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HRA# CHAPTER 144
🕑 Added 2025-05-31 00:54:31 +0000 UTCNot an apprentice, but a disciple.
Every shaman has their own area of focus. For apprentices, they learn only the most fundamental abilities of a shaman priest before setting out on their own. In their adventures or battles, they continue to grow, with the elements themselves serving as their greatest teachers.
It’s much like the mages of Dalaran. Every mage studying in Dalaran begins as an apprentice, learning the basics of arcane magic. But if they wish to delve into deeper, more specialized knowledge, they must become the disciple of a particular mage.
This was exactly what Harry meant. He wanted Luna to become his disciple, which would set her apart from the apprentices he had previously taken on.
Apprentices were free. As long as they adhered to the basic principles and prohibitions Harry had established for shaman priests, they could do as they pleased—attend lessons when they wanted, or abandon their studies entirely. Harry’s role was simply to impart the foundational knowledge of shamanism impartially, spreading the way of the shaman far and wide.
In this sense, he was not so different from the professors at Hogwarts. The professors taught fixed curricula, delivering the same knowledge to all students in their classes. This education lasted seven years, and once students graduated from Hogwarts, whatever trouble they caused or mistakes they made in the wider world was no longer the professors’ responsibility. The professors bore no accountability for their students’ actions.
From this perspective, Hogwarts students could be considered wizard apprentices.
But being a disciple was different.
As Harry’s disciple, Luna would learn more profound and dangerous knowledge—things far beyond what an apprentice could access. This included Harry’s own expertise, his insights into the elements, and his understanding of the shaman’s path.
In return, a disciple would be bound to Harry on a deeper level. Unlike apprentices, who could part ways once their lessons ended or leave whenever they wished, a disciple’s commitment was more enduring. Luna would also need to undertake tasks Harry assigned, inherently aligning herself with his perspective.
Harry laid it all out for her. He explained what it meant to be his disciple, the benefits she would gain, and the responsibilities she would bear. He held nothing back.
Even though Luna was just a child about to start at Hogwarts, a child who was only eleven in both body and soul, Harry believed she could understand him.
Some people are born different. After witnessing Luna’s behavior from their first meeting to now—her unique spirituality and a composure that seemed beyond her years—Harry grew even fonder of her.
And no, not the kind of fondness that required a warhammer to the skull to clarify. It was the unexpected delight of stumbling upon a promising shaman candidate in such an unlikely place.
Even if Luna wasn’t the element-blessed prodigy he had initially imagined, her extraordinary spirituality would make her interactions with both the elements and the spirits exceptionally smooth.
In fact, compared to the path of the elements, Harry suspected Luna might excel even more in the path of the spirits.
Beyond that, her personality and the aura she exuded during their conversation convinced Harry that she was born to be a shaman priest. Becoming merely a wizard would be a waste of her potential.
Harry couldn’t let such a talent slip through his fingers. That’s why he had abruptly asked someone he’d just met to become his disciple.
A gifted shaman disciple would undoubtedly be a great asset, not only for spreading the way of the shaman but also for the revival of the elements.
Just like during the first lesson of the Shaman Priest Club at Hogwarts the previous year, Harry explained this to Luna. To prove his words, he summoned four elemental entities to demonstrate.
He introduced her to the distinct characteristics of each element, allowing Luna to see, for the first time, that the “friends” she had always known were different from one another.
“So, if I become your disciple, does that mean I’ll be able to see them?” Luna asked after a moment of thought, her expression brimming with anticipation.
“Yes,” Harry nodded. “That’s one of the basic abilities of a shaman priest.”
“Hmm… can I tell my dad about this?” Luna tilted her head.
“Of course,” Harry said with a smile. “As I said, it’s all up to you. Follow your heart. Being a shaman priest isn’t something shameful or secret that needs to be hidden.”
“So people just don’t understand it—like Crumple-Horned Snorkacks,” Luna said, blinking. “If people took the time to look and learn, they’d see Snorkacks are real. Isn’t that right, Harry?”
