Think But This And All Will Be Mended, That You Have But Slumbered Here
Ministry of Magic, Level One
"I really hope you get the chance to see our baby born with me."
Draco stared at the closed door that Luna had just left through. His thoughts were warring with his heart as they often did lately. He'd been so certain she was sabotaging him in that speech to the minister, listing off his qualities in such a manner that even Shacklebolt had said she wasn't helping him any. Draco had agreed with Shacklebolt's words, feeling a surge of anger at Luna's assessment of his character.
And then she had actually spoken up on his behalf, asking Shacklebolt to drop the kidnapping charges. At that point he didn't know what to think of the girl. She must be competely looney as they all said. She couldn't be in her right mind, asking for his freedom when he was the instrument of his aunt's abuse. Luna Lovegood was either completely nuts or utterly stupid (which wasn't a convincing argument as the Sorting Hat never let imbeciles into Ravenclaw) or else she was one of the most selfless people Draco had ever chanced to meet.
His head made the decision to agree with the general consensus of all that Luna Lovegood was absolutely looney. His heart though would not let him easily forget her parting words, bringing a strange sensation in his chest that felt a lot like joy. As he rarely felt this emotion - the disapproval of his father during his school years, the fear of Voldemort's rise to power and his family's struggle to stay on the winning side, stealing any sort of happiness he might have tried to attain - he tried to brush it aside but found he could not. It was taking hold in his body and lingering there.
It was a strange, curious sensation, this joy. If Draco could admit it to himself, he might find that he liked it and wanted to discover more of this happiness in his life. But he didn't even know if he would get the opportunity. Not if he was trundled off to Azkaban, placed into the power of the soul-eating dementers. He was jolted out of his own thoughts by the reminder that life was never fair and he now faced Shacklebolt's decision on how he was going to be punished.
His eyes left the doorway, turning to Shacklebolt who was watching him with an amused expression. Draco's pale brows drew together in unspoken question at that amusement.
"It seems you have a friend Mr. Malfoy," Shacklebolt's warm brown eyes glanced at the door before landing back on him with that amused expression as he concluded, "Whether you want one or not."
A friend? Luna Lovegood, a friend?
His head was rejecting the idea immediately. The minister was nuts, just like Luna. She was a loon and simply a nuisance. She was to be the birth mother to his child, nothing more, nothing less. And if he truly thought so little about her, he could only ask himself why the the mention of being friends with her made his heart start to beat a little faster? And why was that stupid warm feeling trying to make its way all over his body? It was ridiculous and his face fused with color.
Shacklebolt was truly amused, half chuckling at the expression of embarassed shock on Draco's face. Draco caught himself at the last second, schooling his features into an unreadable expression, but it was too late. The damage had already been done by the minister's suggestion.
"Aren't we here to discuss my sentence Minister Kingsley?" Draco found his voice to be harsher than he meant it to be as he tried to change the subject. "My defense wizard needs to be owled to be here."
Shacklebolt lifted a hand, dismissing his suggestion with a wave of his hand. "There is no need for that Mr. Malfoy." He laced his hands together again and said, "Just as there was no need for Miss Lovegood to make a plea on your behalf, although it was unusual to see her speaking up in support of you. She seemed to know you well for you two having such limited contact from what you've both told me."
Draco could feel himself turning red again at the reminder that she had in fact brought up several points of what could be considered his weaknesses. He pressed his lips together, knowing that she was probably being influenced by Potty-mouth, because there was no way Luna Lovegood could be that astute about him in such a short period of time. It wasn't possible. Simply impossible.
He forced himself to turn away from thinking of Luna for a moment, focusing instead on the fact the Minister said it wasn't necessary for Luna to speak up for him. "What's my sentence to be?" he asked the Minister quietly, knowing the man had already made up his mind. Would it be two years? Five years?
"Six months," Shacklebolt said.
Draco felt his throat clench shut and drop into his stomach. Six months. Six months in Azkaban surrounded by dementors. That might not even be the worst of it though. Several Deatheaters already behind the walls of Azkaban knew of his family's sudden switch to the other side. They'd be out for his blood.
