𝐂𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐋𝐄𝐒 𝐂𝐑𝐔𝐌𝐁𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐆 (OC x OC) - Full Series

[007] CHAPTER 13 - STITCHES

"needle in the thread, gonna wind up dead."
|| shawn mendez

Harry Potter

A lot has happened in just a few months. It's already past Christmas and we've managed to destroy one Horcrux. Ron was being a whiny baby a few months ago and literally went 'poof' for a month or two, but we finally got him back a few days ago, which is when we destroyed the Horcrux. Hermione still isn't happy with him, but we're managing.

We stare at the home of Luna Lovegood from afar as it stands in the middle of a barren field. It's peaceful here. We're hoping to speak to Luna's father about the necklace I saw on his neck at Bill and Fleur's wedding. Luna's appearance would be a bonus, too, but we aren't relying on her to show herself.

Eventually, we make it up to the doorstep and Hermione gently bangs her fist against the door. On the door, I read a sign that says, 'THE QUIBBLER — Editor: X LOVEGOOD.'

After a moment, the door suddenly opens and a bedraggled Xenophilius Lovegood answers. He takes in our appearances before muttering, "What is it? Who are you? What do you want?"

Quickly, I jump up so that he will see me behind Hermione and Ron as I say, "Hello, Mr. Lovegood. I'm Harry Potter. We—We met a couple months ago...?" He stares at me as I make my way past Hermione and Ron up the stairs. "Could we come in?"

Xenophilius hesitantly opens the door wider and lets us into the home, pouring us tea as we settle into the living room. Soon enough, he's sitting in the corner in front of us, his eyes distant and lonely. The house is cold and quiet, like there's something missing. Hermione seems to notice this as she leans more forward into her seat, asking, "Where's Luna?"

"Luna?" Xenophilius suddenly asks, looking up from his tea but not looking any more present than he was before. "She'll be along..." It's silent for a long while before he says, "So... How can I help you, Mr. Potter?"

"Well, actually, it was about something you were wearing 'round your neck at the wedding, it was a symbol," I explain.

Xenophilius gently grabs the familiar pendant from his neck and lifts it up to show the exact necklace I was thinking of. "You mean this?"

I reach my hand up to touch the symbol as I whisper, "Yes. That exactly... What we've wondered is, what is it?"

"What is it?" he asks for reassurance and I nod. "Well, it's the sign of the Deathly Hallows, of course."

"The what?" Hermione and I ask in unison.

"The Deathly Hallows," he explains. "I assume you're all familiar with The Tale of the Three Brothers?"

Ron and Hermione nod as I say, "No..."

"I have it in here..." Hermione murmurs as she starts digging around in her bag. She pulls the book that Dumbledore gave her out and as she turns the pages, there's a knock at the door.

"I'll get it," I sigh, rising from my chair as I make my way over to the door, opening it. Confusion fills my mind. "Louis?"

"Harry?" Louis asks, his confusion mirroring mine. "What are you—"

"Long story. Get inside before you're seen."

He nods and quickly steps inside before I shut the door and guide him to the living room.

"Louis, what are you doing here?" Ron asks.

"Shh!" Hermione shushes abruptly with her finger to her lips before she starts reading. Louis looks around, clueless as he sits down next to Ron. " 'There were once three brothers who were travelling along a lonely, winding road at twilight.' "