I'm reborn as Harry Potter

200 gems = bonus chapter

Fully support the story at:

patreon.com/FanFictionPremium

***

It wasn't until I was in Hogsmeade that I realised how much of a risk I was taking. Not only did I not know where exactly to look for Luna, but I had completely overlooked the number of students around me. My eyes were blurry with familiar faces, and my anger was slowly rising inside of me-all these kids had judged me, none of them had spoken up for me. However, Luna hadn't tried to defend me either, but I still considered her my friend.

If Slanting Alley was having a bad time, the shopkeepers in Hogsmeade seemed to be making a month's worth of sales every Sunday. Students from all four faculties were out of the castle in a wave, sweeping everything they could get their hands on off the shelves. And I had apparently got here at rush hour, when even the biggest sleepers had reached the village.

Looking around, I realised that the biggest pandemonium was usually near the Three Broomsticks bar and the Sweet Kingdom shop. However, despite the apparent freedom, many students were clearly feeling out of place: some were constantly looking around for someone in the crowd, while others were only looking at their feet, trying to attract as little attention as possible. It didn't take a detective to realise that Umbridge was largely to blame for the situation. Seeing how at ease the Slytherins were with themselves only reinforced that opinion.

My absence hadn't changed the Ministry's policy; they were still trying to defeat Dumbledore in a non-existent fight, and Umbridge was clearly acting on a principle I knew well: the less freedom students had, the more compliant they were. I think she'll regret what she's done, just like the story I know, but this time I won't be the person to leave her in the forest alone with the centaurs and the giant. Probably not.

- Ron, come quick, I see an empty table!

When I heard the familiar voice, I froze, listening to how I felt. Ginny, Hermione and Ron were approaching the bar and were about to go inside, laughing at some joke. To my surprise I realised that the sight of my former friends didn't evoke any emotion from me. To me they were just unpleasant, unfamiliar people, like most of the people around me. It was a little strange to watch the laughing redheads. They seemed to be grieving for their father nowhere near as much as Granger tried to convince me.

Moving to follow them, I found myself once again in the Three Broomsticks under my robes, just as I had almost exactly two years ago. But this time I quickly realised that my venture was completely pointless. Granger was habitually talking about lessons, and Weasley about Quidditch. I don't know what I was expecting, but I thought they might know something about Dumbledore's plans or, at the very least, would sit there and repent for betraying me, but nothing like that predictably happened.

I'd figured it out with them at the beginning of fourth year, when I realised that they were friends with me out of choice, so I didn't feel the same negativity towards them as I did towards Sirius, for example. But the resentment didn't go away - blind kids, trying to seem important but in reality just following a leash.

As I was about to leave, I heard something that made me linger:

- Do you think Harry is really dating that Delacourt girl? - Ginny asked. - I heard Sirius talking about it at the meeting.

- I don't think so," Granger said authoritatively. - He's probably just hiding in their house. I just don't understand why they're letting him do it. Don't they realise he's a dark wizard who needs to be arrested as soon as possible?

- I think they're really together. That French whore must have bewitched him and now she's playing him for all he's worth. - Ginny intervened again. - What do you think, Ron?

- He's a murderer," my former best friend said through gritted teeth. His face was habitually red. - Why did he get a girl like that? She should be with someone who deserves it, not a loser!

- Ron!" Hermione shrieked angrily. - And who do you think she should be with, you?

- Or maybe with me," he smiled dreamily, completely oblivious to the fact that he had offended his friend. - But certainly not with him. He killed Cedric, escaped from Azkaban, and cursed Sirius! Don't you remember, Hermione?

- Actually, he didn't kill Cedric, we read that paper," Ginny replied. - And he was convicted on a false charge.

- Oh, come on," Ron waved his hand. - Do you still believe Skitter? Surely those memories were fake.

- No, Ron. - Hermione, though offended, couldn't sit with her mouth closed for long. - Amelia Bones herself had confirmed that the memories were real. He'd been cleared of all charges, after all, and had even been invited to appear before the Ministry to receive compensation.

Really? I didn't see anything about compensation. I wish I could come for it, I could use the money right now.

