angle."
Harry insisted that such a view wasn't necessary, and made sure to hold the newspaper in front of Luna's diaphanous nightgown. The resulting photographs showed the young witch's disappointment quite clearly.
"Right, then," said Luna, as she pushed a hand down onto Harry's bed. "Well...your mattress is just as lumpy as Hermione said it would be."
"It's Dudley's old one," Harry explained. "Seen more than its share of weight over the years...and Merlin knows what else."
Luna giggled as she reached into her bag and retrieved a small blue ball. "Well, it's a good thing I've got a replacement, then...up you go, Harry."
When the young wizard got up off the bed, Luna tossed the ball onto the bed. As soon as it hit the surface it burst into a thick liquid that spread out in all directions and quickly solidified.
"Shall we give it a test, then?" asked Luna, as she pulled her friend down.
When Harry hit the bed he was amazed to discover that he was now lying on silk sheets spread over a new mattress with just the right give to it.
"This is amazing," he said. "Although...they seem a little cold to the touch."
"Great," exclaimed Luna, as she climbed into bed with Harry. "With the body heat we'll be sharing the temperature should be just right."
"Really?"
"Oh course, Harry," Luna replied, as she snuggled up to Harry and pulled him into a hug. "Time for 'Left' and 'Right' to go to work."
"Left and Right?"
"Would you rather name them?" Luna asked, as she brushed her thinly-covered nipples across Harry's bare back.
"Erm, no…'Left' and 'Right' are fine," Harry stammered. "Luna, you don't need to do this, really."
"I know," replied the young witch, as she spooned up behind Harry and lifted the covers over them. "So which bits do you want me to hold onto during the night?"
"Excuse me?"
"Bits, Harry," Luna replied slowly. "You know, your naughty parts? I usually end up grabbing on to something while I sleep…usually it's my stuffed hippogriff, but I left that at home. We could let it be a surprise, of course, but if you had a fondling preference then…."
Harry silenced his friend by grabbing her hand and pulling it close to his chest. "Why don't we try holding hands, Luna."
"Okay, Harry, if that's what you want."
"It is," Harry replied. "Thanks for everything."
"You're quite welcome."
After a few moments, Harry thought to ask the young witch how she managed to find him.
"Oh, that was easy," Luna replied. "When Hermione visited me at Daddy's office in Diagon Alley, she asked him to place a tracking charm on one of our delivery owls. Then we sent it out with a complementary back issue of the Quibbler."
"That worked?" asked Harry. "Wow, I figured Dumbledore was keeping owls away from me this summer."
"I'm sure he is," replied Luna. "That's why I suggested that we send the trial subscription to your cousin."
Harry paused for a moment before breaking out into a grin. "You belong in Ravenclaw, you know."
"So the Sorting Hat said," Luna replied.
"Funny thing, though…I didn't hear two words about a visiting owl today."
"That's because he hasn't made the delivery yet."
"How's that?"
"I don't know…there might be a separate ward beside the one that's diverting your mail. The owl that I tracked is sitting in a tree across the street…probably waiting for your cousin to leave the house."
"Oh…so how did you follow the owl?"
"Patsy gave me a ride."
"Patsy?"
"Patsy...she's the thestral that I rode on to the Ministry," Luna explained. "Followed me home from Hogwarts…I think she's adopted me."
"Really?" asked Harry. "That's great…so is Patsy outside then?"
"She's nearby," Luna replied. "Once she dropped me off on your window ledge she doubled back down the street to munch on some road kill."
Harry's thoughts juggled between the image of an invisible carrion-eating beast, and the impressions that Left and Right were making on his back. Being a teen-aged boy with normal hormone levels, the latter did a better job of holding Harry's attention.
"So Luna, I don't want to sound like I don't appreciate what you're doing, but I think you and I could become close friends, and I wouldn't want to jeopardize that opportunity by leading you on, or taking advantage of the situa…."
"Sshhhh, Harry," Luna cooed, as she squeezed the hand that was keeping hers from straying. "The only thing wrong with this situation is that you're not asleep yet…close your eyes, and if you want we can talk in the morning, okay?"
Feeling more safe and secure than sexually stimulated, Harry let out a yawn, nodded, and closed his eyes.
"Good night, Luna."
"Good night, Harry."
When Harry woke up after a refreshing night of sleep the next morning, he quickly realized that he was no longer facing the wall, and that he was alone and cold in bed. The sound of laughter and splashing water gave him a good idea on where that warmth had gone. Harry swung his legs off the bed and covered the short distance to the tent with a few steps. He grabbed the tent flap, and cracked it open just enough to whisper into it.
