Disclaimer: I own nothing but the idea. All characters and the HP world of wizardry belong to JKR.
Harry Potter and the Years In-between
Chapter Four
"Luna." The name slip between Harry's lips as nothing more than a whisper, but it was heard.
"Yes, Harry? Are you surprised to see me? Because I must say I am certainly surprised to see you. Shouldn't you be at the Auror Academy? Oh, dear… you haven't become a dessert, have you?"
"Uh—huh—what? Harry's mind was reeling. He could barely make out the sound of her voice as he tried desperately to avoid looking at any part of her body. He could feel the heat rising on his face as he was quite certain he must be turning a lovely shade of pink. And of course being that he was still very much a young man he could also feel the heat rising on other parts of his body as well. Merlin, didn't she realize she was standing in front of him stark naked?
"You haven't become a dessert, Harry? You know, leaving your post without permission?"
"Uh—oh, I think the term you are looking for is deserter, only one s. And no, I am not a deserter. I'm on leave for the weekend."
"Deserter? Oh—well—I suppose that does make more sense. I always assumed they were referring to someone gone off to study pudding and never returning. Hmm…interesting how the mind works really, don't you think Harry?"
"Uh—right. Uh—Luna—you—uh—do realize you are starkers, don't you?" Harry managed to sputter out, still avoiding looking any higher than Luna's knees.
"Starkers? Oh—yes, quite right Harry. Sorry about that. I was heading to the bath when you popped in so un-expectantly. Is that why you keep looking from the floorboards to my knees Harry? I was getting a bit worried that we might have an infestation of Genuictus Entomoi." Without looking up or questioning Luna's concerns about some unknown creature, Harry could make out the sound of rustling clothes on the bed.
Luna continued, "You know—the infestation of Genuictus should not be taking lightly, they could cut any unsuspecting wizard down at the knees. Oh—it's alright Harry, you can look up now. I'm truly sorry about making you feel uncomfortable, but, like I said, I was not expecting to see you this evening."
Harry slowly raised his head scanning the long creamy legs as his eyes moved upward until they came across the hem of an oversized, faded orange shirt. It took him only a movement to realize that it was a Chudley Cannon shirt Luna had slipped over her small frame, covering all that beautiful creamy skin. And for a moment Harry felt the need to curse his best mate's favorite Quidditch team.
Clearing his head Harry asked, "That wouldn't happen to be one of Ron's old shirts, would it?" He had his suspicions considering the size of the shirt.
"Why yes. Mrs. Weasley gave it to me. I was helping her do some spring cleaning over the Easter Holiday. She was tossing out some of Ron's old things. Since she was just putting it out in the dustbin anyway, I asked if I could have it. It makes the perfect nightshirt, don't you think Harry? "
"Er…yeah, I guess." Now that Luna was relatively covered, all Harry was able to focus on was what that orange oversized tent for a shirt was covering. Again Harry felt the need to curse the Cannons.
Harry was startled by the squeaky voice of the elf, whose was currently still standing next to Harry.
"Master Harry, if you no longer in need of Kreacher, Kreacher will go prepare Master Harry and Miss Luna something to eat. Miss Luna has refused to eat all day, but maybe if Master Harry were to join her, Miss Luna might eat something."
"That's a brilliant idea Kreacher." Harry responded relieved to have his inappropriate thoughts interrupted.
"Harry, I really don't want Kreacher to have to go to any trouble, I'm not really all that hungry." Luna interjected.
"Well, I am. And I don't want to eat alone. Besides I don't think it's any trouble for Kreacher. I think he wants to do it. Don't you Kreacher?"
"Yes Master Harry! Kreacher is very worried that Miss Luna has not eaten all day. She will get sick."
"See, you don't want Kreacher to keep worrying about you do you?"
"Oh certainly not. Perhaps a small bite of something wouldn't hurt. Maybe having some company might bring my appetite back."
"Right." Harry replied enthusiastically. "Kreacher, how about you whip us up some sandwiches and some of your delicious French onion soup and if it's not too much trouble scrounge up a couple of butterbeers and maybe a sweet as well." Once again Harry was looking forward to spending his evening in Luna's company, although he had not completely recovered from his embarrassment of seeing Luna naked,
"Oh and one other thing Kreacher—next time I tell you to take me to someone— could you please bring me outside their bedroom door."
"Outside, yes of course Master Harry. Kreacher did not know, Kreacher was bad, very, very bad." And before Harry realized what he was doing, Kreacher began smacking his head with his own hand repeatedly as Luna looked on in horror.
"No Kreacher! Stop! You are not bad. It was my fault." Harry quickly pulled Kreacher's hand away from his head. "Please don't hit yourself. I should have been more specific as to where I wanted you to take me. Let's just remember that for next time. Okay?"
"Okay? Yes, okay Master Harry. Kreacher will remember for next time." Harry released Kreacher's hand.
"Great."
"Master Harry—would you like Kreacher to bring your food here or will you be coming to the kitchen to eat?"
Harry took a quick look around Luna's bedroom. The evening was chilly for a June and because of that Luna had a small fire lit in the hearth making the room seem especially cozy.
"I think here would be fine. Is that alright with you Luna?"
Luna nodded in response and then added "Oh yes, here would be perfect, I can go back to packing my things while we you and I have a visit and wait for the food."
Harry looked at Luna confused as he heard the crack of Kreacher leaving.
"Pack?" Taking another quick glance around the room Harry did notice that almost all of Luna's belongings, and not just those things she had with her at Hogwarts, were stack neatly around the room. Both the cupboard and the bureau drawers were completely empty.
"Yes, pack. Oh—Harry I had no idea I had so many things. And I certainly can't take everything with me. Would it be alright with you if I continued to store a few of my things here?"