- But he didn't, or we would have heard about it," Ron said. - Of course, rich Harry Potter wouldn't want any crumbs. He'd rather keep hiding like a coward while people are dying here. While my father dies here! - The redhead made no effort to keep his voice down, and the people at the neighbouring tables began to look at him in bewilderment. The level of inadequacy was steadily rising. Now I seem to be to blame for that, too. My sister took his hand in hers.

- He was my father too, Ron, don't think you're the only one who feels bad. And I'm just as angry at Harry, who could have chosen someone much better instead of that brainless bitch. - Who's talking about what, but the redhead's talking about my relationship. This was the second time she'd insulted Fleur, and I wasn't going to let it go unchallenged.

Realising that I couldn't listen to any more of this nonsense, I carefully walked over to the table where several Slytherin seniors were sitting, then pulled the edge of my wand out from under my robes and pointed it at the Weasleys. To their regret and my slight satisfaction, of all the spells with colourless beams that could be useful in a situation like this, I only remembered a rather unpleasant curse that completely stripped a person of their powers, rendering them completely helpless.

I couldn't aim properly in the position I was in, so the curse hit Ron instead of Ginny, who immediately collapsed face-first into the table as if the air had been sucked out of him.

- Ron!" Hermione shrieked loudly, shoving the redhead in the shoulder, but he didn't react, slowly slumping under the table.

- It's them! - Ginny jabbed her finger accusingly at the Slytherins, who were watching the developments with interest.

- Even so, what are you going to do? - One of them asked defiantly. I think it's Montague, but I can't say for sure.

The youngest of the Weasleys had to hand it to her - she didn't give the youngest Weasley any credit, and immediately threw a Stupefy at the speaker, which he managed to dodge. The Slytherins, as if on cue, jumped up from the table and armed themselves with wands, pointing them at the two Gryffindors and the one torso that was already completely under the table.

Well, this is bound to be interesting, but I have to get going. In the event of an open confrontation, there's a risk of me getting caught in an accidental spell, and I can't have that.

As I made my way to the exit, I passed Rosmerta, who was hurrying to settle the argument, and was about to go outside when I saw a small group of girls sitting in the corner, including the one I was looking for.

Luna looked in my direction and smiled. Fortunately, her reputation allowed her to smile into the void without attracting any attention. At first I thought the robe was off and I could be seen, but then I realised she was wearing some strange glasses that allowed her to see those who didn't want her to. She rose from her seat, said something to her friends and, I was surprised to note, to Neville, who was nestled among them, and then left the bar, holding the door for me discreetly.

We walked in silence for a while, looking for somewhere less crowded, until we were on the outskirts of the village. I tried to walk so that there were no footprints in the snow, so I lagged a little behind, and came up when Luna was already sitting on a bench, chatting happily with her feet. Sitting down next to her I decided to ask the first thing that came to mind:

- Hi Luna. You and Neville?

- Hi, Harry. You and Fleur? - She parried promptly.

- One-to-one. - I grinned. Leaning back on the back of the bench. - How did you know?

- Your friends should be quieter. I think half the school already knows you were seen together.

- They're not my friends, Luna.

- But you know exactly who I'm talking about. - She looked in my direction and smiled. - How did you know?

- I just assumed. Saw him sitting with you.

- Neville's nice. He promised to help me look for a bunting this summer. His grandmother has agreed to let him come and visit me.

- I'm happy for you," I said sincerely. I had almost no negativity towards Longbottom. - Neville's a good guy. I hope you can find what you're looking for.

- I hope you can find what you're looking for too, Harry. - I wasn't quite sure what she was talking about, but decided not to elaborate. - Thanks for coming. Alpina isn't back yet, and I was worried something had happened to her.

- I had her yesterday, so your owl arrived just in time. I think she'll be back by today.

- You were in France? Then she'll need a couple of days.

- No, I was just outside London. - Although I was enjoying the small talk, I decided to add a bit of substance: How was school? I'm sorry, I lost track of time a bit, so I don't even know how long ago the holidays ended.

- I realise time with Veela can fly by. - Did Luna just tease me? That's new. - Relax, Harry, it's a joke. I know you're going through a rough time. I think you should get yourself a piece of jewellery like mine. - She pointed to the strange necklace of beer corks hanging around her neck. - It's a charm to ward off the Nargles. You could use this right now. Or you can have mine.

