Title: Silent Sufferer
Summary: Susan realises that looks really are deceiving.
Pairing/Characters: Susan and Luna
Rating: T
Warnings: N/A
Notes: N/A

Susan struggled with the rope in her hand. The knot wasn't tying the way it was meant to—the way Hannah showed her—but she was sure she was doing everything right.

"Who takes a stupid holiday living in a stupid tent anyway?" she grumbled to herself, making sure her voice was too soft for anyone else to hear and ignoring the unattractive whine in it.

"Do you need some help?"

Susan turned and found herself staring at Luna Lovegood. Neville invited her along, saying she deserved the holiday as much as the rest of them. If Susan was honest, she didn't think Luna needed a holiday at all. She seemed very happy with how everything turned out despite all the deaths. Susan sometimes hated Luna for being able to be happy.

"It's okay," Susan said dismissively. "I'll just ask Hannah."

Luna ignored her and stepped right into her personal space making Susan's breath catch. She grabbed the rope and softly pulled it out of Susan's hands. She smiled, her white teeth almost filling Susan's vision with how close she was.

"I can help," Luna said, her smile turning almost too sweet but there was a bitter sadness there that Susan was seeing for the first time. She couldn't look away from Luna's smile, but when the rope—tied exactly right—was pressed into her hand. Susan couldn't help looking at the rope in shock.

"Daddy always took me camping to search for Humblebees. Use to take me camping, that is."

Susan felt her heart beating hard in her chest as she watched Luna walk away with her usual dreamy steps. It took her a moment to realise what she'd been told and when she did, Susan couldn't prevent the question even if she wanted to.

"Use to?" Susan had no idea whether Neville or Hannah or any of the other students that agreed to come were around, but Luna didn't seem all that concerned when she replied.

"Of course," her voice higher than usual, like she was suppressing tears. She didn't turn around and Susan couldn't help but wonder if there were tears in her eyes. "Daddy died protecting me. He always protected me."

Luna disappeared before Susan could gather her thoughts to respond, but was there really anything she could say? Maybe Luna needs this more than anyone else.

(w.c 391)

WolfWinks-xx-