Fandom: Harry Potter
Pairing: George Weasley/Luna Lovegood
Warnings: alternate universe; het; and discussion of character deaths (Fred Weasley and Pandora Lovegood)
Prompts: (Pairing) George/Luna; and (Length) 400 words to 420 words

We Found Love
003. Turning Tables

Luna Lovegood frowned as she continued to watch George Weasley. He was simply going through the motions, pretending to smile and have a good time. The most heartbreaking part was no one else noticed – or they joined George in his game of pretend. George had been acting this way for four years – since the death of his twin brother, Fred Weasley.

The sight broke Luna's heart. She understood what it was like to lose someone, specially someone close. Several years had passed for Luna since the death of mom. The sight still haunted her nightmares, at least once a month.

Unlike most people, Luna knew the pain didn't go away. She knew it faded, a little, but it was still painful and that feeling never really went away. It turned into a pain that was lurking beneath the surface, ready to strike.

There were times Luna had noticed when George was happy and relaxed. They were few and far between. George enjoyed spending time with his nieces and nephews, when he allowed himself to smile softly and laugh with them.

"I'm here, if you ever wanna talk," Luna told George one day at a gathering at Harry and Ginny's house.

George looked over at her with a fake smile. "Talk about what?"

"You're grieving," Luna replied. "I know what it's like to loose someone important."

The smile slid off of George's face. "I-I don't know what you're talking about," he said.

"Yes, you do," she told him with a small smile. "But just remember that I'm here when you want to talk."

George stared at her for a moment. "Does it ever stop hurting?" he asked, his tone low and filled with pain.

"I wish I could say," Luna answered, "but it doesn't. It fades with time, but the pain's always there, lingering."

Sighing, George nodded as he turned to look away. That wasn't what he wanted to hear, but Luna told him the truth. Luna always told him the truth. A small smile formed on his lips. "Do you think we could go out and not talk about this sometime?" he asked, glancing over the blonde.

Luna's silver eyes widened and her mouth dropped open a little. "T-that would be nice," she replied with a smile.

George turned the smile. "What night works best for you?"

"Wednesday through Saturday."

"How 'bout Thursday at seven?"

"It's a date."

This was written in response to the following: (1) 200 Different Pairings Challenge; and (2) The Album Drabble Challenge from Harry Potter Fanfiction Challenges Forum.
(1) 200 Different Pairings – 118: (Pairing) George/Luna
(2) The Album Drabble – "Turning Tables" by Adele (4:10) from 21: Write a drabble between 400 and 420 words.
(3) Once Upon a Time Character Category – Regina Mills: Write about a loss of innocence.

Count: 400