He swallowed nervously. Six months. Perhaps he could request a solitary cell and never come out. That might not be so bad. Six months. His brain kept repeating the number, trying to assure himself that it wasn't so bad. His stupid heart was not in agreement, reminding him that he'd never get the chance to see Luna's final words become a reality.
"I really hope you get the chance to see our baby born with me."
She'd be due right about that time if not before. He entertained the idea briefly as to whether or not she could keep her legs crossed an extra week or two to allow him time for his release from prison to see the baby being born.
"Six months service in the Ministry War Rebuild Effort," Shacklebolt's words penetrated Draco's consciousness and he lifted shocked grey eyes to meet Shacklebolt's brown ones.
"I think with most of the charges against you being dismissed, the mis-use of Magic in front of Muggles automatically volunteers you for community services towards your fellow wizard and witches," Shacklebolt continued on. "Six months service with the War Rebuild office may do you a bit of good Mr. Malfoy. You'll be able to see how the choices you made affected the lives of your peers."
"Are you serious?" Draco didn't dare to hope, thinking perhaps the Minister was pulling one over on him.
"I don't joke about things like this," Shacklebolt assured him. "You've been through enough. I only hope that you will consider that your actions have consequences Mr. Malfoy. You're old enough to begin making decisions on your own, but young enough to still change. It is time you see the world beyond your parent's influence. I hope you will use your time in service wisely to begin to see the world around you as it is, not as you've been told it is."
He was free. Draco vaguely heard Shacklebolt spouting things about how he needed to keep care for his fellow wizard and witches, but his mind was occupied by the thought that he was not going to Azkaban. Excitement blossomed in his chest, the knowledge of his freedom sending an urge into his legs, making him to want to yell and celebrate his victory.
He shot to his feet, nearly startling Shacklebolt who had been speaking. "Sit down Mr. Malfoy, I'm not done yet," Shacklebolt said to him with a stern, warning glance.
Draco had to squash his temporary victory as he sat back down in the chair again. Shacklebolt was not finished at all as he said to Draco, "You'll report to the rebuild office first thing tomorrow morning." Shacklebolt went over the terms of Draco's service including the rules he'd have to follow to fulfill his community service sentence.
"Now I realize you'll need time off to fulfill your new family obligations," Shacklebolt informed him, "If Miss Lovegood wishes your attendance to her doctor's appointments and I gather from her last words to you that she might, you'll be allowed time off from your service to participate in those visits. Also if you choose to seek counseling about this incident, we'll work around that in your schedule as well."
Draco nonchalantly nodded his head at Shacklebolt, but he still wanted to celebrate his freedom, his feet itching to leave the Minister's office and apparate home to give his mother and father the news. His mum was going to be extremely happy. He didn't know what his father's reaction would be.
"Don't waste this opportunity Mr. Malfoy," The Minister was still speaking and Draco heard the earnest tone underly in his voice. "You've got the chance to make yourself a better man than the boy you have been these past few years. Get new friends - I suggest starting with Miss Lovegood who may be a good influence on you - but most of all," Shacklebolt paused and then tilted his head at Draco saying, "Try to get a new perspective. Our world is changing Draco Malfoy and you have the opportunity to change with it."
Draco's nose had wrinkled up at Shacklebolt's suggestion of having Luna as a friend. Shacklebolt noticed his look and said, "Do not reject the idea so quickly Mr. Malfoy. You both need to heal and having gone through this ordeal together, she may be of great help to you, and you to her. At the very least you need to come to friendly terms since you will share a child together."
Draco snorted. Yes, he may have to come to friendly terms with her, but the idea of being friends with Luna Lovegood was ludicrous. She may present a pretty picture all cleaned up, her scent may remind him of summer honeysuckle blowing in the late summer breeze and he may have found himself thinking about her more than he ought the last month or two; but, they could never be friends.
He wanted more than that.
The thought completely startled him, coming out of left field the way it did latching into Draco's thoughts. It wound its way through his emotions, calming his heart at the recognition of this truth, while his brain struggled to empty the idea out. His conscious was in agreement with his heart, making that ridiculous warm, joyous feeling blossom all over him again. It was maddening the way he was feeling about Luna Lovegood. She was making him certifiably looney as well.