- No, no," I was quick to interrupt her before she took the necklace off. - You're going to need it too, Luna, and I'd rather make myself another one.

- Well, look, I can help you if you need it. We've been at school for a week now - we arrived just last Sunday. Hogwarts isn't what it used to be, Harry. It used to be a peaceful place, but now it's crawling with brainiacs and you never know what you're in for.

I decided to keep silent about the fact that the castle was never a peaceful place for me and instead focused on her words. Luna continued:

- I think they're going to ban hiking in Hogsmeade soon too, so you made it just in time. Professor Umbridge comes up with a new ban every week, and they say terrible things about practising with her. For example, I heard that someone from Gryffindor was tortured with a bloody quill recently. Even heliopaths can't do that. It's frightening.

Luna spoke all in one tone, and I could only guess her emotions from the words she sounded. But if even she's scared, then what about the other students. It seemed that I was a deterrent to Umbridge, because she could concentrate all her energies on me, but now she was harassing everyone, indiscriminately, at the slightest suspicion.

- A blood feather? Aren't those artefacts forbidden? I think I should talk to one of the teachers about it. - Maybe they'll do something about it this time.

- We tried, Harry, but Professor Flitwick says he can't do anything without proof, cos then he'd just get sacked. And what Professor Dumbledore does, I don't know. Sometimes he doesn't seem to care at all what happens to the students in his school. - Luna was genuinely upset or frightened, all the lightness and dreaminess was gone from her words, even the references to strange creatures were much less.

- You have detention soon? - I guessed.

- Wednesday, after class. Professor Umbridge asked me what the textbook said in the last Defence lesson, and I couldn't answer because the Nargles had made my textbook disappear. She didn't like that explanation. She started shouting that the Nargles didn't exist and I was lying. - I shuddered. I think I know what Luna's punishment will be. This can't be allowed to happen.

- Don't be afraid, Luna. - I couldn't get out from under my robe, so I just moved closer to her, snuggling up against her side and thus expressing support. - She won't torture you, I'll think of something.

- Thank you, Harry, but I don't think there's anything you can do. She feels at home at the school, and she's supported by the Ministry, and the teachers don't seem to be hindering her. We can only hope that the curse of the post is working, and this is the only year Professor Umbridge will be our teacher.

- She still has time to do a lot of things before the end of the year. - I shook my head and only then realised that Luna couldn't see me. - You know, I saved a goblin today. I guess I just can't live without that stupid nobility. So if I'm saving goblins, shouldn't I try to save a few hundred children? Even though I don't have any positive feelings for them. It's just weird that I'm the only one trying to do something about it.

- You saved a goblin? - Luna immediately perked up. - How did you do that? You just have to do an interview with Pridira where you talk about your involvement in DOLBOEG!

- Um... Where?

- DOLBOEG! - I think she was really surprised I didn't know the term. - The Ancient Society of Goblin Unity Wrestling Fans. I'm a member of that society, too. We like to fight to keep the goblins as one people. It's true that no one has ever been able to save one of them before. Now you can be our leader if you want to.

- It wasn't quite like that, Luna. Anyway, I'll think about it, thanks for the offer. - This girl managed to dumbfound me again, and I tried to change the subject. - By the way, as a correspondent for the Pridira, do you have any inside information? It would be interesting to hear.

- Secret information... - she stretched out, thinking. - For example, there's a rumour going around the school that a giant has appeared in the Forbidden Forest. Would that work?

- A giant? - I'd forgotten all about Hagrid's brother he's hiding in the forest. I think it's time we introduced them to Umbridge. - We should meet him. I wonder how he feels about the colour pink.

- Do you want him to eat Umbridge? - She was horrified, and I decided that Luna's psyche wasn't ready for my methods. - But he'd probably choke, or get indigestion. That's too cruel for a giant, Harry. - We both laughed, and I felt pleased that I had been able to help Luna relax a little.

- By the way," Luna continued, "there was no Professor Snape at breakfast today. Nor at dinner last night. Maybe the giant ate him too?

- Snape broke into my house yesterday and we had a bit of a row. - I decided not to keep this information from her, knowing she wouldn't tell anyone anyway. Assuming, however, that Dumbledore suddenly starts poking around in her head, though I have no idea under what circumstances that might happen, he could just as easily get that information from Snape.

