Chapter 36 Can There Be Romance?

Harry found himself on the bridge of his internal spaceship. After taking a calming breath, he turned to Picard and asked, "What can you do for you, Captain? It's been a long day, as I'm sure you know, and I want to go to sleep. So, pardon me if I'm a bit short, but this had better be good." He flopped down in a chair that he conjured and lifted his eyebrow to the bald man in charge of his mind.

"I would not have called you if it was not important," the captain stated as he stood, and adjusted his shirt. He walked to the young man and watched him carefully. He was unsure how the teen would take the news he was about to impart. "The away team has found another anomaly. I felt that we needed to examine it. We do not know what it is, or if it can be useful, or harmful. Closer examination will hopefully tell us what we need to know. I felt it imperative that you be here for that. Data is on standby with the necessary information." He cued the away team to give their report on the viewing screen, and then turned to watch it.

Harry turned to the large window, that was now a screen, and asked Data what was up. He noted that the android didn't look the least bit tired, but the crew did. At that moment, he felt a flash of jealousy, but then remembered that androids didn't feel emotions, and figured that he would rather be human.

"We were almost to the end of the white space, when we were pulled in the opposite direction. As we came to a stop, we scanned our surroundings. There is an… irregularity in your forehead, located behind your scar. I do not know how to describe it, but it does not belong to you."

"How do you know that it's not mine?" Harry questioned.

"Readings indicate that the magic is wrong. The magic of this anomaly is much more violent than yours," was the answer.

"Oh, okay. Go ahead, sorry I interrupted."

"Acknowledged," Data said with a nod of his head, and continued his report. "The first thing we did was put a shield around it, and then we examined it. That is when we found that it is foreign to your body makeup. It seems to be attached to your magical core. Observe this string like matter that is penetrating our shield, it goes in the direction of your core. Because of this, we did not want to destroy it. It may inadvertently cause you harm. However, we can stop the leeching, and render it weaker," Data stated mechanically, bringing up a hologram of a large blob of malevolent magic that was just hanging in the front of his mind.

"Do that last part and leave a probe there so I can look next time I meditate. Captain, see if the science crew can find a way to remove that… parasite. Also, see if it has anything we can use. I would do it tonight, but I'm too tired and cranky to be of any use," the exhausted teen stated, looking at the mass of blackness that was so close to his brain. Just the feelings coming off that thing made him shiver. He wanted it gone, but right now, he'd just mess it up if he tried. The last thing he wanted is for that… thing to explode on his brain.

"On your orders," Picard stated with a nod. He turned and started barking orders. The crew members hurried to comply.

Harry nodded, and then went back to the real world. He took a moment to wonder if having make-believe people in charge of his head made him crazy. Then he just shrugged and went to sleep. He'd worry about it another time.

The next morning our hero got up feeling much better. Dreams of laying in a woman's arms was just the thing he needed. Sure, he had to clean the sheets, but what a way to wake up. This put him in a much better mood than yesterday.

He hated that he seemed to snap at everyone, but he felt that he had just cause. After all, in the last three weeks he had accidently had his name drawn into a stupid deadly tournament, overdosed on an experimental potion, lost his memory, lived on the street, was kidnapped—twice, was mind-raped, was virtually kept a prisoner here, was put in a death-defying situation, and all the adults continued to try and control him. Maybe not Sirius, but everyone else tried to tell him where to go, what to do, and what to say, what not to say, where to live, where to sleep, and he was bloody well tired of it.

Shaking off those thoughts, so he didn't get angry, he got dressed, and made his way to the common room. He looked to where his friends usually gathered and saw them doing their own thing. Hermione was sitting reading, as usual. The twins had their heads together and were discussing something. Neville was watching the lookalikes with a wary eye. Harry was really glad that he had found such good mates. Even if they did argue with him, they were still there for him. In this time of… well, not crisis, but need. It was good to have people around him that cared.

"Good morning all," he said cheerfully as he passed by the group, making his way to the entrance. "I wish us all a very normal day." He turned and waited for them to join him. The jovial smile never left his face.

