The Politics of Pleasure Ch 2

Harry spent the next several days mulling over the advice that Daphne had given him. Daphne had not given the signal that she could meet over the last few days, so he had not really had the chance to discuss the actual letter. September was turning into October and the days were limited before he could send the letter out.

He was staring up into the canopy of his bed listening to Ron’s snoring. He wasn’t really worried about sleep, seemingly being unaffected by the lack of sleep over the last few days, something Sirius said was in common with Harry’s father. Harry willed the ring to become visible as he stared at his hand. The Potter Thestral Head stared back at him, magic coursing through the emerald eye. There was a comfort in the magic of the ring, something that helped calm his nerves. A snort from Ron filled the room and snapped his attention away from the ring. Harry shook his head as a decision was made. Sleep would not be coming tonight.

He grabbed the cloak and made his way silently down the stairs. He wasn’t really expecting anyone to be present as all patrols were done for the night. Hermione had been staying up but she was always in bed by the time he returned. There was some light that filtering up the stairs that seemed more than the embers of a burned down fire. He hesitated before putting the cloak on and walking down the last few steps.

There was someone on the couch that was facing away from the boys dorm stairs so Harry really couldn’t tell who was still up. He crept around slowly, controlling his movement. He recognized the hair as he closed the gap. Though it became heavily apparent that the young woman on the couch was fast asleep. He walked in front and studied the sleeping form of Hermione. Several strands of hair covered her face and the contortion of her body would cause some pain in the morning. He reached out and brushed some of her hair away.

Hermione’s reaction was instinctual. She swatted at Harry’s hand away while bringing her wand to bear via her other hand. Harry caught her hand with the wand and held it in a firm grip while Hermione’s brain caught up with instinct. Her instinct to fight flared for just a moment before she finally recognized who had woken her up.

“Harry!” she scolded, “Why did you do that?”

“Comfortable place to fall asleep?” Harry questioned.

Hermione huffed, “Its not uncomfortable.” Harry raised an eyebrow in response causing Hermione to smack him, “Prat.”

Harry laughed as he removed the cloak and sat down next to her and only then saw the book that was on her lap, “Why are you studying the tournament?”

Hermione averted her eyes for just a second, “You’re worried.” She hesitated and chewed her bottom lip for a second, something Harry hadn’t really seen her do before so he waited for her to continue. “You’ve been ignoring me.”

Harry leant back into the couch as his gaze shifted away from Hermione, “I’m not ignoring you.”

Hermione interrupted, “You’re disappearing at all hours of the night, you didn’t come to the Burrow after the World Cup, and we’re not hanging out like we used to.”

A small frown marred Harry’s face, “I’m not ignoring you.” He held up his hand to stop her argument, “I am hiding stuff from you; stuff I can only talk about to a select few.”

“And that’s not me? Harry…”

His hand grabbed hers as it had come up in exasperation, “Padfoot and I talked after the Cup.”

Hermione’s eyebrows furrowed, “Harry..”

“I need you. But there will be things I have to keep from you for now.”

“Do you not trust me?”

“More than anyone.” A sad little laugh escaped from Harry, “But there are secrets that must be kept from everyone. Doesn’t mean I don’t need you.”

They sat in silence for a few minutes, Harry still held onto her hand and rubbed lightly against her skin. She seemed to settle against him and they both stared into the magically induced embers of the fire.

Harry broke the silence, “You should go get some sleep.”

“The couch really is comfortable.” Hermione muttered.

Harry couldn’t help the laugh that escaped from him, “I shouldn’t be surprised that you know that.”

Harry got up and pulled Hermione to her feet, catching the book before it could fall, “Go to bed, I’ll need that mind in the morning.” He made his way towards the portrait.

“Harry.” Hermione called out softly and watched him pause for a moment, “I think I know.”

She couldn’t see his face but could imagine the knowing smirk he seemed to favor, “Then you already know more than most.”

Harry left the common room without donning his invisibility cloak. He didn’t really have any sort of destination for the night but wanted to wander the halls for a bit. The few ghosts wondering around ignored Harry, his presence enough of a familiarity for them. As he wondered he remembered a window bench that offered a good view of the lake and he decided to make his way there. Harry was a bit surprised to see the bench occupied by someone else. He instantly recognized her from behind and let the small smile form as he sat down next to her.

“Hello Harry.” She greeted.

“Luna. Enjoying the view?” Harry asked.

“The moon is beautiful tonight.” Luna answered, “I had hoped that looking at it would satisfy the whispers of the Nargles.”

Harry cocked his head as he looked at her, “Has it not?”

“Not tonight, but I think I know what will. Care to escort me?” she asked.

“Do I have a choice?”

“We always have a choice Harry Potter.”

