The Light

Chapter 77~ The Three Brothers

It felt weird apparating so close to home, but not actually going to the Burrow. As we walked Ron told us about the taboo that the Death Eaters put on Voldemort's name. Apparently anyone who says it aloud signals to them exactly where they are, which explains why they found us at the coffee shop. I felt a bit guilty since I was the one who said it, but Harry told me not to feel bad seeing as we didn't know about it until now.

"It's strange not going home for Christmas," Ron noted as we could see the roof of the Burrow in the distance.

I gave him a weird look, "You telling me you didn't go home at all after you'd left?"

"Are you mad? They all would've had my head if I told them I'd walked out on you!" He reminded.

"Where did you go then?"

"Bill and Fleur's place, Shell Cottage. Fawkes was there," he told me, "Bill said Mum sent him there after reading your letter, felt it was safest for the time being. They're taking good care of him."

I felt a bit relieved upon hearing Fawkes had made it alright, and I felt a new appreciation for Fleur and Bill for taking care of him for me, "How'd Fawkes react to seeing you?" I asked.

"Wasn't too happy actually," he laughed as he lifted the sleeve of his arm to a bunch of beak marks that had scabbed over.

I felt like a proud mother, "Remind me to give him a treat next time I see him."

"Are you still mad at me?" He asked as he playfully nudged my shoulder.

I sighed dramatically, "You're just gonna have to work to earn my trust again."

"Fair enough," he nodded as we made it over the hill, spotting the Lovegood residence ahead.

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"Keep off the dirigible plums," Ron read on a small sign by the door. It was in front of some odd looking plants. Personally I wasn't too sure that's what they were called.

"If only Neville were here to verify what those actually are," I joked trying to get a closer look as Hermione knocked on the door.

A moment later the top half of the door swung open, and Luna's father peeked his head out looking at each of us anxiously, "What is it? Who are you? What do you want?" He asked quickly.

Harry waved from the bottom of the steps, "Hello, Mr. Lovegood. I'm Harry Potter. We met a few months ago. Could we come in?" He asked respectfully.

Lovegood nodded, slowly opening the bottom half of his door and allowing us entrance. I noticed he glanced up at the sky momentarily before shutting the door and leading us through the cramped house to what could only be called the sitting room. He'd made us a pot of....something. However by the very smell of the fumes that came from my cup I felt my stomach wasn't strong enough to pretend to enjoy whatever he had served. The five of us sat quietly for a moment until Hermione asked where Luna was.

"Luna?" He had the same far off look that his daughter always wore, "She won't be long," slowly the others lifted their cups to their mouths, but by the looks on Ron and Hermione's faces I knew I was smart for not drinking it, "So how can I help you, Mr. Potter?"

"Well actually...it was about something you were wearing around your neck at the wedding. A symbol," he described.

Knowingly, Lovegood reached under his shirt and pulled out the very necklace, "You mean this?"

"Yes, that exactly. What we've wondered is, what is it?"

"What is it?" He asked as though it were obvious, "Well it's the sign of the Deathly Hallows, of course."