Various forms of good morning rang out as everyone got up, put their things away and joined him at the portrait. They talked merrily as the went to pick up Luna, who greeted Harry with a kiss and a hug. Not that he was complaining, but he was unsure as to what she wanted from him. He didn't know if a relationship would work until he got his memories back. What if his personality changed? He might not like the quirky blonde. He hugged her back just as tightly, and then pulled back, kissed her forehead, and gave her a looked that was a bit sad as he tucked her hair behind her ear.

She caught on right away, smiled a small smile, and then nodded her understanding. It disappointed her that he might not return her feelings, but she understood that until his condition was over, or they found out that it was irreversible; romance was off the table.

The rest of his friends watched the silent communication with different emotions. Hermione was undecided if she was jealous of them or sad for them. The twins believed Harry should grab hold of any happiness while he could. After all, he was only fourteen. Neville wasn't sure exactly what was happening, but he knew it was big, and possibly life-changing for Harry. It wasn't that he was stupid, just socially awkward.

They all silently made their way to breakfast, each deep in thought about what could happen in the future. Would they lose their friend if he were ever cured? Or would he maintain the relationships he started while inflicted? Would his attitude change from the independent, though snappish, boy he was now, or go back to the pliant boy he had been before? They didn't know. They really hoped that he was calmer, at any rate. It couldn't be good for someone to be so angry all the time.

"Well, enough of this depressing shite," the boy in question stated as they reached the Great Hall and settled at the Gryffindor table. "We need to figure out what we're going to do today. We can go see Padfoot, and Remus. Or we could work more on the room. Or we could find something else to do. I, for one, am tired of working on the room. I don't much like Moony, so perhaps we can do something fun," Harry suggested as he served himself up some bacon, and eggs.

"I think we should do our own thing today. I think I'll work on the room. The sooner we get it done, the sooner we can give the school what it deserves," Hermione stated, taking a bite of her toast. While it had been decided what to do with all that stuff, she was determined to make sure that Hogwarts got what was due them. Right now, she was fixing all the old-fashioned furniture so that Sirius could sell it. That would give the school much needed funds.

"I'd like to catch up on my homework. I've been working so hard on the new magic that I've fallen behind," was Neville's input as he loaded up on fruit. He really needed to get busy. If he failed any of his classes, his gran would castrate him. So far, he was days behind in Charms and Transfiguration.

"I believe I want to spend time with you, Harry," Luna said in a no-nonsense voice, meaning she wanted to talk about what happened in the hall. While, she was okay with maintaining a friendship, things needed to be said aloud.

"We're going to see the two Marauders," the twins stated, hoping to lighten the tension that surrounded the group.

"Yeah, we want to pick their brains," Fred added, scooping up some oatmeal. His brother doing the same.

"They must know loads of pranks," George finished, as he put strawberries on his hot cereal.

"Right, so we've all got plans. Lovely Luna, after our meal, would you care to join me on a walk around the lake? Even though it is a bit chilly?" Harry asked formally, hoping to put the girl at ease. He didn't want to hurt her, but it just wasn't the right time to start anything. Perhaps when the away team came back, they could go further—perhaps. Until then it was a nice thing to dream about.

"I would love to," she said with a sweet smile, and then turned back to her breakfast, and dug into her hash browns.

The gang quickly ate as they kept their ears open to the gossip, which hadn't changed since last night. When they were done, they split up.

Luna and Harry went to get their outer-cloaks and met at the doors. They silently made their way to the lake. Harry stopped them when they were far away from anyone. They stood close, facing each other. This was a talk that needed eye contact.

Harry reached down and took her hand in his, rubbing the back in a soothing motion. "I don't want you to think that I don't find you attractive, Luna. I think you are very cute, and your personality is the best. It's very relaxing to be around you, and I find that you have a marvelous way of defusing tense situations. You are a wonderful girl. However, I don't want to start something that might hurt you later," he said, bringing her knuckles up, and bussing them. "We have no idea how I'll act when I'm well. Well, not well, but more myself, I think. Oh, I'm not sure what I mean," he got out with a great deal frustration.

