A/N: This oneshot was written for the Harry/Luna April Fools Collection on Sal-Tal Studios discord. Check out the other submissions by looking in the FFN community or the AO3 collection. Please feel free to join using this link: discord. gg / hq5ZvYYMA7 (remove the spaces).

Special thanks to Moose (aka Salient91) and The Homie (aka Taliesin19) for providing a lovely little space on the internet for us to enjoy. Their writing is fine as well, I guess.

Thank you to Nauze for prying himself away from his Scrabble game and graciously betaing this work.

Monday

As Harry shuffled out of #12 Grimmauld, he felt slightly out of sorts. Normally, he would have been midway through his workday as an Auror, but today he'd had a bit of a lie in, and then pretended to read the Prophet before enjoying a leisurely lunchtime meal.

Today was the first day of his departmentally mandated holiday, and the bright July sun, coupled with his promise to Hermione not to sit around his massive house all week, found him heading into the belly of the beast: Muggle London.

Once he'd told Hermione about his week off, she'd set about encouraging him to take full advantage; to expand his horizons beyond the block or two surrounding Grimmauld. Given his celebrity, her initial suggestion to explore various magical areas around Europe had been quickly dismissed. Despite it being several years since their defeat of Voldemort, he was still greeted by blatant and unabashed staring at the Ministry each and every day at work. And while he'd grown used to it, being subjected to an entire batch of new people gawping at him while he was meant to be relaxing sounded like a horrible idea.

But Hermione, being Hermione, had not given up, and had presented him with a dossier of various Muggle areas in London as an alternative. The Tower Bridge, Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park, various museums…lots and lots of museums, had been curated and outlined in excruciating, Hermionian detail. Having not been able to manage a proper excuse, and realizing how pathetic it would be to sit in his house all week, he agreed to her plan. Harry chuckled to himself, remembering the startled expression on Hermione's face when he'd say okay.

In truth, it wasn't a bad idea. Over the last few years, he'd found himself settling into a disturbingly comfortable routine: Spend weekdays and occasional nights hunting the wizard bad guys, Monday evening at the local pub with Ron, Thursday supper with Andi and Teddy, then Sunday supper at the Weasleys. It was a thoroughly welcome, pleasant routine.

When he'd begun his position in the Auror department, he'd been frequently invited to join his colleagues after work for a few pints, but had always declined, not wanting to be stared at all night. At some point, having been turned down for weeks on end, the invitations had ceased. He'd become very good at enjoying his own company, so much so that everyone, save Hermione, Ron, Andi, and Mrs. Weasley, left him to his own devices. Between the family suppers, his twice-weekly lunches at the Ministry with Hermione, and his Monday evening with Ron at The Whistling Parrot, he'd kept the important people satisfied that he hadn't shut himself away from society entirely.

Deciding that a few hours meandering around Hyde Park didn't seem like an awful way to spend a few afternoon hours, Harry began his trek north. The thirty-minute walk was perfect: He could have a nice stroll…sit on a park bench or two…then head back to the pub to meet Ron. He'd more than likely spend the rest of the week sleeping in and watching muggle telly, but at least he'd have plausible deniability when Hermione asked him if he'd made an effort.

He'd barely made it two blocks before he came upon something quite unexpected: Luna Lovegood was crossing the street, wearing a very conservative, very muggle, business suit, seemingly oblivious to the honking car horns and shouted expletives directed at her for crossing on a green light.

Intrigued at her outfit and slightly fearful for her life due to her ignorance, or disregard, of common muggle traffic laws, Harry took off in a jog, catching up with her just before she was set to anger a new set of motorists.

"Luna!" he called, causing the girl to pause moments before stepping into oncoming traffic once again.

"Oh, hello Harry," she replied, thoroughly nonplussed. If he didn't know better, he would think she'd been expecting him to be there.

"Uh, hi," he managed, any aggravation at her carelessness squashed down at seeing his friend again. Aside from the annual memorial celebration and Ginny's wedding last year, he couldn't recall the last time he had seen her.

He grabbed her elbow and gently pulled her back from the curb. "You need to watch where you're going around here. Muggles are an impatient lot and you might get hurt."

Luna smiled. "So they're like most witches and wizards, then."

As he pondered the bustling chaos of a typical day at the Ministry, he realized she had a point. "True, but magical folks aren't rolling around in two thousand pound metal boxes. You have to be careful."

"Protection charms then," Luna concluded.

"Sure, but also maybe look both ways before crossing the street. Best not to need the protective charms."

"Smart," Luna replied with an affirming nod.

She continued staring at him and Harry blurted out the first thing he could think of to fill the awkward silence. "That's an interesting outfit you've got on."

She smiled. "I mentioned to a friend of mine that I would be in muggle London, and they gave me a bit of help. What do you think?" Luna asked as she did a delicate twirl.

He thought about the question and answered honestly. "You look nice, but it feels a bit off."

Luna frowned at his response. "I quite like it." He quickly clarified.

"I like the way you normally dress…this just doesn't look like something you would wear."

Her frown deepened. "Do you mean radish earrings and cork necklaces?"

"Yes? No? I don't know." He was really mucking this up. Luna's frown disappeared but she continued staring…waiting for him to clarify.

"You look like you're on the way to sit behind a desk and shuffle paperwork all afternoon. I just can't fathom you doing such a thing."