Harry had no idea what Luna was talking. Why was Luna packing? Did she think she had to move out now that her father had passed away?
"Luna, I want you to store all of your things here. You don't need to pack anything."
"Oh, but I do. I know I can't take everything with me; that would be much too cumbersome. But I will take as much as I think I will need."
"Luna, does your packing have anything to do with father's death?"
As she turned suddenly to look at Harry, her eyes widened even more than usual.
"Luna, I was at St. Mungo's tonight. I know about your dad."
Luna looked away; she turned her attention to the few things that had been carefully placed on her bed, fingering them gently as she avoided Harry's glare.
"Is that why you are here Harry—why you had Kreacher bring you here?"
"Yes—Luna, why didn't you tell anyone—about your dad?"
"Don't be silly Harry—everyone is much too busy to concern themselves with some old nutter passing on." Her voice strained.
"Luna don't say…"
"Oh Harry—I know what people thought of him. And I certainly know that people would not be interested in his passing other than to be glad to see him gone."
"Luna that is not true."
"Yes it is Harry. But he was my daddy and I loved him very much. For a long time he was the only friend I had."
"Of course you loved him Luna. All your friends know that and it's why your friends should have been there with you. We should have been there for you." It was clear to Harry that he had been spending way too much time around Hermione since he was starting to sound just like her, but he went on regardless.
"We want to be there for you, but you have to let us. I can't even imagine what Hermione is going to say when she finds out you didn't tell her and I don't even want to think about what Ginny will do. Luna you can't run away from your friends when you need them the most. I mean—I don't know if I could have survived Sirius' death if my friends hadn't been there."
"If I recall correctly Harry, you did a bit of running from your friends after your Godfather's death."
"I didn't run from you, Luna. And you really helped me come 'round back then."
"I appreciate you saying that Harry. It does mean so much to me, you considering me a friend and all."
"I hope you consider me a friend as well Luna."
"Oh—but I do Harry. It's just that—I…you—don't really understand."
"What don't I understand Luna?" Harry responded forcefully.
Luna turned away from him, but before she did Harry could see her eyes were glistening with unshed tears. And Luna's voice, although soft, continued to strain over her words.
"When my mum died—it was—just dad and I. When we buried her, it was just the two of us. So—it only seemed appropriate that it should be just me who buried him, alone. I'm all that survives of my family, Harry."
"I know how you feel Luna." Harry added softly.
"Oh—Harry! I'm so—sorry, I didn't mean…"
"No—don't Luna. We're a lot a like—you and I. Two orphans left alone in the world. I suppose we need to stick together, don't we?"
Smiling, Harry moved next to her so she could see his face. She returned his smile with a beautiful one of her own. And without really thinking about it, Harry pulled Luna into a tight hug. At first Harry had meant it as nothing more than a friendly gesture, but the longer he held on to Luna the more he began to think about how he had never been this close to her before and how nice she felt in his arms. She was shorter than him and her head fit nicely under his chin against his chest. Harry could feel her warm breath skating across his skin as he ran his hands over her soft yet rather tangled hair. Harry began to feel uncomfortably warm again as he thought about the Luna that was hidden underneath Ron's old shirt.
Harry had known for quite some time that the once conciliatory feelings he had towards Luna after their first meetings had, over the years, developed into something far more profound. But at this very moment Harry realized that his feelings for Luna had moved on to something far more physical and the tightness in his trousers confirmed it. The question now was, how did he get himself out of his current position without completely embarrassing himself?
Lucky for him it was Luna who pulled away first. She stared at him with excited eyes which startled Harry making him completely forget his previous dilemma.
"But you are not really alone—are you Harry?" Luna chimed, "You have a whole new family now. You are a Weasley all but in name Harry. I mean you and Ron are practically blood brothers, right?"
"Yeah, I suppose but it's not really the same…"
"And when you and Ginny marry then—you will be a legal member of the Weasleys."
Harry choked on his own spit.
"Marry!" he coughed out. "I don't think …I…"
"Well of course you may think you are too young right now, and you probably want to finish your Auror training—but someday."
"Luna, I don't think that's…
"And then the two of you will have beautiful babies together and you will have a family all your own. It's what you always wanted, isn't it Harry?"
"Luna—yes, but—Ginny…we aren't—getting married. Were not together…"
"We'll of course you are not together. You're here and she—I presume, is somewhere with the Harpies."
"No Luna—that's not what I mean. We are no longer dating. We're not seeing each other anymore." For some reason it was important to Harry that Luna understand this bit of information.
"Oh Harry—don't be silly. I know Ginny said she was giving you your space while you go through the Auror Academy. But once your training is done, you'll be together just like before." Luna cocked her head to one side smiling at him.
Harry was about to respond but was unceremoniously interrupted by a loud crack indicating that Kreacher had arrived with food in hand.
"Where shall I place your dinner, Master Harry?"
"Uh—right. I guess on the floor next to the fire would be fine Kreacher."
"Oh Kreacher, everything looks delicious! And I believe you were right about having Harry here; I seemed to have regained my appetite." Luna plopped herself down next to the tray Kreacher carefully placed on the floor in front of the hearth. "Shall we eat Harry?" She looked at him expectantly before reaching for one of the sandwiches. Harry couldn't help but smile at how lovely and innocent Luna could look.
"Yeah—definitely!" Harry sat down across from Luna and grabbed for his own sandwich. There was plenty of time to discuss he's relationship with Ginny before the night was over; now was the time for eating.
A/N - Sorry, I have taken so long to update. I was busy with a little thing called life and a little death as well (lost my father in September) and haven't felt much like writing. I can't guarantee when I'll update again, but if you would like to leave a review it might motivate me to update sooner than later. Not that I'm pimping for reviews. I don't do that, honestly.