Harry’s smile widened as Luna started leading him through the castle. The two talked about inane moments and concerns of the classes. He enjoyed her mentions of the various creatures infecting one professor or another. Discussions with Luna were always a bit of a treat. She was one of the few people that he had seen fluster Hermione. Though he wasn’t sure what was going on when she led him to the entrance hall. He wasn’t surprised that she knew a way to get the door to open up as he was pretty sure that the doors were supposed to be locked during the prefect and Professor patrols.

They skirted around the edge of the lake for a bit and Harry admired the reflection of the moon on the still waters. Luna had grown silent as she led him along the grounds. It was only then that he noticed that she wasn’t wearing any shoes.

“No shoes again Luna?”

“The Nargles have stolen them again, though I’m sure they will show back up.” There was a slight pause before she continued, “They always seem to reappear.”

Harry held his own response as Luna did not seem to be concerned about the issue. There was a fog that started to surround them as they continued their walk. It didn’t really obscure their vision but he definitely felt the tinge of magic in the air but didn’t recognize it. His eyes darted around as the fog rolled around them. Only Luna’s giggle brought his eyes back to the front where he finally realized where she had brought him.

They were standing at the edge of a group of Unicorns. Foals. She led him to the group of young Unicorns. Harry watched as several young foals immediately approached Luna and she was surrounded by attention and there was a ripple of happiness that spread throughout the group. Harry watched as the single adult at the edge of the group approached Luna and the two seemed to share a wordless exchange.

Harry stood off as an observer watching all of this take place before the adult walked over and approached him slowly, a wariness bleeding around them. He had no real idea how to approach the majestic animal so just stood still waiting for something to happen. His glance at Luna gave nothing away as she was consumed with lavishing attention on the foals. He felt a wave of magic wash over him and settle for a few minutes before retreating. The adult huffed and turned to leave Harry alone, in doing so a brave foal approached and nuzzled its head against Harry’s hand. As Harry ran his hand over the head and flank of the Unicorn a peace settled over him. Luna’s giggle alerted him that she had silently made her way over to him. Her hand started guiding his on how to rub and pet the young foal. The two stood in silence for a few minutes as the foals went back to enjoying the night around them. A magical peace settled into the air.

“Thank you Luna.”

She smiled at him, “Unicorns always help with the wrackspurts.”

Harry nodded as he looked around, “Do you come here often?”

“Enough that they recognize me.” Luna responded, “I’m glad they accepted you. It makes it easier to offer you this.’

Harry’s looked confused, “Offer what?”

“To be your mistress.” Luna responded in a matter of fact way.

Harry paused, “What?”

Luna cocked her head, “Has Daphne not mentioned that yet?”

“How do you know about Daphne?” Harry stopped Luna from responding, “Don’t answer that. But why would Daphne need to mention being a mistress?”

“Aren’t you going to make Hermione Lady Potter? Daphne would need to be a mistress then.”

Harry’s expression was still one of confusion, “Luna what is a mistress?”

“A witch entered into an agreement with a wizard specifically for line continuation.”

“Oh.” Harry paused, “And that’s what you want?”

“My father has already received offers for me, but all include a clause of line absorption in them. Once I turn of age the offers will turn far more aggressive in nature.”

Harry shook his head, “I think we need to have a conversation at another time.”

“Ok. Let me know when you talk with your other witches.”

“They’re not my witches.” Harry responded automatically.

Luna’s eyes locked with Harry’s, “Don’t let yourself believe the lies the wrackspurts. Those two are yours. You just need to accept it.”

Harry frowned but mulled over her words. They fell into a comfortable silence and Harry let Luna distract him with inane talk and banter. Eventually the adult Unicorn let out a gentle neigh and the foals began to make their way away from the edge of the lake. A few approached Luna before they had to leave but most just followed the adult. Luna and Harry started to make their way back to the castle, the peace still surrounding them.

As they approached the entrance hall Harry made a realization, “Luna, don’t mention Daphne to anyone right now. It’s not something we want bandied about the castle.”

“But you two are connected.”

Harry felt a small smile wash over him, “And I’m glad that you know that, but it is not something we need spread about the castle.”

“Okay. Will you let me know when people can talk about it?”

“Yes.”

Luna’s bright smile sent a bit of warmth through him. Harry escorted Luna back to the Ravenclaw tower and she turned to him, “Remember to discuss my offer with your witches.”

Before Harry could respond he watched her mutter something to the knocker before walking into the tower. He stared at the knocker for a moment before turning away.

“You should listen to that one.” A voice echoed from behind him. Harry turned back and saw the knocker staring at him which continued before he could answer, “I have rarely seen the spirit of Rowena be so strong in one of my charges.”

