Harry Potter and the Hilltop Fortress - Chapter - 12 (Patreon)

Xenophilius Lovegood adjusted his spectacles and smiled at Harry. "Well, it's time we head to the Rookery, my home. Have you ever traveled by Floo Powder before, Harry?"

Harry shook his head, a hint of nervousness in his eyes. He'd seen and experienced a lot of strange things in the past few days, but the idea of traveling through fire was a whole new level of odd.

Xenophilius nodded thoughtfully. "No worries, it's quite simple once you get the hang of it. Just remember not to follow me immediately, alright? I'll need to adjust the wards around my house so you can enter. If you don't, you might find yourself stuck somewhere uncomfortable. Or worse, end up at the Ministry of Magic!" He chuckled at the thought, though Harry didn't find it particularly amusing.

The two of them made their way out of Diagon Alley and into the Leaky Cauldron. The pub was bustling with witches and wizards, but they paid no attention to Harry and Xenophilius as they approached a large, ancient fireplace on one side of the room. The flames within it crackled gently, casting a warm glow across the stone hearth.

Xenophilius gestured to a small bowl filled with a fine white powder sitting on a nearby shelf. "That's Floo Powder," he explained. "Take a handful, and when you step into the fireplace, throw it down at your feet, and clearly state your destination. In this case, it's 'The Rookery.' But remember, Harry, enunciate clearly. Mispronounce even a single syllable, and you could end up somewhere entirely different. And that can be… tricky."

Harry nodded, swallowing the lump in his throat. The whole idea seemed bizarre, but then again, so had everything else in the magical world.

Xenophilius stepped forward and took a handful of Floo Powder from the bowl. "Watch closely," he instructed. He stepped into the fireplace, his tall figure fitting neatly within the hearth. Then, he tossed the powder down with a practiced motion, and the flames erupted into a brilliant emerald green.

"The Rookery!" Xenophilius called out clearly, and in an instant, he vanished, consumed by the flames.

Harry blinked in surprise. He had seen magic, of course, but this was different. There was something almost whimsical about the way Xenophilius had disappeared into the fire. The idea of following him was equal parts exciting and terrifying.

But Xenophilius had warned him not to follow immediately. Harry glanced around the pub, noticing a large, old-fashioned clock hanging on the wall. The minute hand ticked forward steadily, and Harry waited, counting down the seconds.

Five minutes felt like an eternity. His nerves started to build up as he imagined all sorts of things going wrong. What if he didn't say the name correctly? What if he ended up in some other wizard's home by mistake? What if…? He shook his head, forcing himself to focus. No point in overthinking it now.

Finally, the long hand of the clock hit the five-minute mark. It was time.

Harry approached the fireplace, his heart pounding in his chest. He reached for the bowl of Floo Powder, grabbing a handful of the fine, glittering substance. It felt cool and soft in his palm, almost like sand.

Steeling himself, he stepped into the fireplace. The moment his feet touched the stone hearth, the flames turned a brilliant green, surrounding him without producing any heat. It was a surreal sensation, standing amidst flames that didn't burn.

With a deep breath, Harry threw the Floo Powder down at his feet and called out, "The Rookery!"

The effect was immediate. The flames roared up around him, and suddenly, Harry felt as though he was being sucked into a vortex. The world around him blurred, and he could feel himself spinning wildly. His stomach lurched uncomfortably, and he closed his eyes, hoping that it would end soon.

The spinning sensation grew stronger, and Harry could faintly see flashes of other fireplaces zipping past him as he hurtled through the Floo Network. Each one appeared for only a split second before it was gone, replaced by another. The journey seemed to go on forever, but in reality, it only took a few moments.

Then, just as suddenly as it had started, the spinning stopped. Harry was thrown forward, tumbling out of the fireplace and landing with a thud on a soft rug. He quickly scrambled to his feet, brushing off the soot that had clung to his clothes.

Looking around, Harry realized that he was no longer in the Leaky Cauldron. The room he found himself in was unlike anything he had ever seen before. It was cozy and cluttered, filled with strange and fascinating objects. Books were piled haphazardly on every available surface, some of them stacked so high they threatened to topple over. The walls were adorned with all manner of peculiar decorations, from strange masks to delicate wind chimes that tinkled softly in the breeze.

