I don't own HP.

You know, I never liked circuses. Maybe it was because those clowns reminded me too much of what a freak I used to be. They called me "loony". For dressing odd, saying weird things. I was a weirdo. Why would you want to be loony for a living? It was so silly. But, in my defence, I really believed crumple-horned snorkacks were real.

Another thing about circuses, those smiles plastered on their faces, how could they do it for so long? Weren't they grimacing inside? It was all so fake. And I was all about being genuine. Well, I used to be.

But look at me now.

"So if you liked what I was doing, do share my video, give it a like, comment and don't forget to subscribe!"

I put my hand over the camera lens, and that was that. Another song cover completed.

I rested my ukulele against the wall, because of course I had a ukulele (it was a standard for all female singers on YouTube to have one) and got up from my bed.

Now it was time to head out to do another video.

It was a windy day so I decide to walk to his apartment. It's a coincidence, a good one, that we don't stay too far apart, which makes recording videos way easier. I pop on a pair of sunglasses and a hoodie and leave.

On the way I get a text from Ginny.

You still coming? She's referring to the opening party of her new mixed martial arts studio.

Of course! I'll be there. I text back.

Before long, I make it to the place without getting noticed. I ring the doorbell and wait outside. Tapping my feet.

I hear some footsteps and then the door swings open to reveal the one and only, Draco Malfoy.

Draco Malfoy? Did I hear that right?

As in Draco, the guy who bullied me for 3 years in school? Yes.

Let's take another pause. Maybe rewind a bit to a simpler time.

The year was 2017. Game of Thrones Season 7 just premiered. I've been with Dumble for maybe three to four months? Life is good.

Well, it was good until…

I'm walking through the corridor when I hear a ruckus.

"They're dropping by the minute!" A shrill voice said.

I round the corner and see Marietta Edgecombe head to head with Albus, the head of Dumble.

"Mari, dear-"

"Don't call me Mari!" she snapped

"Marietta, it's not you, I promise." This voice was calm.

"Then what is it? Why are they all leaving? Brexit? Of course it's me!"

"I have been with you for 24 months. You promised me success. And all I've gotten is failure, after failure." She shrieked. "Why did I even join you?"

"Your chimera Halloween make-up video did well…" Albus trailed off.

"It went viral for all the wrong reasons! No one wants to go trick or treating dressed as a bloody chimera!"

"Marietta, you need to listen, we can fix this. You just have to trust me."

"Trust!" she scoffed. "That's what you always say. Well you know what I say? I quit."

"Marietta." He repeated.

But she wouldn't listen. Instead she stormed off. But not before issuing me a warning. "Get out of here while you can."

Except I didn't. Maybe it was a mistake.

Albus sighed. And for a moment, the serene man I've always known looked distressed. After all, Marietta was one of the major stars of Dumble. Personally, I thought makeup skills were amazing. But then the skills of ConstellationGirlxoxo, aka Astoria Greengrass' were stronger. Astoria was from Ilvermorny, another agency and, well, Ilvermorny was… better. They were stronger, but they were also more cut-throat. They had a girl group and when one of the members, Cho, I think her name was, dropped out and posted a video about her experience, they destroyed her.

Albus rubbed his temple and took a deep breath, before composing himself, and he was back to normal. He glanced at me and smiled softly.

"I guess you heard all that."

I simply nodded, too stunned to speak.

"If you would, Luna, I would appreciate if you left me to ponder for a bit. We have a lot of damage control to do." he said.

And boy, did he do some damage control.

A week later, I was coming up with chords for a new song when Albus approached me again.

"Luna, if you have a moment, I'd like you to follow me."

And so I did, I followed him to his office to find a blonde boy sitting in a chair opposite Albus' desk. He turned around and looked up at me.

"Oh!" I covered my mouth in surprise.

It was Draco Malfoy, Marietta's boyfriend. Draco was more of a model than an influencer, but he was part of Dumble's subsidiary, Dore. I saw him sometimes in the office though, usually with Marietta. So, to see him alone was different.

"Lovegood, good to see you." he said stiffly. He was not good to see me.

"Likewise", I responded.

Albus gestured for me to sit in the vacant chair next to Draco before taking a seat on his own big chair. The kind of chair you see villains sit in and turn around stroking cats, but I digress.

Albus took a deep breath. "As you know, Marietta has left us due to... circumstances." He looked at us, expecting a reaction, but there was none. Draco was expressionless, and I didn't know how to react.

"Since then, Dumble has been, well, unfruitful." Albus continued, "And after serious deliberation, I have a proposition." And then, I could have sworn I saw a twinkle in his eye.

I quirked an eyebrow.

"You two start dating." He said simply.

To say I was shocked was an understatement. I was completely flabbergasted.

"Wait, what?" I say.

"I'm thinking, you two could be the next 'it' couple."

"I'm sorry, I don't think I understand, Draco and Mari-"

Dumbledore smiled, "Ah yes, Luna, we never told you, the relationship was a masquerade, of sorts."

"I'm sorry?"

"We weren't actually together." Draco said quietly.

