"Luna!" Hermione's voice sounded in the background, barely hearable between the soft 'whoosh' of the wind and the melodic singing of the birds which sat in branches all around me. I smiled, tucked a loose strand of my hair behind my ear and continued to climb. My bare feet felt the bark of the old oak, felt how mighty it was, how strong. My arms, though still a bit skinny pulled me up higher and higher.
"Luna! Oh god, what in the world are you doing?"I looked down to find a shocked and slightly flushed Hermione standing there is a summer dress, her deep brown curls framed elegantly and attractively. I noticed that she was wearing makeup, professionally applied.
"Hermione!" I greeted her, swinging myself up into a sitting position onto the branch. The birds, so used to me, fell silent as Hermione walked closer up.
"Luna, do you have any idea what time it is? And do you know how agitated Draco gets when we aren't ready on time?" I nodded. I was true; my brother did always get heated when I or Hermione were tardy for anything. I never knew that. I guess I never knew that I even had a brother before I woke up in his house two months ago. "And all you can do Luna is just sit there and look at me like I am some kind of moron!"
"Oh, sorry Hermione!" I shook my head, breaking the painful and still fresh memories of my time in prison. The wind was slightly harsher now, so my decent was slower than usual. By the time I got down, Hermione was extremely agitated. Wiping my hands on the hem of my top didn't help.
"Finally!" the lady of the house exclaimed. I rolled my eyes and let my friend tug me back to the mansion. The beautiful house sat on top of the large hill, surrounded by beautiful trees, small magical lights shining softly through the leaves. A stone pathway led to the back door through which Hermione nearly pushed me in. She calmed down slightly and I decided to risk asking some questions.
"Hermione, what is this even about? What kind of gathering?" I asked as we practically raced to my room, Hermione silently barking orders to the elves. She stared at me in shock and shook her head. I bit my lower lip, a habit developed during torture and just continued after the young woman up the huge marble staircase.
"Luna, when will you start paying attention?" Hermione shook her head in mock disappointment and continued on. "This isn't just a gathering! This is when the Order will tell Draco what he must do. You most likely will be included in the assignment so you must be presented."
"So I would be going with my brother?" my voice sounded excited and Hermione smiled as she opened the door into my room.
"Yeah, that is what I would presume. Hopefully the level of magic I have taught you would be enough so that you won't feel out of place."
"So this will also include using magic?"
"Obviously Luna, obviously." I smiled contently, letting my mind enthuse about all the possibilities of the mission and its outcome while Hermione helped me undress and gently guided me to the washroom where a grand bathtub was practically filled to the rim. Sinking into the warm water, I closed my eyes and though about what happened in the past couple of months.
When Hermione first saw me, she nearly screamed with fright. I was a sight, pale and skinny. First thing she did was wash me until my skin was nearly peeling of my body, my fingers were like little sausages and my hair finally regained its shine. Then she stuffed me with soup until I couldn't force down another spoonful. Then sleep, some more soup, and rest.
Draco was always visiting me, though he never smiled or told stories of how much he missed me. He would stand in a corner, surrounded by shadows and regard me with pained eyes. I guess I just wasn't that important. I got over it. I have felt pain and loss and disappointment before. I was always the odd one out because that meant that no one would be mean. In my world, I was fine and surrounded by friends. In reality, loneliness was the best I could get.
Draco's visits became shorter and less often as I grew stronger. It made me feel cold when I looked upon him, taking in his blond hair that he wore in a small ponytail and his grey eyes which seemed to be made of steel. They were always cold, menacing, agonizing. They never became soft. He never relaxed, never looked at anything that he thought was beneath him. It frightened me when he spoke to me only a month after I came. And all he said was that I needed to regain my magic back.
Hermione was there and, spanking him lightly on the head, told him that she would teach me all I needed. Smirking at her, Draco bowed slightly and left the room without another glance. So after that I got to go with Hermione to the magical part of town. There she bought me books and ingredients and a wand. The one that apparently choose me was a long, elegant birch bark rod with dragon heart strings in it.
