Chapter 2
The young blonde girl felt ever more grateful that her mother understood her so well. When most might have heard needless ramblings, her mother saw what went unsaid. Luna watched her mother, easily recognizing how her mind was at work. Not with experiments and spell creation mind you. No, she was forming a plan, like any proper Slytherin would.
It was to be expected, of course. What Slytherin would hear the details of what was to come and not start plotting? Pandora’s comforting presence didn’t falter, even whilst her mind was at work. Luna basked in it, closing her eyes while her mother stroked her hair.
“How unusual…” Her mother muttered, prompting the girl to look up. “The spell I’m working on is a simple tracking spell, it shouldn’t be able to backfire in such a way.”
Suddenly the woman stood up.
“I need to check something.”
Luna clung tightly to her mother’s arm, knowing exactly what she was thinking. The woman looked down at her daughter, her eyes instantly filled with understanding.
“I promise, nothing bad will happen to me, my dear.”
Luna stared at the woman, a frown tugging at her lips.
“You can’t promise that.”
The woman let out a sigh, running a hand through her hair as she considered how to put her daughter at ease.
It only took twenty-three minutes for Xenophilius to arrive home. Considering it would take an owl at least fourteen minutes to meet him, it was impressive, to say the least.
The man burst through the door, looking slightly frazzled as he rushed to his family. Pandora held up a hand to silence him, catching him with his mouth open.
“We’re fine.”
The man floundered for a moment as if her words were only proof that things were not actually fine.
“Philius…” The woman had his attention. The man lost his dreamy scatterbrained state, looking at his wife with every ounce of attention he had.
“I believe someone has trapped my workshop.”
The man’s eyes went wide. Though Xenophilius liked to think he could take the most unexpected situation with ease, he found himself at a loss.
“You’re sure?”
“Positive.”
The man let out a slow breath. Though the war had been over for years, there were still a few Death Eaters mulling about, and others standing in plain sight. Considering how skilled his wife was in the art of spell crafting it wasn’t too surprising that she’d been targeted.
“Right. How can I assist you, my dear?”
Luna watched as the two adults worked in tandem, analyzing the wards and strengthening them around the workshop.
“Right… That should do it then.” her father mumbled. “Not even a Dabber Blimp would be able to sneak in.”
Luna smiled at her father's comforting words, whilst her mother shook her head at the man, though she also wore an amused smile.
“I’m quite certain they’ve already gone…” She turned glaring at the doorway to the room. “But they’ve left us a present.”
Xenophilius turned, reading the wards himself. Luna watched as her father grew uncharacteristically angry, his face bristling with rage.
“How dare they…” The man practically growled.
“Indeed…” Pandora threw an equally menacing glare at the door, before turning to her husband. “It appears someone has forgotten who they are dealing with.”
The woman waved her wand, twisting slowly. Luna watched as the Wards grew thicker around the room, slowly pushing deeper and deeper until they glowed red.
The entire area around her mother's table was encased in the magic shield.
“I don’t want this left in the house another moment.” Xenophilius spat, pulling up the sleeves of his robes. The man joined his wife, waving his own wand with the wards.
“Agreed.” His wife responded, her eyes flitting back and forth reading the invisible runes. She scowled. “What sort of fool crafted this? They’re lucky it didn’t explode whilst they were laying it here.”
“Can you remove it?”
There was a long silence between them while Pandora continued to read. She glared at the symbols, shaking her head.
“No.” She huffed in frustration. “Whoever laid this here knew us well. It rigged to go off when it senses a certain amount of magic energy being actively cast.”
Luna’s father uncharacteristically cursed, listing off a few magical creatures' names in Latin. The woman paused, sharing a slightly amused look with her husband before letting out a sigh.
“Unfortunately I can’t remove it without setting it off, moving the wards any closer might do the same.”
The girl watched her parents, unable to hold back the smile that came to her lips while watching them work.
“Then let it.” Luna spoke up dreamily, gaining the attention of the adults. Both looked shocked at her suggestion, but only for a moment.
