Disclaimer:
Harry Potter and all of its characters belong to J.K Rowling.
I own nothing but the original characters I make.
"Dialogue"
'Thoughts'
$Parseltongue$
Chapter 87: The spy game
Fleur left the hall in a rush, looking absolutely furious.
After that, the entire attention fell on Harry and people started to murmur quite loudly, more to his annoyance.
"I think I'm done with my dinner." Harry put his fork down, then turned to Luna, who seem to be lost in thought.
"Luna" This seems to wake her up and looked at Harry.
"Do you mind walking with me for a bit?." He asked.
Luna seem surprised but quickly recovered and nodded shily.
The both of them left the hall, among a sea of whispers. Susan and Hannah gave each other a knowing look.
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After leaving the hall, they both walked through the inner garden of the castle.
Harry was pondering on how to address the situation. He is not oblivious to Luna's feelings, and He is quite fond of her, but He still sees her as…well, too young. But He also doesn't want to hurt her or make her feel rejected.
'I don't think I ever had this problem before.' He thought.
"Luna." Harry addressed her and she lifted her gaze to look at him.
"Sorry I missed what you were trying to say yesterday."
"Oh, that's okay," Luna said awkwardly.
"I should have asked you earlier, but let me do it now. Would you come to the ball with me?" Harry asked.
Luna's eyes opened wide.
"Really?...you…you rejected a beautiful veela to go with me?"
Harry raised an eyebrow.
"Well, if you want to put it like that. Then Yes"
Luna smiled brightly.
"Then, YES, ill go with you." She started to jump around happily.
Then she suddenly stopped and gasped.
Harry noticed this and asked.
"Something wrong?"
"Yes, I don't have a dress for the ball," Luna said dejectedly.
"That's not a big issue, there are plenty of shops in Hogsmeade, we can fix your problem next weekend."
"Thank you!" She said, excited about the prospect of going shopping.
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The rest of the week was not very good for Harry. It seems like students at Hogwarts had little to do besides gossiping. Everywhere He went, He had to hear whispers about his supposedly exciting love life.
If that was not enough, Snape had taken to keep an eye on him, every time He had no classes to teach.
After the mistake He made during that potion class where He made use of his occlumency skills, Snape has been convinced that He was hiding some dark secret.
Near the weekend, Harry received a message from Bella, who requested to meet in person. Apparently, whatever She had to say, was too important to rely on paper.
Harry agreed to meet her once more in the Shrieking shack during their next Hogsmeade weekend.
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"Are you sure? we don't want to ruin your date" Susan asked.
"Is not a date. Luna needs a new dress for the ball and I offer to pay for it as a Christmas present. I'm just giving You and Hannah the same offer. And I think she would prefer to have some female advice."
"Are you offering to pay for our dresses too?" Hannah asked.
Harry shrugged. "Why not?"
It would be cheaper than the previous presents He had got them anyways.
Susan and Hannah squealed in joy.
"Well go!" They both said.
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"This is the one," Harry said after stopping in front of a very luxurious boutique.
"I have been told, that this is the best one in Hogsmeade."
"Whoa…" The three girls were staring at the dresses on display.
"Harry, we can go to another one. I heard that this one is very pricy." Hannah commented.
Harry rolled his eyes.
'Why are they always so worried about money?' He thought.
"Let's go." He pushed the door and entered, and the girls quickly follow behind.
"Welcome," A middle age woman said with a smile. She gave Harry an evaluating glance and was satisfied after seeing his expensive suit.
"What can I help you with?"
"See these three girls? They need dresses for the Yule ball, show them the best you have."
"Of course!" The woman smiled brightly.
Harry turned to the trio.
"I have something to do. I'll be back in around an hour. Just pick whatever you like and forget about the price tags, ok?"
"You are leaving, Harry?" Luna asked. She was hoping to get Harry's opinion on her dress.
Harry had an idea of what she was thinking without using legilimency.
"I'll be back soon, and I'll see your dress then. Take your time."
When Harry left the shop, the lady approached the three girls.
"Was that Harry Potter by any chance?"
When they nodded, the lady smiled again and rubbed her hands.
"Well then, I have a lot to show you. Let's get to work."
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When He arrived at the shack, He found a very nervous Bella, pacing around.
"Finally!" Bella said when She saw Harry
"Calm down Bella, what is so important that requires to meet in person," Harry said.
"I could not risk it. The Lord…well, You know, the other Lord is getting suspicious of me. I have skipped some meetings, and I haven't been doing the best job at my assignments. He has not done or said anything, but I know is just a matter of time." Bella looked very tired.
"Well, get to it, what is it?"
Bella seems to hesitate for a moment.
"Before that. I need you to promise something."
"Oh? You are very daring Bella." Harry said with a raised eyebrow.
"I'm sorry My Lord, but I'm getting desperate. Is about my sister. She…. she's not doing well, she's barely eating or leaving her room anymore. And, I think the Lord is planning on forcing her to marry one of his followers to secure the Malfoy fortune." Bella said, looking very worried.
"I see. So what is your request?" He asked.
"I want what you promised. A secure way for me and my sister to leave the country and live somewhere far away from here. But it needs to be quick, we don't have much time." Bella said.
"I'll keep my word, you don't have to worry about that. My house elf has everything prepared, an international portkey, money, and a safe house, somewhere far away from here. Now, tell me." Harry demanded.
"The Lord is preparing a massive attack against Hogwarts, in around two months' time. I'll send you the exact date when I have it." Bella said.
"How massive are we talking about.?" Harry asked, not looking very worried.
"A host of around a hundred vampires with their lord, a hundred and fifty giants, a few dozen trolls, and at least two hundred wizards. He has spent almost all of his effort to put together that army in order to take over Hogwarts and the Ministry during the next few months." Bella explained.
Harry whistled. "Not bad. At least He-"
He turned around and threw a wandless spell towards a curtain. A man jumped from behind it in a hurry before the curtain exploded in flames.
"I haven't felt your presence until now…how did you do that? Professor Snape." Harry said.