"I do understand. It must be so hard for you not to know," she said softly, putting her other hand to his cheek, gently brushing it with her thumb. "It is quite sad that you feel this way. I was hoping for more, but I will take the friendship that you are offering," she answered as she laid her head on his chest. She sighed when he put his arms around her, holding her tight. Her eyes brightened with unshed tears. "I do want you to know that I will fight to remain in your life, even if you revert back to the timid boy who didn't know what girls were."

"Luna, we are still so very young, and we have years ahead of us. Let's not rush anything," he said, kissing the top of her head.

"I suppose we can stay away from the Frickleprats, for now," she answered dreamily.

Harry wondered what she was talking about. Her unseen creatures gave him things to think about. Like how to fight them, or research them, or other such thoughts. Still, it was one of the things he liked about her, it was her conviction that what she said was 100% real.

The two teens just stood in the cold air, both lost in their thoughts. Both hoping that Harry didn't change, or at least not much. After a few moments, they swayed to music only Luna could hear, making their thoughts less morbid, and more pleasant as she hummed along. It was good to dream.

Amelia's POV

Madam Amelia Bones, Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, was not having a good day. No, she was currently arguing with a very stubborn Cornelius Fudge. "Dammit, Cornelius, he put the children in danger, and has been doing so for decades!" she yelled, slamming her hand on the Minister's desk. They had been at this for a half an hour, and the man was being stubborn. Why couldn't he understand that Dumbledore was in the wrong.

"Amelia," the political man said as smoothly as he could, gesturing with his hands that she needed to calm down, "you're talking about putting a national icon on trial. To bring him before the Wizengamot, well It just can't be done. He has too many supporters, plus the political fallout would be too great. He's in charge of too many offices. If you can convict him before our guest leave, it will make Britain look bad. We'll lose standing, it would be a disaster. No, you will dismiss these charges, and forget the whole thing. I will find another way to… dethrone the man." The pudgy man stood as firm as he could.

Amelia Bones was a formidable woman, who needed to be handled with kid gloves. It made him irritated to have such a powerful woman running around the Ministry, who he couldn't control. Sometimes he regretted that a female was Head of the DMLE. They were just too emotional and couldn't see what needed to be done. Why couldn't she be like Dolores? Pliant, while giving good advice. His Undersecretary was very good at giving… assistance.

"It's a good thing for me that you are not in charge of my office," she snarled, giving him a loathing look. Oh, how she hated when he tried to control her. He wasn't going to get away with this. She was going to go over his head to the Wizengamot. There was no way she was going to let Dumbledore walk away unscathed.

"I will see you out of that office, if you pursue this," Fudge threatened, leaning into her space, making sure she understood that he was being truthful. He was in charge of the Ministry, dammit, and he wasn't going to let this woman dictate to him. He was sure Dolores had something on her, everyone had a skeleton in their broom closet. Didn't they?

"I will do the right thing," Amelia stated firmly, turned, and stormed out. She growled at anyone who got in her way. She went back to her office and slammed herself in her chair. She took a deep breath and considered what the Minister had said. It would be a political nightmare if she were to imprison Dumbledore, but no one was above the law. With that thought, she got to work.

Harry's POV

Just as Harry was about to throw up a barrier, because the windy air getting too much, the couple were interrupted by his godfather, who was in his dog form. "Did you need something, Padfoot?" the dark-haired teen asked, keeping his arm around Luna, so that he could share his cloak. While the two decided to remain friends, it was comfortable to be in each other's arms to ward off the cold. He wondered how the winters were here and if there would be more moments like this. He just hoped that they understood each other. Maybe it was that understanding that they drew comfort from.

The dog barked and circled around happily. He turned and started back to the Shack.

Harry and Luna sighed, but followed. They had been hoping to spend a bit more time together, but if Sirius was here it might be important. When they made it the Whomping Willow, the male teen froze the tree, and the two went through the tunnel after the dog, who turned into a man upon entry.

"So, what's up?" Harry asked as he guided Luna to a chair.

"Remus wants you to teach him your magic. He spent all night reading the book, and thinks he can do it," Sirius stated, after he regained his glamored form. The two pranksters had discussed it right after Sirius woke, and before Remus slept. The poor werewolf was so tired after a night of reading that he crashed on the sofa. Not even Winky could get him up without taking drastic measures. After a bit of a debate, the dogman and the house elf just left him there.