“We can reinforce the wards…” Her father began.
“And trigger the jinx from the somewhere safe.” Her mother finished.
“Or let someone else trigger it entirely.” Luna hummed, earning a proud smirk from her mother.
“That’s quite an idea Luna.” The woman nodded approvingly. “Rather Slytherin of you.”
“I leaned from the best.”
The two ladies giggled before turning to the man of the house.
“That room has...” Xenophilius was cut off before he could finish.
“Nothing I can’t live without.” She responded, grateful that he was so considerate. “I’ve made copies of all my important work, we only need pack up a few things.”
The couple shared a look, nodding once to each other.
“Luna,” Her mother turned to her with a smile. “Would you like to help me strengthen the runes?”
The young child smiled widely, jumping up off the stair she’d been sitting on.
“I would love to.”
“Well…” Pandora turned back to look at the house with a small smirk. “That should be everything.”
It took several hours for them to properly set things up, but they were finally ready. Each of them had a small trunk packed with their essentials, just in case things got out of hand. They didn’t empty the house, but Pandora said they should plan on staying elsewhere for at least a month or two.
Luna didn’t mind, packing herself and even helping her father select what books he’d like to bring. Pandora’s trunk had been the largest, though Luna suspected it was full of mostly her work notes and clothes.
The three Lovegood’s made their way out to the edge of the property, Luna sitting on the largest trunk with her legs dangling off the edge.
“Are you sure we can’t set it off ourselves?” Xenophilius inquired, turning to his wife. “I’d rather get it done and over with.”
“No dear, that wouldn’t do.” The woman shook her head. “We need to alert the proper authorities. We’ll let them handle this. When the room inevitably blows up, we can collect the insurance. Not to mention the compensation for saving the bumbling Aurors’ lives with our wards.”
The man shook his head. Pandora had taken the small comment they’re daughter had made turning it into a situation where they would both be safe and also receive the most from other parties involved. She was so clever, letting others stir their own cauldrons. This was one reason why he’d fallen in love with Pandora.
“Perhaps we could get things renovated whilst having the workroom restored,” The woman paused, sending a smirk towards her husband. “It would be easier to have it all done at the same time, wouldn’t it?”
Mr. Lovegood couldn’t help the chuckle that escaped his lips. His wife always did know how to make the most of a situation.
“Whatever you’d like my love.” He gently lifted her hand to press a kiss against it.
Luna watched them with a sense of relief, feeling happier than she had in a long time. It was at that moment that another voice interrupted.
“Oh…” Young Ginny Weasley spoke up, looking at the trio with confusion. “I’m sorry, I thought I’d just come see if Luna wanted to play… But you all look busy.”
“Not at all Ginny.” Pandora chimed in, smiling down on the young girl. “We were just coming over to visit yours actually.”
“Oh?” The small redhead tilted her head in confusion, looking down at the packed luggage.
Luna hopped off the luggage she was sitting on, practically floating over to the girl. She pulled her friend into a tight hug, smiling as it was returned.
“Is everything alright?” Ginny asked, looking at Luna with the utmost concern.
“Oh yes.” Luna began, pulling with a dreamy smile. “We just wanted to watch the explosion from further away, it should be rather large you see.”
The young girl looked only more confused by these words, but before she could ask for anything Luna’s father cut in.
“Yes, I’m sure your brothers will enjoy seeing this.” The man nodded to himself, waving his wand to lift the luggage. “But we best set off if we want to contact the Aurors before their office closes.”
“Not to worry,” Pandora cut in, “I’ve already sent off a letter to an old friend, they should be arriving within the hour.”
Ginny was only more confused by the conversation now. Though she was used to the Lovegoods speaking in weird ways, this was different. She couldn’t help but feel like she was missing something rather important.