“Er, maybe,” Harry replied after a pause.
He made a mental note to look up Crumple-Horned Snorkacks later. Otherwise, answering Luna’s questions might prove tricky.
“So, do we have a deal?” Harry raised an eyebrow. “I’ll be here tomorrow morning at nine. If you get your father’s permission and want to become a shaman priest, come back.”
“Okay, Harry. I promise,” Luna said softly, meeting his gaze.
After parting with Luna, Harry headed toward The Burrow, clutching a jar of dittany. Mrs. Weasley was humming in the kitchen, busy with something. He needed to avoid her—otherwise, Mr. Weasley’s rare moment of peace would be ruined.
Crack!
With a loud pop, Harry Apparated directly into Ron’s room at the top of The Burrow. He’d be sharing the room with Ron during his stay.
Glancing around, Harry checked himself over and sighed in relief. All intact, nothing missing.
A perfect Apparition.
Truth be told, ever since a previous attempt had resulted in a minor splinching, Harry always felt a heavy weight in his chest when casting the spell. Hopefully, with practice, that feeling would fade.
The room was empty. Harry lifted the bedsheet and saw his trunk, open and shoved underneath. No doubt Ron had rummaged through it again.
Ron had recently become obsessed with a game called “Feeding the Dragon.”
Shaking his head, Harry didn’t bother joining in. Instead, he sat at Ron’s desk, grabbed a piece of parchment, and began jotting down thoughts.
If Luna truly had the potential for shamanism that he suspected, her progress would be rapid. Harry needed to plan what to teach her in advance.
The next morning, Harry was up before dawn. After his morning routine—exercise to stay in shape and a quick breakfast—he told Mrs. Weasley he’d be out for lunch and left with his trunk.
Back at the same hillside grove from yesterday, Harry was surprised to find Luna already waiting. He’d arrived over twenty minutes early, yet there she was.
But what truly made Harry’s jaw drop was Luna’s appearance.
On her head was a feathered headdress, woven from feathers of various birds—white, red, brown, and black—mixed with decorative twigs. It looked like a chaotic bird’s nest perched atop her head.
That wasn’t all. Her pale face was streaked with red, white, and brown oil paint, smeared across her forehead and cheeks.
“What… what is this?” Harry stared, dumbfounded. He rarely showed such shock, but Luna had managed it.
“Shaman priest!” Luna chirped happily, one hand steadying her headdress as she tilted her head to show it off. “Dad helped me make it. We thought it felt very shaman-like. What do you think, Harry?”
Harry: “…”
Why would Luna’s father go along with this? Harry suddenly recalled Mr. Weasley’s comments about the Lovegoods yesterday, and Ron’s words later on.
“That family’s a bit odd. Not that they’re bad people or anything, but they don’t really mix with others, not even neighbors like us. Charlie once said that ever since old Lovegood’s wife died, they’ve been… different. Understandable, I suppose.”
Harry had expected to meet Luna and her father today, to address any concerns and convince Mr. Lovegood to entrust his daughter to him. He’d even prepared a speech. But he hadn’t anticipated that Mr. Lovegood wouldn’t show up at all.
“…So your father agreed?” Harry took a deep breath, glancing around. He even checked with the elements, which confirmed that only he and Luna were present.
“Of course. Why wouldn’t he?” Luna said in her dreamy, airy voice, spinning around. “Do I look like a shaman priest now, Harry?”
Harry had thought the shaman outfits his apprentices at Hogwarts had come up with were eccentric, but now he owed them an apology. Luna’s attire was on another level.
Compared to her clothing, the headdress and face paint were minor. In a single phrase: Luna looked like a giant bird. Her arms were like wings, covered in neat rows of dark gray feathers. Her back and chest were adorned with more feathers, meticulously arranged yet not chaotic, forming the body of the bird. Between the gaps, Harry spotted bandages dyed dark gray, wrapped around her like a mummy.
Only her neck and face remained exposed. Even Harry had to admit the craftsmanship was impressive, clearly made with care.