"Why don't you teach him?" the amnesic asked, looking at the sleeping man on the couch, Merlin's book resting on his chest. He still didn't know what he thought of the man. Everything he said yesterday was the truth. He didn't trust the werewolf. He felt that he had fallen down on his duty as a friend and sort of uncle.

"You're better at it, besides I still don't completely understand the concept," was the answer as the older man made his way to his friend. He had been sleeping all morning, and now it was time to get up.

"Where are the twins?" Luna asked as she looked around the room. Yesterday showed her that there were no ghosts in residence. So, why did everyone think the place was haunted? Were there Chandiers around? They mimicked ghosts. But she didn't see any signs of them. She looked at the sleeping werewolf and it came to her. He went to school here and would need a place to change. Now she understood.

"I told them about a book they could read. We, the Marauders, hid it in the library so that future pranksters could use it." Sirius snuck up on his friend, and yelled in his ear, "Moony, wake up!"

The sleeping werewolf started so bad, he fell off the sofa. "Why did you do that?" he snarled, glaring up at his friend, and wondering what he'd look like bald.

"You slept through the Weasley twins' visit, you lazy git. Now Harry's here to teach you how he does what he does." He waved to the couple in the chairs, who were watching the two grown men act like children.

"Why were the twins here?" the sleep-mussed man asked as he pulled himself back on to the couch. He nodded to Harry and Luna, turned back to his friend, and waited for the answer.

"They're the current pranksters of Hogwarts," Sirius answered, taking a seat next to the rumpled man.

"I knew that. I taught them last year, but why were they here?"

"They also worship the Marauders," came the joyful answer. "I gave them the location of The Book," he added, making both men get wicked grins on their faces

"I'm not sure if that's a good thing or not," Remus said, still grinning, and wondering if the two lookalikes would make good use of The Book.

"Are you two finished? Luna and I wanted to spend a bit of time together," Harry snapped, feeling like an outsider. He'd have to ask the twins what The Book was and see if it was useful to everyone. Though, he was sure if it was then the lookalikes would let them know.

"Don't get huffy with me, Harry," his godfather snarled back. While he felt bad that the boy had amnesia that didn't give him cause to lash out at him. He was still an adult, and Harry a teen.

"Yes, Harry, do try and be respectful," Luna said softly. She didn't want the boy to alienate the only adult he liked.

"Fine," the teen said mulishly, folding his arms and pouting.

"So, do you think you can teach the old man," Sirius asked, looking hopeful. He was hoping that if the two of the most important people in his life spent time together, then they would hopefully start to get along. He hated that they were in conflict… well, Harry was. Remus was more on the edge on what to think about the teen. Still, if they worked together, then they would be better able to get along. With any luck.

"Oi! Who are you calling old. We're the same age, Padfoot," Remus protested, pointing his finger at his friend.

"Yeah, but you've got grey hair, and I look like a dashing young man," was Sirius' reply.

"Listen to me, you mangy cur…" the werewolf started.

"Mangy cur? Have you seen yourself on a full moon?"

"Why I…"

"Luna was the one who taught me," Harry interrupted with a shrug, indicating the blonde. "You should ask her." He didn't want to spend time with the other man, no matter what his godfather wanted, and he could see the hope shining the man's eyes.

"I can give it a try," she agreed serenely. She like Mr. Lupin, he had been a great teacher, and it would be an honor to return the favor. That and she could tell that Harry wanted nothing to do with the werewolf. She agreed in most part, but she would talk to him about it, for Sirius' sake.

"Great," Black said, clapping his hands together, and rubbing them, "let's get started."

Amelia's POV

"Okay, Mr. Snape, I told you that I would listen to you about Mr. Black. Tell me what I need to know," the very worn out Amelia said as she sat. She had been in touch with Waters about the case. She was convinced that Sirius Black was innocent, but she was interested in what the greasy man had to say. This was another case that Cornelius would not control. Not if she had anything to say about it.

"It started in our fourth year…"