- Did you kill the professor, Harry? - Luna looked through her robe straight into my eyes, an unconcealed sadness in her gaze that made me uncomfortable.

- No, Luna, I didn't kill him. He tried to kidnap me and give me to the Dark Lord, I wounded him and escaped. I think he's either at Mungo's or in the Hospital Wing. Or maybe I'm overestimating my powers and he's perfectly fine, resting in the dungeons. Either way, the wizards arrived on the scene as soon as I left. Although, there's always the possibility that they all hated Snape terribly and finished what I started, but that's not my concern anymore.

She relaxed a little, occasionally glancing at me from under the fringes that fell over her eyes. We enjoyed a few minutes of cosy silence. I realised that I wasn't learning anything new, but it was nice to see that at least some things were still going the way I knew them. Besides, I felt quite relaxed despite the fact that I had to hide. I just enjoyed spending time like this, discussing rumours and gossip without rushing into the fire.

- What are you thinking about, Harry? The amount of brainwashing going on round your head is growing.

- I think I like just sitting on a bench like this and relaxing. Thank you, Luna, for inviting me.

- I needed it too, Harry. All my classmates are just as scared as I am, so sometimes you need to share with someone from the outside. Don't think it's any easier for school kids than it is for you.

- Luna, there you are! - Neville emerged from the corner of the nearest house and walked towards us. I tensed up, trying not to make any noise. - Who are you talking to? I'd heard something about being a schoolboy not being easy. - He looked around.

Luna jumped to her feet and came between us, making a strange pass with her foot. It wasn't until a few moments later that I realised she'd managed to brush my footprints off the snow with that movement, for which I was bloody grateful.

- Hello, Neville. I was talking to my mate. There, look, it's Gurry Plitter," she pointed behind her back, where, of course, there was no one. I almost laughed when I heard her friend's name. - He says it's hard for him now, because of the snow he can't lick the stems of the plants he likes so much. And I say it's not easy for schoolchildren either, because although we can't appreciate the beauty of licking stems, it's always sad when you can't lick something. Isn't it?

I couldn't see her face, but I was sure that not a single muscle on her face had flinched during this impromptu tirade. I held on with all my might, trying not to laugh out loud. I think I even grunted faintly. Luckily, Neville was so impressed that he didn't pay any attention to it. Luna did, though, turning in my direction and frowning amusedly before waving her hand at someone behind me.

- Goodbye, Gurry Plitter. I wish you a quick lick on all the stalks. I hope to see you again. - She waved once more before taking Neville under her arm and leading him towards the castle.

- Yes, goodbye," he muttered, staring desperately into the void. - It's good for you to lick that... well... lick that.

I laughed out loud, wiping away the tears as I waited for them to get far enough away. Neville was a nice guy after all, even if he was a bit shy. Hopefully he and Luna would get along.

I looked around, making sure that no one was paying any attention to the laughter out of nowhere, and decided to go back to the Three Broomsticks, because I needed to get an important ingredient to execute my plan.

There was nothing in the bar to indicate that there had been a skirmish here recently. The Gryffindors were nowhere to be seen, and the Slytherins were still sitting at their table, sipping various drinks and discussing some unimportant topic. Hoping to hear something about the Death Eaters' plans, I was quickly disappointed when I realised they knew nothing.

Taking out the necessary item, I made my way out away from the people and looked around, moving into an alleyway before heading up to my room.

Well, it had been a very busy day, and a good one for once, for everything had gone off without any unpleasant incidents, which was quite an achievement for a Harry Potter. After washing up and enjoying dinner, I made sure that Veselur was still fast asleep and decided to summarise.

So, what we have: the heroic and mysterious Harry Potter, the hot in every sense Veela Fleur Delacour, who is Harry's fiancée, the crazy houseboy Dobby, who has become less crazy, but still stands out from his kin, the goblin-exile Veselur, who is unknown what he can do, and among his own people is probably considered dead, and the out-of-this-world girl Luna Lovegood, who can disarm anyone with a single phrase. What about the Eaters or the Order, that's where the true power lies. A true dream team!