The next morning my lessons began. It was fun because I remembered the motions somewhere deep down so we basically reviewed what I have learned before. Hermione also decided that I needed to become stronger on the outside as well. Since the mansion had a huge stable, we got into a habit of going on a daily ride. Unlike the magic, riding a horse was new to me.
"Hermione, do you think that you and I will be able to go on a ride?" I asked as I changed into jeans and plaid shirt. We both knew that my friend was in the possession of a time turner.
"I'm not feeling well Luna," she replied as she quickly dried my hair. The long soft waves of white blond fell onto my shoulders.
"Please? Can I go alone? I haven't been on Indigo for ages!" Hermione was about to protest when a cold voice answered instead.
"I will go with you Luna," Draco was leaning across the door frame, his hair tied back like usual, but his eyes were softer, and they held sadness instead of the usual scary hardness I was so used to.
"But Draco," Hermione shook her head, "You have to be fresh and open tonight. The Order never stays anywhere for more than a couple of days. They are grateful, extremely at that, with the amount of members you have rescued but please, not today."
"Mione, relax. We'll be back in two hours. I agree with Loony," he smirked as I blushed. I remembered what the kids at school used to call me. "A ride would do her good, you can take a break and I will be able to clear my head for tonight."
"Fine," Hermione grumbled, reaching for the golden chain to which the small object was attached. "I will give you three hours but you better enjoy yourself." With that she passed the time turner to Draco, who taking it, gave her a small hug. She smirked and left.
"Come here," he called as I finished pulling on my riding boots. We put both of our hands in the cold chain and Draco spun the small circle three times. I closed my eyes and seconds later we were in the same room, but instead of showing four, my enchanted clock showed one. I smiled at my brother and we walked down to the stable. I happily walked over to where Indigo, the large grey pony I usually rode, was stabled. He nudged me with his nose as I entered the stall. He had dark grey stockings, white mane and tail as well as some black spots on his rump. Smiling at his attitude, I set to brushing him. Halfway through, it occurred to me that I was being watched. Leaning on the half door, Draco observed me with a small smile.
"You are getting better. I thought it was time you had your own horse. Let this old animal rest," he guided me outside where one of the members was holding a stunning gelding, sixteen hands tall with a beautiful chocolate brown coat, black mane and tail, three socks and a stripe going down his nose is a slightly zigzag pattern. He was arching his neck, prancing in one spot and puffing happily.
"What's this?" I asked in utter amazement. Draco smiled contently.
"Why, that's your horse, the finest animal in France. Four year old Dutch warmblood, trained to please."
"Can I ride him?" I was seriously surprised my brother would buy me a horse that grand.
"Of course you can Luna. He's yours. Anyway, we need to get out into the fields sometime today. I don't want to keep you from your exercise." Another member led over a wonderful mare. Her coat shimmered gold in the sunlight. She had two white socks on her back legs and a bald face. She was fidgety, refusing to move forward. Walking over, Draco let her sniff him and to my surprise, the wonderful steed relaxed. Swinging onto her back gracefully, my brother patted her until she was completely relaxed. Saying his thanks to the girl who walked her over, he looked at me.
"Oh, sorry!" I realised that I still didn't get up onto my horse. Walking over I rubbed his ears. The member, a young wizard, not much older than Draco, grinned at me.
"Hope you like him Luna," he smiled.
"Thanks Geoff," I smiled back and walked over to the left side. Immediately I noticed that the stirrup was way higher than if I was about to ride Indigo. Noticing my slightly concerned expression, Geoff walked over.
"Want a leg up?" he asked. I nodded. Seconds later I was up in the saddle, feeling as if I was on top of the world. I reached down to pet the brown gelding. He seemed completely unaffected by my weight and stood still as rock, his long elegant ears forward.
"Luna, we don't have all day!" Draco called as he turned Gold toward the trails. I sighed and followed him. My mount responded instantly, with the barest pull of the reins and the slightest touch with my heel. "What are you going to name him?" Draco asked, stopping to fix his stirrup. I bit my lower lip.
"Hum, I don't know yet. I will decide after the ride," seeing that my brother was almost done, I smiled and kicked my horse into a head long gallop.