Which only made it weirder.
Not only did Luna’s father have no reservations, but judging by her outfit, the two of them had likely spent the rest of yesterday working on it.
They’d completely missed the point.
“…You look like a troll witch doctor,” Harry said, unable to lie as he met Luna’s expectant gaze.
“Troll? Witch doctor?” Luna tilted her head.
“Maybe I should start by teaching you about shaman culture,” Harry sighed. “Otherwise, this could get out of hand.”
He hadn’t expected his first attempt at taking a disciple to lead to… this.
“Of course, Harry. I’m all ears,” Luna said airily, flapping her feathered “wings.”
“Let’s go somewhere private first,” Harry said, opening his trunk. He was immensely grateful he’d brought it today. Originally, it was for secrecy—summoning elements could cause a stir—but now it served another purpose. He couldn’t imagine Ron, Fred, or George seeing Luna like this. Even if their laughter wasn’t malicious, it wouldn’t be kind to a young girl.
“What’s in there?” Luna crouched by the trunk, peering inside curiously.
“My… secret base,” Harry said, borrowing Ron’s term. “Go on in. Until we’re done, you need to guard this trunk. Don’t let anyone enter or damage it, got it?”
The last part was directed at a wind elemental floating before him, summoned specifically as a guard.
“…Leave… it… to… me…” the air rasped in response.
Despite her feathered outfit, Luna was surprisingly agile, climbing down the ladder in moments, leaving only a few stray feathers behind.
“…Wow,” Luna gasped as she pushed open the door, eyes wide.
Harry took good care of his little world—well, technically, Alfred took good care of it.
Birds soared through a clear sky, green forests stretched out, and the faint sound of water echoed. It was like a painting come to life.
“It’s beautiful, Harry,” Luna said, turning to him after her initial awe. “A wonderful world—does it have a name?”
Harry paused. No one had ever asked him that before.
“…Mulgore,” he said softly after a moment. “You can call it Mulgore. And this cliff we’re standing on is Thunder Bluff.”
Mulgore was the ancestral home of the tauren, their most sacred land. Thunder Bluff was the home built by Cairne Bloodhoof for all tauren tribes.
But there was no need to explain that to an outsider.
“You can explore Mulgore in your free time later,” Harry said, leading Luna to an open clearing. “For now, let’s begin the lesson. Before you officially become a shaman priest, I need to explain the responsibilities and obligations you’ll take on, as well as the principles you must never violate.”
Just as he had with his Hogwarts apprentices, Harry outlined the duties and prohibitions of a shaman priest.
“…If you want to back out, now’s the time,” he said at the end, looking at Luna. “Unlike the other apprentices, as my disciple, I’ll hold you to a higher standard. And you won’t be able to walk away as easily as they can.”
“My dad told me about this,” Luna said suddenly. “He said that’s how wizards used to be. If you wanted to learn magic, you had to serve your teacher and follow their orders. Some traditional wizard apprentices, the ones who don’t go to Hogwarts, still follow that way.”
“Mr. Lovegood is right,” Harry nodded. “So, are you still willing to learn from me?”
“Of course,” Luna said without hesitation. “My friends can see me, but I can’t see them. That’s not fair, is it?”
“I want to hear their voices, talk to them, share fun things,” she continued, blinking. “Dad says it’s not a bad thing. Not only will I see what my friends really look like, but I’ll get to learn from you.”
“I didn’t expect Mr. Lovegood to trust me so much,” Harry said with a sigh. “If I’m not mistaken, he’s never even met me.”
“What are you talking about, Harry?” Luna said dreamily. “Don’t forget, you’re Harry Potter. Dad and I see you in the papers every day—‘Go, Harry! Take down the Ministry!’”
She raised a hand, suddenly chanting the slogan.
T/N: If you find any typos or incorrect names, please leave a comment. Thanks, and enjoy reading!
Comments
ZaChan
Luna is always a fun character~ Looking forward to seeing more of her.