“Let’s head off, we still need to have a word with your parents before the Aurors arrive.” Pandora’s words threw them into action. Luna reached out, taking her friend's hand. Ginny decided that she’d understand what was happening sooner or later, but for now, she just wanted to play with Luna. Perhaps this time they’d trim her brother’s hair instead…
The two young children lead the way, running and chattering aimlessly as they go.
Molly Weasley was surprised to see her daughter return, having expected her to stay over at the Lovegood’s for several hours. When she caught sight of the young blonde child running with her, she understood.
It looked like Pandora hadn’t been too upset about the boys chopping Luna’s hair off. As long as Luna was happy, she didn’t seem to mind much. Not what Molly had expected from a Slytherin, but she had always been polite even whilst they were in school. Not that they interacted too much.
Mrs. Weasley was just about to turn away from the window when she caught sight of the rest of the Lovegood family trailing behind. For a moment her heart faltered with concern, but seeing the pleasant looks the adults wore pushed that aside. That was until she saw the luggage floating along behind them. Instantly her curiosity peaked.
She quickly dried her hands, making her way to the door to greet the guests.
Luna and Ginny opted to stay outside and play while the adults talked. Though Ginny was curious about what was happening, she was content to let Luna braid flowers into her hair. Normally Ginny would have returned the favor, but they didn’t have time. A short while after the two girls had begun they were interrupted by the rest of the Weasley children.
“What gives?” Ron muttered angrily as he kicked a stone down the path. “It’s not like I was doing anything.”
“We wouldn’t have been caught if that was true.” George followed with his hands folded behind his neck while he walked.
“Yeah,” Fred agreed, running a hand through his hair. “Why’d you have to do that?”
Ron bristled.
“I didn’t do anything!” The boy yelled. “I just wanted to get a snack from the cupboard, but you lot were blocking the way!”
The twins shook their heads in sync, one clicking their tongue.
“Food really is all you think about, isn’t it.”
Before Ron could say anything, one of the older boys cut in.
“That’s enough.” Charlie scolded, a small package tucked under his arm. “Why don’t you two go get the brooms and practice your flying? Wood said you both need to up your game if you want to join the team this year.”
His comment shut the twins up, the two looking at each other and sharing a silent conversation.
“Fine.” They said together, before running off for the shed.
“What about me?” Ron pouted, crossing his arms angrily.
The older boy held up the small package, a smirk on his face.
“How about a round of chess?”
Ron’s entire demeanor changed, shifting to excitement and he shouted for joy. Charlie was one of the few who gave the boy a challenge these days.
The two boys made their way over to the large tree Luna and Ginny were sitting under, making themselves comfortable nearby.
“Ello Luna, how are you doing today?” Charlie asked politely.
“Oh, I’m quite well. No Larkspurs or Nargles today. It looks like you might beat Ronald, he’s got quite a swarm you see.”
“I see, good to know I have an even better chance of winning today.” Charlie raised a single eyebrow at her comment but smiled at her.
Luna nodded dreamily, returning her attention to braiding Ginny’s hair.
“You do not!” Ron glowered, throwing the blonde girl the stink eye. “I’ll show you.”
“Show me what?” Luna asked.
“That I’m going to win!” He huffed, plopping himself down on the grass forcefully.
“If you say so.” Luna shrugged, which only further annoyed the child. Charlie smiled watching the two argue.
“Oh, leave her alone!” Ginny growled. “Just play your silly game.”
Ron looked aghast.
“Chess is not a silly game!”
“Yes, it is.”
“No, it isn’t”
The two youngest Weasley’s continued to argue, Ginny even pulling away from Luna’s reach to properly scold her brother.
Charlie shook his head but instead of stopping them, he turned to Luna.
“Any idea why your parents have got our mum in a fuss?”
Luna looked at him dreamily.
“Yes.” She replied, folding her legs crisscrossed.
The other siblings stilled, watching her. Charlie waited for her patiently. He always was one of the most attentive Weasley’s, catching the small things. That’s probably why he was so good with Dragons because he paid attention to the things others didn’t.
