Left Behind 3: Curses

A Riddle Answered

Happy Monday!

Congratulations to @Polaris65 for guessing the riddle answer. It is literally my FAVORITE riddle from my childhood. I still love riddles to this day and while some think of the Ravenclaw door as a pain because they would have to answer riddles all the time-I LOVE IT. I hope you love this chapter. Last one for Fred for a little bit, but nice and long.

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"I know what it is," said Fred turning to Luna. Doubt suddenly filled him "Or at least I think I do..." He trailed off. "There's no penalty for getting it wrong...is there?"

"No," Luna shook her head. "Other than not being allowed in." She smiled and then added. "You know it's not always about being right or wrong..." she reached up at patted Fred's head despite their considerable size difference. "It's about using your brain," she smiled "If you reason well that's what matters."

Fred looked down at Luna Lovegood and decided that he liked the girl exactly the way she was.

He had never really gotten to know her but had, admittedly wondered what it was exactly Harry saw in her. Now he knew. She was kind-hearted, loyal, sweet and clearly very intelligent, albeit airy.

"Go on then," she encouraged.

"What grows in winter, dies in summer and grows with its roots up," Fred smiled at Luna and then turned to the doorknob. "Something doesn't have to be a plant to have roots, people have roots with their families...but I think this time its more literal." Fred took a breath. "And if its not a plant that means it doesn't have to be in the ground to grow...Its clearly seasonal and likes the cold but not the hot... because it melts..."

Luna smiled back at Fred figuring it out along with him.

"It's an icicle," they both said simultaneously.

"Well Reasoned," said the doorknocker and the door to Ravenclaw tower swung softly open.

"That was very nicely done Fred," said Luna with her usual lilt. "I like that riddle," she gave him a smile. "I will have to tell it to my father when I see him next. I think he will like it too."

Luna gently took hold of Fred's hand that wasn't hurt.

They both froze when they saw that the room was occupied by Alecto Carrow. She was sitting in one of the chairs snoring lightly, a goblet of wine on the floor next to her dangling fingers.

Luna nodded for Fred to follow and they tip-toed past the sleeping Carrow twin and down the far passageway of the Ravenclaw tower.

"You best wait here," said Luna. "If she wakes up and sees me she won't think anything of it, but you're a little more conspicuous."

"Aright," said Fred. "But I really do want to get to my sister.."

"Of course," said Luna. "I'll fix you up and we'll go straight there," she patted his shoulder and led him over to a stone bench. "You just sit and relax Fred. I'll be back before you can count the bones on a Thestrals back."

A movement caught Fred's eye and he jumped.

"Who's there?" he asked and his eyes caught sight of a beautiful young woman floating in the air several yards off.

"It's alright Fred," said Luna turning back. "That's the Grey Lady, she's quite lovely actually. I often talk with her."

"Oh," said Fred. "Hello," he gave a small wave. The ghost nodded and flitted away.

Luna walked back to Fred.

"Her name is actually Helena Ravenclaw. Ginny told me that Harry had a vision about her and the Ravenclaw Diadem."