"You may go now," Shacklebolt said, oblivious to the conflict between Draco's mind and heart in front of him. Draco stood to his feet and Shacklebolt reminded, "Tomorrow 8am sharp you must present yourself to Dugald Caxton for your assignment."
"I will send a note to level two to have your wand released back into your possession," the minister said as Draco opened the door to exit his office.
-HP-
Draco stepped out of the office and spotted Potty-mouth, Weaslette and Luna all sitting in chairs diagonal to the office door. He paid no attention to Harry or Ginny, his focus on Luna whose large grey eyes were unreadable as he approached her. She stood up from her chair and he paused two feet from her, suddenly not sure how to say the words he had to say to her.
He had every intention of scolding her, slandering insults upon her personage for the way she had spoken about him to the minister. He opened his mouth to speak, then shut it, giving her his best glare. She looked slightly wary but he could see she had a note of worry in her eyes underneath the caution. In a very strange way it reminded him of his mother and how she worried for him. No one ever worried about him except for her.
There was that damn niggling feeling of joy again. His glare softened into a long stare without him knowing it until he was lost, gazing into her dark grey eyes. When he finally realized he'd been standing like an idiot for nearly a good minute, he shook himself mentally and opened his mouth.
"You didn't have to say what you did. I didn't need you to speak to Shacklebolt for me." The words left his mouth before he could think it through and say a proper thank you like he meant. He hoped it didn't sound as harsh as he thought it did, not used to feeling any sort of gratitude to someone like Luna. It must have been rougher than he thought though because Potter and Weasley stood up together, both looking very defensive of their friend.
"I know," Luna agreed in her soft voice, speaking up before Harry or Ginny could. "I wanted to." She seemed oblivious to his rough words, instead asking, "Are you going to Azkaban?"
She peered up at him through her pale lashes. As Draco looked her over, he found himself consciously aware of her more than he had ever been. The minister's words kept running through his head. "She may be of great help to you, and you to her."
He'd never had anyone that wasn't his family speak out and worry for him before. Could they start off as friends? This situation with Luna was completely unfamiliar and he wasn't sure how to handle it. "At the very least you need to come to friendly terms since you will share a child together."
For the baby he told himself. Yes, he could do it. But first he had to answer her question and let her know he was going to be there. He took two steps forward and then said. "No."
Did he imagine it or did her shoulders slump slightly in relief? He told himself he must have imagined it.
Or maybe not, because she suddenly cast a smile at him that did things to his heart rate he wasn't sure he liked. "That's good," she smiled widely at him seeming as pleased he had been at his release.
He'd been inching towards her, he didn't know when his feet had decided to move on their own, but suddenly an arm thrust itself between him and Luna, causing her to step backwards. Harry slipped between Draco and Luna, putting himself bodily between them. "Aren't you lucky then? Running home to tell your father?" There was no mistaking the biting, sarcastic anger behind Harry's questions.
"I was talking to Luna not you Potter so stay out of my way!" Draco went toe to toe with Harry, standing his ground against the Auror-in-training.
"You'll have nothing to do with her after what your family has done!" Harry snarled back at him, palming his wand.
"She's carrying my child Potter, so she has part of my family right now!" Draco retorted, ready to bear his own fists if necessary against Harry's wand.
"Harry!" Ginny seized his wand arm holding it down before he could lift it at Draco. "Stop this now both of you!"
"Yes," Luna agreed in a mild tone from behind Harry. She stepped forward to his left and laid her hand on his other arm looking him straight into his bright green eyes. "You have to stop being angry at Draco, Harry. Anger and hatred will only pull you down the same path as Voldemort." Her eyes flicked up to his lightning shaped scar on his forehead. "His curse has been gone for months Harry, don't let his ghost remain behind."
Draco watched as Potter gave Luna a very shocked expression at her words. She remained impassive as if she'd not said anything of importance but the impression her words managed to make on Harry Potter left no doubt in Draco's mind at a question he had about her. The Ravenclaw was extremely intuitive, damn it. Perhaps she belonged in Ravenclaw after all.