“Could you tell us?” The freckled boy asked, a slight smirk tugging at his lips.
The girl turned away from him, looking in the direction of her home.
“Someone trapped the workroom, so we came here to watch the explosion.”
“What the hell does that mean?” Ron cut in, his voice thick with confusion. “You’re mad.”
“She is not!” Ginny yelled, pushing her brother to the ground angrily.
“Yes, she is!”
The two started off again, but Charlie just looked at her. He wore a mixture of concern and wonder, but never got to ask more.
It was at that moment, several Witches and Wizards appeared at the edge of the Burrow wards.
The children gathered around the large tree, even the twins with brooms in hand. They all watched as the adults began speaking, the Aurors, Mrs Weasley, and the Lovegood’s. The Aurors quickly set off towards the Lovegood home, leaving the other adults. Luna watched her mother roll her eyes, her father rubbing her arms comfortingly.
“They didn’t listen,” Luna said.
“Who didn’t listen?” George piped up.
“The Aurors didn’t take my Mother’s warning seriously. They’re going to get hurt.”
“You can’t say that!” Ron scoffed. “They’re Aurors, professionals. They know what they’re doing.”
Luna shrugged, moving forward towards her parents. She was greeted warmly by her father’s smile while the two women continued to talk together.
“Ready for the show?” Xenophilius asked the children.
Luna tilted her head to the side, pondering for a moment.
“We haven’t got any snacks.” She stated, a slight frown tugging at her lips.
Her father chuckled slightly at her words.
“Not to worry, your mother brought something.”
It was only a short while later that the man set all the kids up with transfigured chairs and popcorn, a muggle snack Pandora had made before they left. Under the man’s instructions, the children sat with a perfect view of the Lovegood home down the hill.
“This is mad,” Ron muttered, some popcorn spilling from his lips as he did.
“Ew! Do you have to do that?” Ginny grimaced, looking away from her disgusting brother.
Fred and George made a game, throwing small pieces of popcorn in the air and catching them in their mouth. Charlie had been sent inside to collect Percy whilst Bill was over at a friend's house today. Shame really, he would have enjoyed seeing this.
Molly continued to speak with Pandora a short distance away from the children. Xenophilius was watching the Auror team, having pulled out a set of magical binoculars from his suitcase.
“They’ve just made it into the house.” Her father commented, turning back to join the other adults.
Only Luna paid any mind to his words, nodding to herself as he walked away.
Thanks to the location of the workshop the rest of the house would be protected by the wards, unless these Aurors were extremely stupid. That was actually a very likely possibility, but that wouldn’t harm her mother’s plan. In fact, the woman had placed many ‘extra’ protections for just that reason. She knew exactly how the ministry worked.
Charlie and Percy came out only a moment later, the latter glaring that he’d been forced out of his room.
“Why have I got to come, I was in the middle of something.”
“Mr. Lovegood says it should be interesting.” Charlie continued pulling the younger boy.
“It can’t be more interesting than my book.” Percy scoffed, rolling his eyes and muttering under his breath. His older brother rolled his eyes.
“You can read it outside then.”
The annoyed boy plopped down in the empty seat next to Luna, pulling out said book and flipping it open. Luna smiled at him, but her smile faltered when she saw the fat gray rat poke its head out of his shirt pocket.
“That’s a rather unusual rat,” Luna stated, earning an almost surprised look from Percy.
“I suppose.” The boy looked down at the creature, pulling it from his pocket. He smiled at it fondly for a moment, patting its head. “Found him in the yard years ago, is quite loyal as long as you feed him.”
Luna nodded dreamily.
“Can I pet him?” She asked, earning a surprised look from the boy. “He looks rather soft.”
Hesitantly the boy set his book aside, marking his place with his wand. He leaned forward on his chair.
“I suppose.” He muttered. “Just be gentle, Fred and George nearly killed him just last week.” The boy glared at his brothers with a slight huff.
Luna reached out to stroke the creatures head, knowing exactly who it was.