****
"That was a good ride," Draco commented as we rode back at a slow trot. I smirked and concentrated on keeping intact with Griffin. After a ride where I felt that I was flying, it was the only thing I could come up with. It felt like he was part bird, part mammal.
"What time is it?" I wondered breaking the silence. Draco stared out into the distance, letting Gold pick her own way back. I sighed in agitation and halted. Griffin shook his head in agitation but stopped. Draco rode forward a couple more strides before stopping as well.
"What now?" he asked in agitation turning back to face me. I met his eyes directly.
"What in the world is bothering you so?" I shook my head and nudged Griffin forward so he stopped right beside Gold. "You never tell me anything! Everything I ever find out comes directly from Hermione! Why can't you spend more time with me?"
"You wouldn't understand Luna," he looked hurt. "I have many reasons. I am always trying to rescue people, so I am rarely here. When I do return, I try to talk to everyone here, see what happened while I was away. And then, when I am here, my past haunts me." His eyes gained steel as he continued, his voice becoming flat and monotone. "Now let's go so that the world doesn't become disoriented because we didn't get back on time. "
"My past doesn't give me rest either! We aren't that different as you think Draco! I know what it is to be different and shunned because of it. I have never had a true life where anyone ever accepted me until I met you. And you know what, right now I wish I never knew I had a brother because the one I do have is an arrogant jerk!" I kicked Griffin into a gallop, leaving Draco behind. I knew that he wouldn't be forgiving me for that but I couldn't help myself. I knew that he was abroad a lot yet that didn't give him a right to treat me this way. I was only a year younger and he had to understand I was not stupid.
Griffin slowed down as we rode into the stable. Geoff walked out. In the manor, no one was forced to do anything. The wizards who helped out at the stable were volunteers, the few individual who liked the peace and quiet of the animals and the airy space. I shook my head when the young g man tried to grab the reins and dismounted. Loosening the girth, I led my horse inside. I didn't want to wait for Draco. Taking off the saddle and bridal in the stall prepared especially for Griffin, I stopped. The golden nameplate on the stall was blank, waiting to hold the name of the new animal. I waved my wand, mumbling a spell. The plate became silver with some blue, the name "Griffin" elegantly engraved in fancy lettering.
"Nice touch," a dry voice made me spin around. I turned to gaze up into Draco's grey eyes.
"I've been practicing," I answered indifferently, not bothering to keep my own coldness out of my voice. "Just as you instructed."
"Very nice. Except I think that you misunderstood me," Draco was also polite and formal.
"Misunderstood what? Your arrogance or your coldness?" I pushed past him with the tack. He let me go, his cold gaze following me all the way to the tack room. We walked back to the house in cold silence. I wasn't about to beg forgiveness and he wasn't about to admit anything, like usual. We reached the room just as Hermione left it.
"Oh good, you two are back!" she smiled with relief before tacking in the whole picture. "And you two need a lot of warming up to do before the Order comes."
"Tell that to Mr. Malfoy!" I glared at my brother before coming into my room and slamming the door. I didn't hear what my brother told Hermione or how she responded but a couple minutes later she was quietly opening the door.
"Luna, are you alright?" her voice was warm and concerned. I shook my head and continued gazing out the window, hugging myself. I didn't want to talk to her right now. Hermione sighed and walked to where I was standing. "Please, don't blame Draco. It isn't his fault that he keeps his distance. There were—circumstances and he needs time to get over them. It started before you came. He didn't know he had a sister before the war. And when he found out he thought it was too late. It hurt him and now he is afraid that you might get hurt again because of him. That is why he doesn't speak to you about grave things."
"I get it but he doesn't have to ignore me and be all formal," I turned towards Hermione and she wrapped me into a warm embrace. "I feel here as if I am just for show. I am not smart like you, nor do I have any abilities like Geoff or Annie. Draco just seems gifted in everything he does but me...I can't even master the simple spells sometimes." I was crying openly now.
"Shhh, Luna. It's not true. Draco told me how you handled Griffin, how you made the nameplate. That was a very good magic performance. You are wonderful at DADA and you are growing stronger every day. Come, dry your tears."