"I- uh, oh." Everything felt surreal. So YouTube's makeup guru, and model pair, all those couple videos, they weren't real.

Honestly, everything in the next couple months was surreal. Here's the breakdown.

Marietta came back to film one last video, announcing her break-up with Draco. The world was heartbroken. It was the talk of the town. Subsequently, Draco deleted all his photos with her on his Instagram.

And then a month later, it was my debut. It started with a simple post. A post of me hanging out with Draco at the movies. Next thing I know, we were recording a video about how we were official. And then, kisses in public, cuddles on camera…

The story of former school bully redemption, dating the loony girl he once made a mockery of. The guy who went from an immature boy to a young model of a man. The quirky girl with a knack for music, getting her big break and finding love. We were a hit.

And seven months later, we still are. And here we are now. Ready to film our latest couple tag.

"Alright, last, last question. How many of your songs have been about Draco?" I read out loud.

"Hmm," I said thoughtfully, cocking my head to one side, "Maybe two or three?"

"Wait! which ones?" Draco asked, amused.

"I'm not telling you!" I said in a sing-song voice. "You gotta listen and see for yourself!"

He ruffled my hair affectionately. "I guess I have my work cut out for me," he said as he pressed a kiss to my forehead.

"So, that's the end of our couple tag! If you like what you see, don't forget to share, like, comment and subscribe!" I beamed.

As soon as the camera turned off, we both heaved a sigh of relief. Like a weight had been lifted off our chest.

"'I'm not telling you!'" Draco imitated. "Really?"

"That hair ruffle? What am I? A dog?" I retaliated.

"Well, you can be a bit of a bi-" I swatted him.

I plucked the memory card out of the camera and passed it to him.

"Your turn to edit." I say cheerfully.

"Can't we just ask someone else?" Draco grumbled.

"No, you know Albus, he wants authenticity." I replied. He rolled his eyes.

"Besides…" I continued, "You can edit well... if you want to."

"Eh." was all he said.

There was an uncomfortable silence.

"Well, I have to go soon, I'm heading to Harry's. And actually…" I said checking the time. It was five on the dot. "I have to go now."

"Of course you do" He rolled his eyes. I shook my head. hen I said bye, took my things and pulled on my coat before heading out again.

The studio was on the other side of the city so by the time I reached it was almost six. Harry, Ginny's boyfriend, was there to greet me when I arrived.

"Luna! Thank you so much for coming!" he said as he pulled me in for a hug.

"Of course I'd come, why wouldn't I?" I said as he let me in.

"I don't know, maybe you'd be too busy with your videos. Or Draco." he smirked.

Here's the thing. Literally no one knew that the relationship was a hoax, not even my dad. It was of "utmost importance that we keep this matter private", Albus said.

"You know for a fake couple you two have been pretty cushy. I'm surprised you didn't invite him."

Except, maybe I told Harry.

But he's been sworn to secrecy. Having gone viral because of the "Damn, Potter" video - the one with another guy hyping up his round glasses - years ago, he knew what it felt like to be in the spotlight. He knew the pressure of trying to fit in to the frame the public wants to see, and I knew I could trust him.

The studio was very sleek and modern. Most of the floor was covered in dark mats and there was a boxing ring to the side. A long table was set up by the wall and was full of refreshments. There was also a platform in the middle of the room, like a stage, with a ribbon connected to two poles. The place was buzzing with guests, some of which were familiar to me. Like Ron, Hermione, the Weasley twins. While others, not so much, including a woman with pink hair and a slightly older gentleman with scars on his face. Not to mention some kids, probably Ginny's students. There was also a roving photographer.

"You want pumpkin juice?" I followed Harry past the crowd and to the refreshments table. He poured himself a cup.

Just then, Ginny approached. She wore a dark shirt and dark pants and had her flaming red hair up in a bun.

"Luna! It's great to see you!" she exclaimed.

"It's good to see you too!" I said as I hugged her.

"How do you like it?" she asked me excitedly.

"It's exceptionally wonderful." I replied.

One or two people came to approach me to ask about my work on YouTube but the focus was mostly on Ginny. Not that I minded.

About half an hour in, Ginny stood on the makeshift platform in front of the ribbon, holding a pair of scissors.

"I declare the studio open!" she announced, cutting to ribbon. There was a round of applause.

"That's our sister!" shouted the Weasley twins, Fred and George, whooping.

After a while, I noticed a small opening by the side, near the boxing ring. Curious, I walked over and stepped in.

There were various old artefacts in glass containers, including a pair of boxing gloves and a sword with a bamboo handle, and also various posters on walls.

"What do you reckon?" a voice said from behind me.

I spun around to see a young man with blond hair by the door. He wore a sweater vest with a shirt under. I didn't think a guy could pull it off, but he did.

"It's lovely," I respond.

"I actually helped them set it up," he said. He walked over to the sword. "This is a shinai. It belonged to Alastor 'Mad-Eye' Moody. He was a legendary swordsman, also Ginny's great-granduncle."

"You mean the bamboo part is the sword?" I asked, amazed.

He nodded, "Yes! You see shinais were more practice swords and were to simulate the feel of a katana, but without the actual sharpness."

