Professor McGonagall hurried her way through the halls, panic and surprise clearly visible on her face. This year seemed to be purposefully trying to test her heart and how much it can take. The year ended with Hogwarts newest celebrity taking security into their own hands and now this...

She finally made it to the Headmaster's office and started frantically knocking.

"Albus! Albus! We have a problem!" It was rare to hear such a lack of composure from the Professor, so Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts, quickly let her in.

"Minerva, my dear. Please breathe and tell me what happened."

McGonagall complied, but not without a glare, for what she didn't know, but it's always a safe bet to blame the Headmaster. Once she got her breath under control, she shared the news.

"Albus, I just got back from checking the roster, and there's been two new additions, though we're only a week away from the start of the term."

Albus peeked out from his glasses, but otherwise stayed quiet. The twinkle of curiosity was unmistakable though.

"The girl, Albus. She's on the list."

"The girl?" Albus questioned, but it seemed to come to him a second later. His whole countenance became serious. "Notify her father at once, then get Professor Snape. I want you to trace her and bring her here as soon as possible. Hopefully by time Mr. Lovegood is here. Have Professor Snape accompany you."

McGonagall gave a hard nod and quickly went to the door.

"Minerva." Albus called, freezing McGonagall in place. She turned back towards him.

"What was the other name?" McGonagall had to think for a second, with all the commotion she had forgotten there were two additions, not one.

"One I don't recognize, so possibly a Muggle-born, although I don't know why he was only added now."

"There's most likely a connection. The name, my dear." He gently reminded.

"Esper Vallispear."

As soon as the name sounded, the Headmaster made the most expressive face McGonagall has seen in a long time. Surprise.

"Is there something wrong, Albus?" The Headmaster quickly got himself under control.

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"Minerva... I want you to be careful when going to find Ms. Lovegood. If this Esper Vallispear is with her..." His face contorted, to what, McGonagall could not tell. It looked like fear, but McGonagall was quick to deny it. "Do not provoke him."

"Albus... do you know this Esper Vallispear?"

"No. No, my dear. I know of his family." He folded his arms on his desk in front of him. "A family with members that have been around since before the Founders."

McGonagall appeared confused from the confession. "There are a lot of families originated from before the Founders, Albus."

"Minerva... Hallia Vallispear was born in 523."

"Yes?"

"She's still alive."

*********

Luna glared at Esper, a pout tugging at her lips. It was a threat she had learned worked well on him. He could never say no when she pouted.

"I'm sorry, Luna, but I had planned to take you home last year." He smiled wryly. "One last adventure, okay? Then, I have to take you back."

Luna fought the tears and looked down so he wouldn't see her face.

"I... I just don't want to be alone." She whispered, but Esper clearly heard her. He moved forward and lifted her chin so they were looking into each others eyes.

"Whoever said you'll be alone? I'll be going with you. Remember what I told you when we first met?" Luna brightened at him going with her. She was under the impression that he would drop her off and leave. If there's one thing she's learn about Esper, it's that he never stays in one place for long.

Memorys of their first meeting played in her head.

"You'll never be alone now. For we are destined to each other." He smirked at the time. "You couldn't get rid of me, even if you wanted to." It was a sweet memory that she held dear. It blew away her doubts of being worthy of love and making connections.

"Yes, I remember."

"Hold them close to your heart then. There isn't a chance I'll leave you alone." She playfully glared at him, but let her head move forward. Forehead to forehead, she stared into his eyes.

"You better remember those words as well." She whispered to him. Not giving him time to reply, she quickly lifted herself and turned away.

"Alright, where are we going next?" Her imagination started making her excited. "Perhaps a dragon? The one in China was beautiful. Ooo, maybe we can finally find a Crumple-Horned Snotkack!" She turned back to him with a smile.

"It's called a Yolipog and it can be found in Egypt."

"Ooo, what can it do?" She asked while moving and sidling up to him.

"It raises the dead." He said before they disappeared.

....

Shortly after they disappeared, a loud pop came from the spot they were just at. Two figures could be seen from the smoke, one Minerva McGonagall and Severus Snape. Professors and Head of Houses at the school of Hogwarts for Wizardary and Witchcraft.

McGonagall looked around the area, then back down to the book in her hands. A frown marred her face.

"We just missed them." She said with bitterness. Snape too frowned, but it wasn't anything new for him.

"Perhaps we should wait for them to show at Hogwarts." He drawled. "We've missed them two times now, and I'm sure Mr. Lovegood is wrecking the Headmasters office at this point."

"Professor Snape..." She said in a tone of warning, not in the mood. She knew he just didn't want to be doing this, but when it came to danger Professor Snape is a reliable backup.

"We'll try again." She said as she started to trace them once again through the roster. Snape just sighed.