A large window on one side of the room let in streams of golden sunlight, casting a warm glow over everything. In the corner, a curious-looking contraption whirred and clicked, its purpose entirely unknown to Harry.

And standing in the middle of the room, with a satisfied smile on his face, was Xenophilius Lovegood.

"Ah, Harry! Welcome to the Rookery!" Xenophilius exclaimed, his arms spread wide in a gesture of hospitality. "I see you made it here in one piece. Well done! First time with Floo Powder can be a bit disorienting, but you handled it splendidly."

Harry took a moment to steady himself, still feeling a little dizzy from the journey. "That was… something," he admitted. "But I think I made it alright."

Xenophilius chuckled. "Yes, indeed you did. Now, let me show you around. This is the living room, of course, but there's much more to see. And I think you'll find my daughter Luna to be quite the fascinating young witch. She's just upstairs, likely in her room, working on some new project or another."

Harry couldn't help but smile. Despite the oddity of the situation, there was something comforting about Xenophilius's eccentricity. And the idea of meeting someone who might understand what it felt like to be called 'loony'—even if for different reasons—felt strangely reassuring.

As Xenophilius led him through the house, pointing out various curiosities and explaining their peculiar uses, Harry felt a sense of wonder he hadn't experienced in a long time. This place, the Rookery, was unlike anywhere he'd ever been before. It was a place where magic was not just practiced but celebrated, where the unusual was embraced rather than shunned.

And for the first time since entering the wizarding world, Harry felt like he might just belong here.

Harry had barely taken in the eccentricities of the Rookery when Xenophilius led him upstairs to meet his daughter, Luna. As they reached the top of the stairs, Harry heard a soft humming sound coming from one of the rooms. Xenophilius smiled and gestured towards a door left slightly ajar.

"She's probably working on one of her creations," Xenophilius said with a fond smile. "Luna has a real talent for crafting things. Come on, let's say hello."

Harry hesitated for a moment, not quite sure what to expect. But Xenophilius knocked lightly on the door and pushed it open, revealing Luna sitting cross-legged on the floor. She was surrounded by an assortment of flowers, leaves, and twigs, carefully weaving them into what appeared to be a tiara. The crown of plants sat precariously atop her head, looking a bit ridiculous with its wild array of blooms, but Luna seemed utterly absorbed in her work, a bright smile on her face.

"Hello, Luna," Xenophilius greeted her warmly. "I've brought you the guest I told you about."

Luna looked up, her wide, dreamy eyes fixing on Harry. She beamed, her smile growing even brighter. "Hello, Harry Gosling," she said in her soft, sing-song voice, completely ignoring the fact that her tiara had slipped slightly to one side.

Harry blinked. "Er… actually, my name's Harry Potter," he corrected her, feeling a bit awkward about the whole thing. He didn't want to lie to her, even if Xenophilius had introduced him as someone else. Luna seemed harmless, and besides, he had a feeling that she wouldn't judge him for who he really was.

Luna nodded as though she had known this all along. "Oh, I know," she said serenely. "The Nargles told me."

Harry blinked again, unsure of how to respond to that. "The… Nargles?"

"Yes," Luna said, as if this explained everything. "They're always whispering things to me. They told me you'd be visiting today. They also told me that Ginny Weasley will be terribly jealous when she finds out I met you before her. She's been going on and on about how she's going to marry you, you know."

Harry felt his cheeks heat up in embarrassment. He'd had his fair share of uncomfortable moments, but this was definitely up there. "Er… well, maybe it's best if Ginny doesn't find out, then," he said, trying to smile despite his discomfort. "Could you, um, promise not to tell anyone you've met me? It might get me into trouble."

Luna tilted her head to one side, considering his request. Then she nodded solemnly. "I promise, Harry Potter. I won't tell anyone."

Relieved, Harry smiled. "Thanks, Luna." He fumbled in his pocket for a moment before pulling out the toy phoenix that he had bought. He had meant it as a little token of appreciation for the Lovegoods, but seeing Luna's childlike wonder and imagination, he thought she might appreciate it even more than he intended.

"Here," Harry said, handing the phoenix to Luna. "I brought this for you. It's a toy phoenix—he flies around and sings. I thought you might like it."