"Luna?"
"Good morning, Harry," the young witch called out.
"What are you doing?"
"Testing the waters," replied Luna. "Turns out it really is a hot tub…come on in."
"No that's alright…"
"Really, Harry, it's alright…I'm decent."
"Erm…okay, just a moment," Harry replied, as he stepped away from the tent and made use of his chamber pot. After washing up and checking his attire, Harry stepped inside the Port-a-loo.
The magical tent had proportions that seemed right given its small size in real space…it was a single room, about ten feet square. Dim candle light was casting shadows over the room, a small waterfall was pouring water into an oversized tub, and Left and Right were bouncing freely on the frothy water's surface.
"Luna?" asked Harry, averting his eyes.
"Yes, Harry?"
"I thought you said that you were decent."
"Are you accusing me of being indecent?"
"Erm, no, it's just that…you aren't wearing any clothes, and…"
"I most certain am," Luna replied. And before Harry could argue the point she stood up and twirled in place, giving Harry a front and back view of her black thong.
"Erm, okay, so I believe you…you can sit down, Luna."
"Good," Luna replied, as she sank back into the water. "Left and Right were getting cold."
"Yeah, I could see that," Harry muttered.
"What, Harry?"
"Nothing, Luna," Harry said quickly.
"Oh…so are you going to join me?"
"Erm, no..that's alright.."
"Because I didn't want to say anything, but you are sporting a rather manly, musky scent…so chock full of pheromones, that I don't know how much longer I'll be able to resist playing with Center unless you bathe."
"Center?" asked Harry.
"Sure," Luna replied sweetly. "You know, there's Left, there's Right, and farther down there's Center."
By the time Harry realized what Luna was intimating, he also realized that his lower head was two steps ahead of his upper head (and showing that fact). He panicked and jumped into the water. Luna's reaction was to giggle and reach down towards the waistline of Harry's pajama bottoms.
"You know, Harry, it's easier to wash your clothes when you're not wearing them."
"Erm, thanks for the advice," Harry replied, as he pulled his knees up to protect his pants.
"Erm, Luna…"
"Sshhh, relax, Harry," the young witch replied. "If you're not going to let me caress you, at least let the bubbles do it."
"What?" asked Harry. "I don't want to sound unappreciative, because your visit has been brilliant, and I slept really well last night, but…"
"Yes, Harry?"
"Well, when I woke up this morning, it looked like I might have been holding you, rather than the other way around, and I just wanted to make sure that I didn't touch you anyplace that I shouldn't have."
"Oh, Harry," Luna replied with a laugh. "You were a perfect gentleman last night, and didn't start to poke me until your prostate started to complain to your bladder."
"What? Oh….sorry about that…it isn't something I can control in the morning...it wasn't because of you."
Luna frowned. "Are you saying that I'm not attractive, Harry?"
"Merlin, no," Harry replied. "Really you are, and if it weren't for the fact that…."
"For the fact of what, Harry?"
Harry blushed. "Well, was there a reason why you were calling Hermione my girlfriend last night?"
"You mean other than the fact that it's true?"
"What do you mean?" asked Harry. "Because that'd be news to me."
"Really?" asked Luna.
"Erm, why do you ask?"
"Because if you thought about it, I'd wager that it wouldn't be news to you."
"Oh."
The two teenagers sat apart quietly in the tub for a few minutes, before Luna abruptly stood and stepped out of the tub.
"Luna! What are you doing?" Harry asked, as his eyes tracked droplets of water as they trailed down Luna's body.
"Drying off," she replied, as she reached towards a stack of fluffy towels.
"You're trying to kill me, aren't you?" Harry asked, as Luna wrapped a towel around her body, then reached underneath the towel to pull off her wet knickers.
"No," Luna replied, as she leaned over the edge of the tub so that she could kiss the top of Harry's wet head. "We're trying to save you."
"What do you mean?" asked Harry.
Luna gave him a cryptic smile. "What do you think I mean?"
Harry shook his head. "You know, some people say you aren't supposed to answer a question with a question."
A series of "tsk-tsks" escaped from Luna's mouth. "And do I know any of these people, Harry Potter?"
Harry looked at Luna, thought about the last eight hours of his life, and shook his head.
"No," he said with a smile, "I don't think that you do."
"And is that a problem?" Luna asked, as she washed out her knickers in the basin.
"Definitely not," Harry replied. He leaned back, smiled, and closed his eyes before Luna could test his resolve any further.