The Person You Are Inside
Draco and Luna share an unexpected moment of friendship while she is trapped below Malfoy Mansion. Set during Deathly Hallows.
"I want you." Greyback whispered in her ear as she trembled against the wall. "I want to take you and devour you, witch."
Luna shuddered, wishing someone would come and rescue her from this hell.
Someone did.
"Leave her alone, Greyback." A cold voice from the doorway said.
The wolf-looking man turned. Luna saw the whitish blonde hair shining in the dim light, the pale skin illuminated by a wand.
"Young Mr. Malfoy. You like to protect the offspring of traitors?" Greyback snarled. Draco stepped forward.
"You are wanted upstairs by Bellatrix." Draco said quietly. Greyback growled and left the dungeon,
Draco turned to follow, but Luna stopped him.
"Thank you."
He looked back at her disbelievingly.
"Why thank me?" He asked bitterly. "All I've done for you is ruin your life."
Luna shook her head, her wide eyes full of some emotion that couldn't be explained. Sadness, pity, and-perhaps, admiration.
"You aren't on their side, not really." She stated matter-of-factly. "And I don't blame you for turning because your family did. You didn't have the courage to stand back, but I don't look down on you for it."
Draco, surprisingly, didn't leave. Instead, he slammed his fist against the wall in anger. Luna saw the tears running down his strained, white face.
"I can't take this anymore," he choked. "I've killed. I've tortured. And I'm afraid."
Luna took his hand in hers comfortingly.
"What are you afraid of?" She asked. He took a deep, shaky breath.
"Afraid of becoming hardened. Of enjoying this. It's made me so bitter against everything in the world."
Luna shook her head.
"Don't become bitter, Draco. You have too many emotions. Too many beautiful, messy emotions to throw them all away for nothing. Feel the pain. It will keep you who you are."
He looked at her, eyes brimming.
"I hate who I am."
She shook her head again.
"No. The person you are on the inside. The one who loves and feels and hates."
He shut his eyes and nodded.
"Thank you, Luna." He whispered.
She smiled.
"You're welcome."
They didn't speak again until after the War.
A/N: So, did you like? I love the idea of Luna helping Draco through hard times as a friend. Although they wouldn't be bad as a ship, if you know what I mean. ;) Anyhoo, thanks for reading! Shoot me a review! 3