Luna's eyes widened in delight as she took the small phoenix in her hands. The moment she held it, the toy flapped its wings and took off, soaring gracefully around the room. It emitted a soft, melodic song, and Luna clapped her hands in joy.

"It's wonderful!" Luna exclaimed, watching the phoenix circle the room before it landed gently on her shoulder. She reached up to pet it, giggling as it nuzzled her cheek. "Thank you, Harry. I think he likes it here."

Harry couldn't help but smile at Luna's reaction. Her happiness was infectious, and he felt a warm glow in his chest, knowing he had brightened her day."

Would you like to see the rest of the Rookery?" Luna asked suddenly, as if the thought had just occurred to her. "There are so many things to show you. We have a printing press for Daddy's Quibbler, and the garden is full of magical plants. You'll like it, I think."

"Sure," Harry agreed, curious to see more of the Lovegoods' unique home.

Luna led Harry on a tour of the house, her enthusiasm never waning. She showed him her father's printing press, a large contraption that clanked and whirred as it churned out copies of The Quibbler. The press was surrounded by piles of newspapers, some with headlines that made Harry raise an eyebrow in amusement. "Crumple-Horned Snorkacks Spotted in Scandinavia!" one headline read, while another claimed, "Ministry of Magic Hiding Secret Dragon Colony!" Harry couldn't help but chuckle at some of the more outlandish stories.

"This is where Daddy works," Luna explained, patting the side of the press affectionately. "He prints all the important news that the Ministry doesn't want people to know about. It's very important work, you know."

Harry nodded, though he wasn't entirely sure he believed all of the Quibbler's stories. Still, it was clear that Xenophilius and Luna were passionate about what they did, and Harry admired their dedication.

Next, Luna took Harry outside to the garden. It was unlike any garden Harry had ever seen before. Instead of neat rows of flowers and vegetables, the garden was a wild, untamed tangle of plants—many of which Harry couldn't even begin to identify. Some of the plants had brightly colored leaves that shimmered in the sunlight, while others had blossoms that emitted strange, sweet-smelling scents.

"This is our garden," Luna said proudly. "We grow all sorts of magical plants here. Daddy says it's important to have a variety, in case we need them for potions or other things. And the trees over there—" she pointed to a cluster of tall, gnarled trees in the distance—"they're home to Bowtruckles. They're very shy, though, so you probably won't see them today."

Harry marveled at the variety of plants and trees in the garden, each one more unusual than the last. Luna seemed to know them all by name, happily explaining their properties and uses as they walked through the garden. Harry listened with interest, amazed by her knowledge of the magical flora.

After their tour, the two of them returned to the house. Harry felt a sense of contentment, as though he had stepped into a world where everything was simpler, and yet more magical at the same time. The Lovegoods' home was a place where creativity and imagination were celebrated, and Harry found himself relaxing in a way he hadn't been able to for a long time.

"Would you like to stay for lunch?" Luna asked as they entered the kitchen. "Daddy usually cooks, but I think it would be nice if we made something together."

Harry smiled. "Actually, I love cooking. Maybe I could make lunch for us instead?"

Luna's eyes lit up with excitement. "That sounds wonderful! What will you make?"

Harry thought for a moment. Under Reeny's guidance, he had learned to cook a variety of dishes, and he enjoyed experimenting with different cuisines. "How about something a bit different? I could make a fusion of Arabian and Chinese food. How does that sound?"

Luna clapped her hands in delight. "I've never had Arabian food before. I'm excited to try it!"

Harry got to work in the kitchen, gathering ingredients and preparing the dishes. He decided to make a fusion dish that combined the bold flavors of Arabian spices with the fresh, vibrant taste of Chinese vegetables. He cooked up a stir-fry with marinated chicken, peppers, onions, and garlic, seasoned with a blend of cumin, coriander, and turmeric. For a side dish, he made a simple salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and mint, dressed with lemon juice and olive oil.

As the food sizzled on the stove, the kitchen filled with the mouthwatering aroma of spices and herbs. Luna watched in fascination as Harry expertly moved around the kitchen, chopping vegetables and stirring sauces.

"It smells amazing," Luna said, her eyes wide with anticipation. "You're a really good cook, Harry."

"Thanks," Harry replied, smiling. "I've had a lot of practice. I enjoy making food that brings people together."