"You really think so?" I asked looking up at her. I hated to admit that Hermione was taller than me. She nodded seriously.
"Yes. Now come, let's get you ready. We can't have the Order thinking that you are mistreated. After all, Luna is a Malfoy..."
*****
"Luna, you look wonderful today," Geoff smiled as we twirled across the dance floor. I grinned at him and rolled my eyes.
"Yeah, you only say that because Hermione was having fun dressing me up as a princess. In the end, I look like a goose and if you told me the truth, she would turn you into a frog," I laughed as the music ended and everyone clapped for the musicians. He just made a face.
"Come on! Let's get some Butterbeer or something," Geoff said pulling my hand. I had to smile. He was the one person who never got tiered or upset. The Order was arriving at midnight and until then Draco decided to hold a dance. All the members of the house were happy about that, relaxing and having fun. We stopped before a long table filled with finger foods, drinks and containers of ice that were enchanted not to melt until they were in the drink.
"Thanks," I mumbled when my red headed friend passed me a bottle. He just rolled his eyes. Many of the younger wizards and witches were dancing to some lively music the band played. The singer was Annie, one of my companions with whom I usually went into the small town a kilometre from the mansion. There we would look at the magical things, flirt with young men and enjoy some cold drinks at the inn.
"She has a beautiful voice," Geoff said dreamily as he looked upon the dark haired girl. "It is like a small river, clear and pleasant."
"Don't tell me you like her!" I laughed while my friend turned bright red.
"So what if I do?" he answered in his defence.
"I would rather you keep your feelings to yourself, Master Geoff unless, of course you would rather take the next shift in the kitchen. They are currently short a person," a cold voice answered before I could as much as open my mouth to reply. Geoff turned pale as he stared behind my back. I closed my eyes. I didn't want to turn, not yet anyway because I knew exactly who was behind me.
"M-m-master Malfoy! I am indeed sorry. I keep forgetting in what a time we live," Geoff stammered out of embarrassment that the one who pretty much ruled all our lives heard him.
"Make sure not to repeat that mistake again," I turned around just in time to see my brother's lips twitch in a slight indication of a smile. "But I didn't come here to lecture you in behaviour Geoff. I came looking for my radiant sister. May I have the next dance Luna?" Draco slightly bowed and extended his hand. I took it and was surprised that it was warm. On the way he always acted, I thought that my brother was cold-blooded.
The song was a slow one, a combination of a waltz and a rather precise shuffling of feet. Draco didn't speak for a long time; I didn't bother making it any easier. Finally, after what seemed like an hour, Draco cleared his throat.
"Are you enjoying the evening?"
"I was, thank you," I replied, as we moved on into the next song.
"In the past tense?" I guess my accent on that didn't slip his notice.
"Yes, Geoff was great company. He's quite amusing," after a moment's thought I added "unlike some."
"Oh really?" Draco smirked at my comment. That was not what I expected. "Well then, let's see if we can make this evening more interesting, shall we?"
"An apology would be a good beginning don't you think?"
"Yes, but mine or yours?" Draco grinned as I rolled my eyes. "I'm sorry Luna. I wasn't right to tell you those things, at least not like that. I guess I am just used that everyone doesn't care that I thought neither did you."
"Of course I do! You are my brother after all. And I am sorry as well."
"For what?! I was the one who messed it up," Draco's pastry pale skin was slightly turning pink.
"No, I shouldn't have been so harsh judging you. You have your reasons, I have mine. We're squared." Smiling at each other, we drifted into a more relaxed silence.
"You ready for the Order?" Draco asked slightly nervous. I shrugged.
"I guess I am. What really frightens me is that the mission might be something--"
"Strange, ecstatic, unrealistic," Draco smiled slightly, the grey metal slightly melting in his eyes.
"Well, yeah," I said as the music stopped once again. Draco gave me a slight bow and taking my hand, pressed it to his lips. I wasn't surprised because while I was brought up in a very easy going family, I have heard that the Malfoys were strict about the upbringing of their children. Any true Malfoy would be a gentleman, excellent wizard (or witch) and a great flyer. They would also be great students, wonderful riders and great at shooting, not to mention being a ladies' man.
