I was nine months pregnant, just about to pop. Xeno and I had made all the preparations. Luna's room we now knew it was a little girl) was all decorated and primed for her arrival. All we could do now was wait.
I took to sitting at the river's edge. It was my little spot, away from anything else. It was very calming.
The water lapped at my bare toes, and tiny fish brushed against my skin. I was unbelievably lucky. I lived in a beautiful area, had a loyal and loving husband, and was about to welcome a new addition to the Lovegood family.
Some days I really did miss my friends greatly. But Jackie was gone. Petra was still living the glamorous life. Rebecca was off being a professor at another school for magic. One thing I deeply hoped was that one day Luna would have strong, lasting friendships.
Xeno was enough, but that didn't mean I didn't want anyone else!
Luna would have such a beautiful childhood. I could tell. Our home in the country was bound to inspire her, and the opportunities for play are endless.
I felt a hand on my shoulder, and I turned my head to press my lips against his fingers.
"You found me."
"It is lovely out. But I think we best get you inside…let me help you." He lifted me up off the ground, and held me steady. "I don't know how you got down here…"
"I'm not that big!" I chuckled, knowing he meant no harm.
"I made us some lunch, come."
….
By the third month of being parents, Xeno and I were finally getting the hang of it. It would have been an understatement to say we were unprepared, and we didn't have much of a support system. Luckily, Luna was not a problem child. She was rather calm, only crying when something was really off.
And why should she? If Xeno doted on her anymore, she'd be spoiled rotten in no time! She had toys, attention, and a positive environment. Xeno and I rarely argued, so that wasn't even a concern. She showed great patience and intelligence, which left us optimistic.
…
"Come, Luna. Look outside!" I urged, gesturing for the five-year-old to take a peek out the window.
She ran forward eagerly, ever-curious, just like her parents. Her blues eyes lit up when she saw them: dozens of butterflies in the garden.
"Look at the purple one!" She squealed, pressing her nose against the glass. "Can we go out with them, mum?"
"Sure." I laughed. "But be very quiet and kind to them, or they might fly away!"
She ran out the door, long dirty blonde hair flowing behind her.
In these moments, I wished Xeno were here. He'd gotten a little office in Diagon Alley for The Quibbler, and he went there most days to oversee his writers and other staff. I still wrote from home, when Luna was taking naps or playing in her room. But the magazine had grown, and more employees were needed.
"Mommy, look!" Luna called to me, beaming toothlessly—she'd already lost her front two teeth, and another was on its way out.
"Coming, Luna."
When I entered the garden I found Luna surrounded by the insects. One of them was perched in her right hand, slowly opening and closing its orange and yellow wings.
She was magic, our Luna. Not in the literal sense, although that was true as well. But she lit up a room, and inspired kindness in all, especially creatures.
…
"How was work, dear?" I asked Xeno as he embraced me.
"Oh, wonderful. Luna helped out a great deal."
"Did you?" I grinned at her. It was remarkable how much she'd grown…at eight she was nearly taller than me!
"Oh yes! I helped sort pictures and even gave a writer advice!"
"You're so brilliant." I kissed her cheek and took her hands in mine. "I have a little something for you."
"Really?"
"Yes." I went to the kitchen table and retrieved the wooden box. "Here you go."
"Mum, did you make these?"
"Yes, do you like them?"
She threw her arm around men in response.
"I guess so! Put them on, then."
Luna put the necklace over her head, fingering the Butterbeer cork charm with a smile. Then she poked the raddish earrings in.
"Those are lovely," Xeno said, putting a hand on our child's shoulders, but looking at me the whole time.
"They're charms. Would you like to know what they do?"
….
"And what is it called?"
"Hogwarts, love. Hogwarts."
"It's a school for magic?"
"Yes!" I chuckled. "In two years, you'll be getting your letter. Then we'll take you to Diagon Alley to get your supplies. Oh! And you get sorted into houses! Yours father and I were both Ravenclaws."
"What's a Ravenclaw?"
"Ravenclaw are people who take pride in intelligence. They're quick witted and determined, and eager for a challenge. They like puzzle solving and learning new things. Above all, they're curious, because curiosity leads to knowledge."
"Would you be upset if I wasn't put in Ravenclaw?"
"Absolutely not!" I shook my head. "The other houses have great qualities, too. There's Gryffindor, for the passionate and the courageous. Hufflepuff, for those who work hard, make friends, and are loyal. The final house is Slytherin. Those students are ambitious, and make close alliances. They know how to work together, but they're independent above all else."
"Did you want Ravenclaw?"
"Well, I was raised by Muggles, so I was never told about the houses. I think I would have wanted it, though, had I known."
"What else is there?"
"There's a great big lake, and Quidditch, of course. You study Potions and Astronomy and Charms. There are ghosts, but most are friendly. The food is fantastic. If you get into Ravenclaw, the view is stunning."
"Is it hard to get around?"
I smirked, remembering all too well how many times I got lost. "At first it is, but soon it'll become your second home."
"Do you miss it?"
"All the time." I nodded. "But it's your time now. In two years, you'll get to go there."
"Will I get to see you?" She looked fearful.
I gently hugged her to me.
"Yes, Luna. On holidays. And we'll write all the time."
"Okay."
"You'll love it."