When the meal was ready, they sat down at the kitchen table, and Harry served up the food. Luna took a bite of the stir-fry and closed her eyes in bliss.

"This is delicious!" she exclaimed. "I've never tasted anything like it. You're a genius, Harry."

Harry chuckled, pleased that she liked it. "I'm glad you're enjoying it."They ate together, chatting about all sorts of things—school, magic, and the strange creatures Luna often talked about. Harry found himself relaxing even more in her company, enjoying the simplicity of the moment.

After lunch, they spent the rest of the afternoon exploring the area around the Rookery. Luna showed Harry the magical creatures that lived in the nearby woods, pointing out where the Dirigible Plums grew and explaining how the Wrackspurts could cloud your mind if you weren't careful. Harry listened with interest, even though he wasn't quite sure how much of it was real and how much was part of Luna's vivid imagination. But it didn't matter—Luna had a way of making everything seem magical, and Harry found himself appreciating her unique perspective on the world.

As the day drew to a close, Harry knew it was time for him to leave. He had a long journey back to his Castle and still needed to read the Occlumency book. But before he left, Luna walked him to the edge of the Rookery's property, pointing out a few notable landmarks in the surrounding area.

"That way leads to the Weasleys' house," Luna said, gesturing toward a distant hill. "And over there is where the Diggorys live. They're nice people, but I don't visit them very often."

Harry looked in the directions she indicated, taking mental notes. He wasn't ready to introduce himself to more people just yet—he preferred to keep a low profile, especially with everything that had happened over the last few weeks. Luna seemed to sense this because she didn't push him to meet anyone else.

As they reached the boundary of the Rookery, Harry turned to Luna with a smile. "Thanks for showing me around today, Luna. I had a great time."

Luna beamed at him, her tiara of flowers still perched atop her head, albeit a bit askew. "I had a lovely time too, Harry. You're always welcome here. And remember, I won't tell anyone about you—our secret is safe."

Harry nodded, grateful for her promise. "I'll write to you, and I'll visit whenever I can. Maybe we can cook together again sometime."

"I'd like that," Luna said, her smile never wavering. "And next time, I'll show you how to make a crown of Dirigible Plums. They float in the air if you enchant them properly—it's quite fun."

Harry chuckled. "I'll look forward to it. Until then, take care, Luna."

With a final wave, Harry started down the path that would lead him back to the main road. As he walked, he felt a sense of peace settle over him. Meeting Luna had been an unexpected but welcome surprise. Despite her oddities, or perhaps because of them, she had a way of making him feel at ease. It was nice to have a friend who didn't expect anything from him other than his company. And her promise to keep his secret gave him a sense of security he hadn't realized he needed.

As the Rookery disappeared from view, Harry's thoughts shifted to the book on Occlumency. He'd skimmed through a few pages earlier, but now he was eager to dive deeper. If he was going to keep his secrets—both from the wizarding world and it would be essential for him to master the art of protecting his mind.

Harry Potter stepped through the grand entrance of Runestone Castle, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. It was still hard to believe that this magnificent place, with its towering stone walls and ancient tapestries, now belonged to him. The echoes of his footsteps bounced off the marble floors, and the air inside carried the faint scent of old books and polished wood.

As Harry approached the main hall, he saw two small figures standing at attention by the grand staircase. The house-elves he had bought in Knockturn Alley—Norky and Rosly—were waiting for him, their large eyes fixed on him with a mixture of curiosity and nervousness. They wore the traditional rags of house-elves, but they looked at Harry with expectation, clearly aware that their new master was unlike any they had served before.

Harry paused, taking a moment to gather himself. He had never truly been in a position of authority before, and the idea of being someone's master was still strange to him. But he reminded himself that he could make a difference here, even if it was just in the lives of these two house-elves.

"Hello," Harry said, his voice kind but firm. "I'm Harry Potter, and I guess that makes me the master of Runestone Castle now. But you don't need to worry about any of that. I just want us to work together and make this place feel like home—for all of us."

Norky and Rosly exchanged glances, their ears perking up at Harry's words. Norky, the older of the two, stepped forward first. His wrinkled face broke into a wide smile, showing a few crooked teeth. "Master Harry is kind," Norky said, his voice quivering with emotion. "Norky and Rosly will do our best to make Runestone Castle a grand home for Master Harry."