The great cloak in the ball room struck twelve. Exchanging slightly amused looks, Draco and I headed over to the fireplace where, seconds later, green flames appeared. Out stepped a tall, red headed youth. Coughing out dust, he gazed across the quiet people. Something in my mind clicked and I strangely associated a name with him. George.
"Good evening everyone," he replied in a good humoured voice. Turning to face Draco, I noticed that one of his ears was missing. "Our dear Mr. Malfoy, how are you this fine evening?" He grinned yet his smile never truly hit his eyes. He wasn't pretending. Rather, he was in deep pain.
"Master Weasley," Draco nodded his welcome, his mouth forming a small smile of his own. There was slight movement in the crowd and a flushed Hermione, dressed in a deep red dress emerged. Glancing George, she squealed and ran over to give him a huge hug. Many of the members were smiling or calling out their own greetings.
"George! I missed you!" was all Hermione could manage before the young man engulfed her in a bear hug. Draco observed their greetings without a hint of emotion. I was just watching.
"Mione!" he grinned wider, his pain filled eyes slowly becoming more humoured by the minute. "I can't remember the last time I saw you!"
"Can't....breath....George...." wheezed Hermione, blushing as he put her down. Straightening her dress, she realized that everyone was watching them. "I guess one more dance won't hurt?" she gazed innocently at Draco who shrugged and nodded to the musicians. They struck up "Pot of Hot Strong Love". George and Hermione spun off into the midst of dancers.
"Well, that was...interesting," Draco nudged me as we followed their movement. We both burst out laughing.
*****
Dinner, dissert and five dances later, the four of us sat in one of the living rooms, closest to Draco's office. The fireplace was burning pleasantly, casting a soft glow on everyone present. Everyone, except Draco that is. His pointed chin didn't soften, nor did his straight nose or high cheekbones. Hermione and George sat on a small couch, Hermione curling up beside him and resting her head on his shoulder, while he draped his long arm around her. Draco and I both took an armchair on either side of them. A tall coffee table was placed before us, the elves organizing tea and biscuits.
"Mr. Malfoy, I am aware that you know exactly why I am here," George cleared his throat. Draco frowned.
"Skip the formalities Weasley, we aren't enemies anymore."
"Quite right," George waved his wand and a black folder appeared, floating in front of me and Draco. "As you know, the Order of the Phoenix is very grateful since you have rescued so many of the members. We all know what a sacrifice it was when you first started telling us about the plans of the Lord and such. Your 'death' was quite a brilliant idea and better still that your parents believed it. Now, we ask you to do something that might put an end to everything."
"As in the end to the war?" Draco's voice was cold as he looked into the fireplace.
"Exactly," George shifted slightly on the couch and continued. "We tried this before but all of our other members failed. You should have better luck. You do know Occlumency?"
"Yes," Draco turned back to the tall red head. "Yes I do."
"Good," George nodded as if calculating something and then turned to me. "Luna, what about you? Will you be going with Malfoy as well?"
"Definitely," I was surprised that he would even ask me. I didn't even consider staying behind. "I will go with my brother if he lets me."
"So they told you that," a sad smile spread on George's face. Hermione slightly brushed and hid her face in his shoulder. Draco remained unaffected.
"That was for the best," he said softly.
"Perhaps it was," George agreed with the same tone then blinking, came back to business. "Well, if you both are determined to go, you might want to read the request and what you must do with your own eyes." With a flick of his wand the black folder gracefully flew to where Draco was sitting. He opened it and scanned it over. His face didn't show any emotions as he took out a pen and signed his name at the bottom. Only then did George hand me the folder. Curiously, I opened it and as my eyes began to read it, I felt my face go pale. This was not what I expected...
AN: I decided that since Luna forgot a lot of things, she didn't remember the things she used to believe in such as imaginary creatures. Draco, in my mind, became a grown up man with many problems. He is reserved and can appear in many ways. That is what I tried to show in this chapter!
I hoped that you enjoyed it and yes, it is a bit OOC and AU but I like it and this is just the beginning. Once again, Happy New Year! ^-^