"I don't see how you can be so forgiving Luna!" Harry's shock wore off at the reminder of his link to Voldemort and he glared once more at Draco who returned the look with equal force.
Luna pressed her lips together at Harry's words, closing her eyes for a moment. Draco glanced at her and noticed that she was pale, her brows drawn together and he directed his question at her asking, "Are you alright?"
She opened her eyes and nodded her head. Turning once more to Harry she said, "I know you're upset for me Harry, but you have to stop." She glanced behind him at Ginny who was giving Luna a pained expression. "This isn't your fault," Luna told him looking back at Potter.
"I should have gotten you sooner," Harry said, his voice full of regret and sorrow as he spoke to Luna. Draco became uncomfortably aware that a lump was growing in his throat, feeling a bit of pity for Potter. He squelched it down with a reminder that this was his childhood enemy.
"I said this isn't your fault Harry. It never has been. And besides, we can't change the past," Luna's voice was firm and reminded Draco of Shacklebolt as she added, "But we can change the future."
Luna curled her hand over her stomach saying, "I'm going to have this baby Harry. Draco is the father and will be part of its life. I hope my best friends can understand that." She included Ginny in the gaze she sent Potter and his girlfriend.
Harry still had that wounded, puppy-eyed, sorrow look to his eyes as he regarded Luna. Draco backed off from Harry, slightly fearing that the Lost Boy would continue to incite that hint of pity he felt inside him. Potter looked utterly dejected and hopeless. Draco should be laughing and jeering at him in his pain, but somehow he couldn't bring it forth at that moment.
"I wanted to speak to you Luna," Draco shuddered mentally at the thought he'd have any emotion like pity for Potter, choosing to focus on the petite blonde girl instead. He wanted to let her know about the community service, but didn't want to share the information in front of Potter and Weaslette. He also wanted to have a private word with her about the baby He jerked his thumb sideways, his words directed towards Luna. "Alone if you will."
"Alright Draco," Luna nodded at him.
"Luna don't." Harry made a move to stop her and she shook her head at him
"I'll be fine Harry. I have my wand..oh where is it.." She looked up both sleeves before pulling out a white elm wand and tucking it behind her ear with a, "Here it is."
Draco stared at the wand tip sticking far out over Luna's head. Who did that? Who carried their wand like that?
There was only one answer. Luna Lovegood did.
"See? I'll be safe," Luna told Harry. "I'll just be down the hall where you can still see me." She turned towards Draco and caught the look he was giving Harry.
Draco couldn't help the smirk that crossed his lips as he stepped away down the hall. It was aimed at Harry, knowing it would irk the Boy Who Lived even more than he had a slight victory over him, getting Luna alone. His smirk didn't last long though as Luna turned and quirked her brow at him before shaking her head. She followed behind him down the hallway.
Once they were out of hearing distance of Harry and Ginny, but still within sight of them, he stopped and turned on his heel. Luna came up short in front of him and he found himself looking down at her once again.
"What did you need to speak to me about Draco?"
-HP-
Kat's Notes: So it was very hard not to make Luna sound like Yoda. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to fear. Fear leads to the dark side of the force. I think Yoda would have been in Ravenclaw maybe. Or perhaps Gryffindor!
If you perchance read my story "Take My Hand" that was previously a one-shot it has been updated and will now be a series of Luna/Neville drabbles. Please drop by and give it a look! Chapter 2&3 are up!
Also I was recently watching Bryan Adam's video on youtube "Everything I do, I do it for you" from Robin Hood Prince of Thieves. Everyone's favorite double agent Severus Snape aka Alan Rickman played the Sheriff of Nottingham and there's a scene where he's wearing robes and a mask! I was totally like "Aha! He was a Deatheater before he knew he was a Deatheater!" It was a funny thought to say the least. XD Or maybe everyone else already knew this and I was the last to pick up on it.
Next Up: Final Chapter! Then I'm going to start the next part of their lives in a new story! I will let all my loyal reviewers know by private message when I start the new story! So if you haven't reviewed before, now is the time to leave me one so I can pm you once I start the new story!