Three weeks later the students were astonished when Ginny Weasley of Gryffindor was hauled away to St. Mungo's. As they lead her away she was alternating between sobbing hysterically, and growling death threats and blood purity slurs.
Harry wasn't sure what all her problem was, but he pitied her; mental healthcare being what it was in the magical world. Harry was having to deal with more than a little stress coming from other people's mental health issues. His godfather was wanting another meeting and frankly Harry really didn't want to. Being emotionally attacked once by the man was enough as far as he was concerned. It didn't help that by night he was having to deal with Draco Malfoy's whole drama about the aftereffects of almost being raped, and by day Harry found himself attempting to avoid Remus Lupin.
Harry had mixed feelings about the man. Part of him desperately wanted to get to know Lupin and ask him questions about his parents. But there was the cynical side of himself that said, the older man was Dumbledore's stooge. He hadn't bothered to ever check on Harry at the Dursleys . Lupin hadn't even ever bothered to send a birthday or Christmas card, which had Harry wondering if the man had to be paid to be in his life. As far as Harry was concerned if that was the case, he didn't need someone like that in his life.
The one place Harry couldn't avoid him was class, although he wanted to avoid the man it hadn't been long before Defense had become his favorite class. Remus Lupin may be Dumbledore's stooge but the man knew Defense like it was no one's business. He had taught the second years the spells to detect curses on objects and food that had been tampered with. Aaron talked about all the spells they were learning to deal with dark creatures. Harry sorely wanted to ask for extra tutoring since Professor Lupin actually knew the subject, but he was resistant to approaching the man because he was afraid of the metaphorical and psychological trap the man represented.
It was in this realm of a steady mental conundrum that Harry had his next encounter with Luna Lovegood.
"Lun-a."
The sing-songy tone reminded Harry of the kids in his neighborhood who had mocked him by calling him Potty before he learned karate.
"So, when are they coming to haul your loony self away like they did your friend the lion?"
"What I don't understand was how come they didn't take both of them away at the same time, especially given the way Loony here is always seeing creatures that aren't there."
"She can't help it, her father is as crazy as she is. My mum says it's because her mum died and she was there to see it. Her father was none too balanced before his wife died since then he's gone round the twist. Of course why she's been brought here to Hogwarts instead of a hospital is anyone's guess."
Harry came round the corner to see seven Ravenclaw girls, the oldest of whom might have been a fourth year and the youngest a first, surrounding Luna and pushing her from one to another. Luna's expression was upset and scared.
Harry's instincts screamed "protect her" so using his most menacing tone he growled, "Stop it. Leave her alone."
The oldest of the Ravenclaw girls misjudged her shove and Luna went past the girl who was intended to push her next and she fell on the floor outside the circle of girls.
The second oldest girl snarled at him, "Why should we?"
"Because one, it isn't nice to pick on someone even if they're different, and as far as I know she hasn't done a thing to you. Two because if you don't, I'll inform Professor Flitwick that he's got a bunch of bullying twits in his house. I rather imagine he'd see the lot of you in detention if not suspended. Housemates are supposed to support one another, not bully each other."
"Like he'll believe a slimy snake like you!" snarled the first year girl.
Harry noticed that the second year girl in the group, Lillian Moon, stiffened as she recognized him. He addressed the younger girl."Twit, let's get one thing straight. I am not someone you want to mess with. If I can't beat you magically, and given I'm Harry Potter I probably could blindfolded and wand arm tied behind my back, I can and I will beat you physically. Unlike a lot of guys who wouldn't dream of hitting a girl, I believe in equality between genders and won't pull punches when it comes to bullies like you lot.
"I don't know Luna very well, but I do know that seven on one is bullying. Which by school rules is grounds for suspension according to the Hogwarts charter. I thought 'claws were supposed to be smart. I would imagine getting suspended from school would be viewed by your families as being extremely stupid. Not to mention how the Professor will view it. Now get lost."
The girls looked at one another and decided to cut their losses. As they rounded the corner Harry reached down to help Luna to her feet. He noticed some abrasions on her hands and decided to take her to the hospital wing. "Come on let's get Madame Pomfrey to give your hands a look. I bet she's got a salve or something that will fix you right up."
Her silvery grey eyes looked at him. "The grumblebums have been leaving you alone, but the nargles are having a field day with you, aren't they?"