For Amber (Cheeky Slytherin Lass) for the Ultimate Fic Exchange.
Also written for the Story in a Word challenge: trygghet - (n.) safety and security, with a calm, cozy, peaceful feeling from all uncomfortable or unpleasant things in one's job, home and family [swedish]
Also written for Herbology at Hogwarts, Assignment #1: Write about a character who seems to be pushed around or walked over a lot.
"Hey, look at Loony Lovegood! You never know what she's gonna do next. Loony Lovegood is such an idiot." The group of Slytherin boys hooted with laughter, pointing fingers at Luna wearing her Spectrespecs and reading the Quibbler while swatting at the air.
Cho clenched her fists and marched right over to the students. "Shut up," she hissed at them. "Luna's a smarter and kinder person than you all combined will ever be in your lifetimes." She's also way prettier than all of you combined, Cho thought but didn't say out loud. "So shut the bloody hell up and leave her alone."
Slowly, the group of boys retreated backward, muttering amongst themselves. Cho walked over to Luna, who had put down the Quibbler momentarily, and sat down next to her. "They're the idiots," Cho said with a humph.
Luna nodded in agreement. "Thank you for getting the boys to stop teasing me, Cho. That was a very kind thing to do."
Slowly, hesitantly, Cho moved her hand towards Luna's. If she didn't want to, the gesture was subtle enough to pass off as nothing. But Luna instantly took Cho's hand. The two of them just sat there, holding hands, for a few minutes.
"Does this... does this happen often?" Cho asked. Luna nodded, and then added on, "It's okay, though, I don't really mind." Cho cut her off with one look.
"Don't let them walk over you and bully you, Luna. That's ever okay. I promise I'll always be there for you, anytime you need it," Cho whispered as Luna gently leaned her head against Cho's shoulder. "Always."
Luna smiled back at her, and a wave of affection rushed through Cho. "I know," said Luna. "That's why I love you, Cho. Because you make Hogwarts feel like home again. You make it peaceful and safe for me. I love you," she repeated before leaning in for a kiss.
They sat there, gently kissing, for a while. The feeling was mutual, to be honest. Cho felt a blissful release from the stress of daily life as a student. School was getting busier and busier, as they started to prepare for their N.E.W.T.s. Everybody was as stressed and worried as Cho with all of their schoolwork, except for Luna, who could always help Cho calm down. Luna was an anomaly of a student. An amazing anomaly.
When they finally pulled back, Cho stared into Luna's eyes with a smile on her face. "I love you too, Luna."