Rosly, who looked a bit younger and had wide, bright eyes, nodded eagerly. "Rosly is good at cooking, Master Harry. And cleaning too! We will keep the castle spotless and cook the finest meals for you!"

Harry smiled at their enthusiasm. "I don't doubt that for a second," he said. "But there's something I want to change right away. You don't have to wear those rags anymore. I want you both to get something proper to wear—whatever you like. You can buy cloth fabrics and make your own clothes."

The house-elves looked at Harry as if he had just handed them the world. Norky's eyes grew even larger, and Rosly's mouth hung open in shock.

"Clothes, Master Harry?" Rosly whispered, her voice trembling with disbelief. "You want us to have clothes of our own?"

Harry nodded. "Yes. You're part of this household now, and I want you to feel comfortable here. You don't have to wear rags anymore. Make something that makes you happy."

Tears welled up in Norky's eyes, and he bowed so low that his nose nearly touched the floor. "Master Harry is too good to Norky and Rosly. We will make fine clothes, we will! And we will serve you with all our hearts."

Harry chuckled, feeling a warmth spread through his chest at their reaction. "I'm sure you will. Now, I have to admit, I'm not quite sure where everything is in this place yet, so I'll need your help to figure it all out."

The house-elves quickly sprang into action, eager to follow Harry around. He led him through the castle, pointing out the various rooms and explaining what each was used for. The castle was vast, with grand dining halls, cozy sitting rooms, and long corridors lined with portraits of long-dead wizards and witches. Some of the rooms were dusty and in need of attention, but They could see the potential in every corner.

After the tour, they settled in the kitchen, where Rosly busied herself preparing a meal. Harry watched in amazement as she deftly chopped, stirred, and baked, all while keeping up a cheerful chatter. Norky, meanwhile, tidied up around the kitchen, moving with a speed and efficiency that made Harry wonder if he had ever seen a room cleaned so quickly.

Once the meal was ready, they sat down together—Harry at the head of the long wooden table, and the house-elves standing nearby, ready to serve. But Harry waved them over. "Sit with me," he insisted. "We can eat together."

Norky and Rosly hesitated for a moment, clearly unsure if this was allowed, but Harry's smile reassured them. Tentatively, they climbed onto the chairs and joined him at the table. The meal was simple but delicious, and Harry couldn't help but compliment Rosly on her cooking.

As they ate, Reeny joined them in the table, Harry began to tell them about his day—his adventures in Diagon Alley, his unexpected meeting with Xenophilius Lovegood, and his time at the Rookery. The house-elves listened intently, their eyes wide with interest.

"Master Harry met Mr. Lovegood?" Norky asked, his voice full of awe. "He is a strange wizard, but a good one."

Harry nodded, chuckling. "Yes, he is definitely unique. But he was very kind to me. And his daughter, Luna… she's a bit odd, but I think we'll get along just fine."

Rosly tilted her head, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "What is Miss Luna like, Master Harry?"

Harry thought for a moment, recalling Luna's dreamy expression and her strange yet endearing way of speaking. "She's… different. She sees the world in her own way, and she's not afraid to be herself, even if others don't understand her. I respect that."

The house-elves nodded in agreement, and the conversation turned to other topics. They spoke of the castle's history, the surrounding lands, and the many tasks that needed to be done. Harry listened carefully, soaking in the knowledge, but also making it clear that he valued the house-elves' opinions.

As the evening drew to a close, Harry felt a deep sense of contentment. Runestone Castle was beginning to feel like home, and with Norky and Rosly by Reeny's side, he knew that she wouldn't be alone when he is away.

Before heading to bed, Harry stood in the doorway of the kitchen and looked back at the two house-elves. "Thank you," he said sincerely. "For everything. We're going to make this place great together."

Norky and Rosly beamed at him, their hearts swelling with pride. "Goodnight, Master Harry," they said in unison, their voices filled with loyalty and affection.

Harry smiled one last time before turning away, making his way to his room. As he climbed the grand staircase, he couldn't help but feel that he was finally finding a place where he belonged—a place where he could build something truly special.

And as he settled into bed that night, the castle's ancient walls seemed to whisper promises of new beginnings and adventures yet to come.