Harry nodded once before turning around and making his way through the rest of the castle. There were several questions that needed pondering, yet the peace from the Unicorns would make it that much easier to mull them over.

***********************

Hermione tried to suppress the surprise as Harry led her to an abandoned classroom. He had been pensive during breakfast but otherwise mostly unassuming in his actions. He had grabbed her arm and made an excuse about wanting her help with an upcoming assignment and Ron had immediately walked away. She wasn’t aware of any assignments that Harry had but had kept quiet from the look that he had given her.

Harry held a piece of parchment out towards her, “Read this and tell me what you think.”

Maybe he did have an assignment she thought as she started to read; only for that thought to immediately go out the window. Her eyes grew wide as she quickly read over the letter. It wasn’t that long so she went over it a few times to make sure she could absorb the information. She lowered it and met his gaze. She noted the pleading in his eyes not to ask too much. For his sake, she would try.

“Harry this…” She stopped, “Why?”

He let out a humorless laugh, “Do you need to remember the last three years?”

She nodded in understanding, “Is Professor Dumbledore behind this?”

Harry stood and started to pace, “No.” There was a pause, “I haven’t told him about it.”

Hermione’s brow furrowed, “Well surely he could be…”

Harry interrupted her, “I don’t want him knowing about this right now.”

“Why?”

Harry mulled over something and she saw his thumb rub the base of his ring finger. Anxiety. She got up and approached Harry, her hand resting on his shoulder before turning him to face her.

“It’s okay. Talk to me when you are ready.”

His shoulder slumped before he forced a breath out and squared them away, “I want to tell you everything. But there are things that only I can do.”

She tried to make light of the situation, “Seems that’s always the case.”

Despite it all he did give her a smile. She could see the relief echo in his eyes that she wasn’t pressing. Though a part of him must’ve known it was only a short reprieve.

“Why did you lie to Ron?”

He pointed to the parchment still in her other hand, “Do you think he would really understand why I am doing this?”

Hermione shrugged, “Maybe.”

Harry pulled away from her and started to pace again, “I got three letters from you after the World Cup. A few letters from Sirius. One from Remus. But none from Ron.”

Hermione’s brow furrowed, “I thought he sent you one. I watched him write a letter. That wasn’t to you?”

“Either it was to someone else or he never sent it.” Harry muttered, “Besides he’ll know all about it in a couple of weeks.”

“And he’ll just be more mad that he didn’t know.” Hermione said in a matter’o’fact way.

Harry smiled as he took the parchment from her hands. He turned to exit the room when a thought occurred to her.

“That’s going to the Prophet?” At his nod she continued, “How will you keep them from altering it.”

“The Potter Family has a firm that represents them. They’ll handle that part.”

“Do you trust them?” Hermione wondered aloud.

Harry’s voice was just above a whisper, “My grandfather did.” He paused for a minute before turning back to Hermione, “Want to come visit Hedwig whilst I give her this?”

Hermione smiled at the offer for what it was, a moment for the two of them to just take a moment and enjoy the friendship between them. She smiled as the fell into a familiar cadence towards the owlery. Harry himself was far more relaxed than she had seen him since they had arrived back at Hogwarts. They talked about inane items and things that young people wanted to. Hermione ignored her suspicion about his status as Lord Potter. For this moment he was just Harry.

Hedwig was always a joy to see. The owl doted on Harry and it was always amazing to watch the two interact with one another. Harry never seemed to need to call her, as she was always where she needed to be. Often bouncing on his shoulder whenever she was around him. She let out a little bark in recognition of Hermione before moving off of Harry. Hermione giggled as Hedwig offered her some attention. The owl seemed fascinated with Hermione’s hair, often nuzzling and nipping at the strands. Harry chuckled as he watched the two before reaching out and getting the Owl to leave Hermione alone.

He brushed Hermione’s hair out of her face and saw the laughter reflecting in her eyes. His mind threw forth the conversation from Luna about Hermione and a thought about how hot she was flew threw his mind. Sure he knew she was pretty but he hadn’t ever really considered her as a romantic partner. A bark from Hedwig pulled his attention back to the owl and chuckled before running his fingers through Hedwigs feathers.

“Take this to Padfoot girl. He’ll have something for you to send elsewhere though. Peck him on the head if he tries to send something back to me will ya?”

Hermione scoffed at hearing Harry say that, “Padfoot’s going to get pecked.”

“Eh serves him right if he doesn’t actually read the letter.” Harry responded.

Hedwig took the letter and the two of them watched her fly off into the distance. Hermione took his arm and asked if he wanted to go talk to Hagrid. Harry smiled before turning towards the hut. She knew that the tournament was weighing on his mind, but at least they had this moment.