This chapter is dedicated to Norma for giving me a job in her cafe and for so much more 3

Harry had faced down Voldermort in the flesh, but he was never as nervous as he was now. He stood there while Luna bored a whole in Ginny with her eyes.

"Luna.. I" Harry began

"Stay out of this." Luna commanded

"What are you doing Ginny? I thought you were my friend, and the second I leave the room you pounce on my boyfriend."

Ginny looked as if she'd seen a ghost. "Luna. I'm sorry it's not what it looks like! My emotions got the best of me that's all."

"If it's not what it looks like then what is it?" Harry had never seen Luna like this before. Gone was the airy girl and instead stood a proud woman.

Ginny was stuck and she knew it, and she looked like she as if she were going to burst into tears at any moment. " I'm sorry Luna.. and Harry too. I shouldn't have done that. Please don't hate me. It'll never happen again I swear on my life."

Harry watched Luna for a reaction and after a minute she softened and sat on the couch next to Harry. "Why would you do that to me Ginny? You know how alone and ostracized I used to feel. Why would you try to take this from me?"

Ginny tentatively sat down albeit on the edge of the couch. "I just have loved Harry for so long and seeing him with someone else hurt badly. It wasn't anything personal and I know it's selfish as hell of me."

Needless to say Harry felt incredibly awkward sitting there listening to another girl profess her love for him.

If Harry thought Luna was going to be subtle about the situation he was mistaken. "You haven't loved Harry for a long time Ginny. You only think you have been."

"Excuse me?" Ginny asked

"Come on Ginny, I think it's pretty obvious that you don't really love Harry. You just have a crush on him."

Ginny rolled her eyes. "That's not true at all. I've loved Harry for years. Ever since my first year!"

Do these girls even realize I'm here...

Luna let out a small laugh. "Really? Do you know what his favorite color is?"

"No but.."

"How about his favorite food?"

"um..."

"Do you even know what he went through as a child?"

"What's your point Luna?"

Luna sighed deeply "How can you claim to love someone you know almost nothing about? You simply can't do it."

"She's right Ginny. You really don't know me like you think you do. You just like the idea of me because of who I am. You should move on you might be passing up someone who would really want to be with you Gin." Harry felt he needed to speak up before Ginny really broke down

"yeah, like who?" Ginny asked her voice dripping in skepticism

" I think Neville likes you, I mean he did ask you to the Yule Ball last year right?" Harry offered

"He did... and I treated him badly there too. I've really made a mess of things haven't I?"

Luna smiled and spoke quickly "It might not be too late, we're all supposed to meet soon after all"

Ginny thought it over in her head. "Neville is pretty nice, and not nearly as clumsy and awkward as he used to be. I really do owe him at least a chance after how I treated him... Thanks guys, we're still friends right?"

"Of course, just keep your lips to yourself ok?" Luna laughed but they could tell she was still being serious

"Don't worry. I promise it won't happen again."

By this time Ron finally ambled down the stairs clean once again. "I'm hungry! When's lunch?"

"Ron, when are you not hungry?" Ginny asked

"Shuddup I had a very taxing morning thank you very much. I wasn't off flying around on my broomstick. I was doing mans work "

--

Harry and Luna spent most of the afternoon at the Burrow catching up with their friends. Despite the earlier tension with Ginny things were great and it was just like old time during the DA. Molly made them all a fantastic lunch and they reminisced on better times.

Harry watched Luna as the day went on, he could see something different about her. It took him a while to figure it out but eventually he did. Perhaps for the first time in her life she was out socializing with people her own age, outside of school. Not only that but she was fitting in she wasn't being judged or scrutinized. She was accepted

The sun was starting to set and Harry and Luna figured it was time for them to make their way back home. Ginny and Ron promised to write Hermione and Neville that very night and arrange for them all to meet a week from then.

Luna and Harry walked hand in hand back to her house. It was a beautiful summers evening and the weather was very pleasant considering.

"You know Harry, I'm proud of you." Luna said calmly

"Why?" he asked confusedly

"When Ginny kissed you. Many men would have taken advantage of the situation."

"I could never do that to you Luna. You mean too much to me."

"Aw, you're so sweet. You mean the world to me,I haven't been so happy in ages." She embraced Harry tightly and pressed her lips sweetly to his

They stood there for a while simply enjoying the feeling of holding each other. Harry felt at one with the world. Luna's soft hair gracing his cheek was an intoxication sensation, he loved everything about Luna and more than that he loved her.

He kissed her cheek and peered deep into her blue eyes and whispered those three perfect words. At first Luna's eyes widened slightly and then they welled with tears.

"I love you too Harry. I've never felt this way in my life about anything or anyone before." A solitary tear rolled down her cheek to which Harry brushed it away with his thumb.

"I haven't either, beautiful. I didn't even know I was capable of feeling these emotions."

There's no telling how long they stood there as time seemed nonexistent to the young, very much in love couple.

Authors note: I know it's a short chapter but again I felt it was important enough to warrant it's own. Thanks again to all of you for your reviews, subscriptions and patience.