"You really know your martial arts, huh?" I said, impressed.

"Nah, not so much martial arts. More history. I did a minor in it when I was in university, would have majored in it if it weren't for my gran, she wanted me to do business."

I frowned. I didn't like it when elders dictated what their kids should do. I thought it wasn't fair. And in that moment I was grateful Dad had let me pursue music. "That's a shame, I think you'd have been very good at it."

"Yeah, but it's okay. Business isn't too bad." He shrugged. "I feel like if I did do history I'd end up getting bored of it, and that's worse. Losing your passion for something." he replied.

I considered what he said. "You're right. I couldn't imagine what it would've be like if I stopped playing, or composing. I think it'd be the end of the world for me."

"Mmhm…" he agreed.

"I didn't actually get your name?"

"Ah, yes. I'm Zacharias Smith. But you can call me Zach. Pleasure to meet you, Miss Lovegood."

Miss? "Oh!" I said, flustered. "Luna's just fine. It's nice to meet you, Zach!"

"Luna it is then!" he smiled warmly.

"So," I said, "What do you do now?"

He looked thoughtful, then said, "Well, my gran actually got me a job at this… firm, as their assistant. So I'll be managing paperwork, accounts, all the boring stuff. Nothing like what you do." he laughed.

"Don't say that!" I said, maybe a bit too loudly. I sighed. "You know, recording videos all day and singing non-stop can get quite dull too. It's all the repetition but hey, you give them what they want."

"They?"

"Yeah, as in the viewers, they want more covers I give them more. They want more original songs, I give them that. Well, try to." I said. And as I said it outloud, I realised, it sounded, kind of sad.

"Hmm, what about something you want though?" he questioned.

"I-I'm sorry?" I stammered.

"Not what they want." He looked at me seriously

"I guess… I do want to make people happy, but that's what they want, and uh…"

"What about making yourself happy?" he asked. This had me taken aback. I guess I never really thought about it in a long while. I was so focused on doing the best I could for my subscribers, to get more, to make them happy…

"I-" I kind of just stood there, not knowing what to say.

"Wait, never mind, I'm sorry I asked that." Zach suddenly said. That was a bit… upfront, and rude of me." He sighed.

I shook my head, "No, it wasn't."

"We should probably go-"

"Wait," I said and reached out to grab his arm. He looked at me. I stared into his blue eyes. They looked very nice.

"Yes?" He gulped, confused.

"I…"

Suddenly, the lights shut off. And suddenly I heard a bunch of confused 'huhs' from the outside.

"Sorry! New studio! The power went off again!" I heard Harry yell. And then a couple seconds passed by and then the lights flickered back on.

But the moment was lost.

"Never mind." I said, looking down at the ground. "We should join the others."

Later, on the way home, I pondered over Zach's question, what would make me happy? And honestly, I had no clue. No matter, I've got other things to worry about. Like this no plastics campaign that Albus wants me to help pioneer, and this song collaboration with Parvati Patil and…

As the day came to a close, I curled up in my bed, all warm and cosy, and ready to go to sleep.

Except, I couldn't sleep.

Because my phone kept going off.

"Ugh," I grumbled as I fumbled around for my phone in the dark. I turned it on and the notifications started coming in like crazy.

Luna, is there a new romance we're expecting?

Luna, what happened between you and Draco?

Luna, go on Skeetz News NOW.

I went online and searched my name and there, as if in blinking lights, was the latest headline.

LUNA LOVEGOOD AND THE MYSTERIOUS DARK STRANGER

Accompanied by a photo of me holding Zach's arm in the dark. It looked awfully like something out of a romance novel. I can see where they got the idea.

Shit.

I stood in Albus' office. I expected fury, but Albus was calm. I wasn't though. I could hear the clock ticking very loudly in this uncomfortable silence.

"Luna, would you like to explain what happened?"

"I, um, nothing happened!" I burst out. "I swear we didn't flirt, we didn't kiss, we didn't even hug, they just got us in that moment and ugh!" I threw my hands up in frustration.

Albus simply smiled at me. "Sometimes we're just in the wrong place at the wrong time. It happens."

"So, you're not mad?" I asked.

"We're all mad here, aren't we Luna? But that's just a part of life."

Suddenly, there's a knock on the door.

"Come in!" Albus called.

The door opened and a young man with blond hair walked in, wearing a sweater vest and carrying a backpack.

"Good morning, Mr Dumbledore- oh."

Zach.

"I trust you've already gotten acquainted with my new assistant, Luna?" Albus smiled, serene as ever.

So, to summarise, I'm Luna Lovegood, singer, songwriter and YouTube sensation. And the usual big dream story, I got my big break signing on with Dumble Media. Oh, and I'm in a fake relationship. Also, that relationship may be in jeopardy because I screwed up by looking like I was flirting with another guy. Plus, that guy turned out to be my boss' new assistant. This is like something out of a fanfiction.

You know, being famous is kind of like being on a tightrope. You gotta keep a balance between your private life, and public life. But sometimes you can't help when the two fall together, that's when you lose balance.

And I just lost balance.

Oops?