Apparently, that answer was a big improvement on his prior efforts, as a ghost of a smile formed on his friend's face.

"So…if you didn't know me…would you think I looked nice?"

The answer she wanted to hear was obvious, and as a bonus, it was the truth. "I think you look very pretty. I'm sure you have definitely turned a few heads…and not just because you seem to be ignoring all muggle traffic laws."

Her smile returned and Harry realized this was the perfect time for a change of subject before he stepped in it once again. "What are you doing here?"

"I'm on an expedition of sorts," she answered as if it were obvious.

He fought the urge to grin. "What are you looking for?

"A very elusive creature," she continued. "They are magical but are believed to spend most of their time hiding in the muggle world."

"Hmm…" Harry commented, wondering if this elusive creature was real or imaginary. From his experience with Luna, he put the odds at 50/50. "So sort of like a Niffler?" he asked.

"Exactly," Luna replied as her brow furrowed. "But unlike a Niffler, I'm not sure how to attract them."

"So you've decided to just wander around and hope you spot them? That explains why you seem to be unaware of all the cars."

"Something like that," she concurred. "What are you doing here?"

"I'm on holiday this week and Hermione was worried I'd sit at home, so she gave me a list of things to do around London. I was headed to Hyde Park."

"What's a Hyde Park?" Luna asked.

Harry's brain froze at how to properly explain before realizing he had a virtual encyclopedia in his pocket. He pulled out Hermione's dossier and began reading verbatim.

"A peaceful oasis in the heart of Muggle London, Hyde Park is the perfect place to take a stroll, sit on a park bench, and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature and humanity amidst the hustle and bustle of the city. Highlights include-"

"Do they have swings?" Luna interrupted. "Mother and Daddy used to take me to a local park and let me swing when I was younger."

Harry laughed as an image of Luna, dressed in her muggle business suit, hair in a tight bun and heels, kicking herself higher and higher, consumed his thoughts.

"I have no idea," he replied. "Would you like to come with me and find out?"

Luna's eyes instantly brightened. "Ooh yes!" she enthused, "a peaceful oasis amidst the hustle and bustle of the city sounds nice."

"Cool," Harry replied, eyeing Hermione's interactive directory to get his bearings once again. "It looks to be about three blocks from here. Just do me a favor and don't cross the street until I say it's safe."

"Okay," she replied with a smile.

As they strolled to Hyde Park, Harry realized how odd they must have looked: He in his ringer shirt, jeans and Chuck Taylor trainers, and Luna looking like a chartered accountant. As they walked, Luna continued to look in every direction but at some point she latched onto his arm, keeping her promise to let him safely lead the way.

As they walked, Luna barraged him with questions about the various shops and their purpose, excited and amazed at his thoroughly mundane answers. Having to explain the Hoover repair shop was a particular highlight, as it led to a million more questions about muggle cleaning equipment and supplies. Harry was enjoying the conversation so much that he'd forgotten about their destination and completely missed the park, which was truly something given its massive size. He nor Luna seemed to mind.

They eventually made it to the park and, as Hermione promised, it really was a peaceful oasis amidst the hustle and bustle of the city. After an hour of strolling, they'd come across a set of swings, and Luna had quickly kicked off her heels and set about her task. While the feeling of the wind in his hair was slightly underwhelming when compared to flying on a broom, Harry found himself enjoying it very much. Given her enthusiasm, Harry had expected Luna to see how high she could go, but instead, she maintained an easy, almost placid, pace, seemingly content at the slow back and forth.

"Mother used to push me so Daddy could swing as well," Luna offered as she stared into space. "She would frighten Daddy at how high she would make me go, but she would always laugh and tell him not to worry. I miss her very much."

"I'm sorry," he muttered.

She looked at him and smiled. "I wish she were still with us but I still have my memories, and they are very nice," she continued.

"It makes me sad that you don't have memories like that," Luna said.

Not for the first time, Harry envied Luna's ability to say whatever was on her mind. "It's fine," he lied. He'd long ago reconciled himself to the knowledge that he'd missed out on myriad potential happy memories as a child, but, despite his words to the contrary, it still didn't make it fine. Not nearly.

Luna's sad smile at his answer told him that she'd sussed through the lie. He thought she was going to vocalize this but instead, she nearly leaped out of her swing and began pushing him. He couldn't help but laugh.

"That really isn't necessary," he said, becoming a bit self-conscious at the attention they were drawing.

"Of course it isn't necessary," Luna replied before grunting and pushing him once again as hard as she could manage, "but that doesn't mean you shouldn't do it."

Before he could offer a rebuttal Luna continued. "You'll go a lot higher if you start kicking your legs out on the way up and tuck them on the way down." Harry did as he was told, and all thoughts of the curious bystanders disappeared. It still paled in comparison to flying, but it was brilliant in its own way.

"That's better, right?" Luna asked as she sent him soaring ever higher. Given her small stature, his actions were the main force behind the heights he was reaching, but that didn't stop her from pushing as hard as she could manage.

"It is," he answered honestly. He reckoned it paled in comparison to what it would have been like as a child with his parents, but he was feeling much better. He ignored the confused laughter from the nearby children and kicked himself higher.

"Good," she answered, "because in a few minutes it's going to be my turn."

"So let me get this straight," Ron asked, taking his eyes off the muggle television and looking at Harry, "You spent your first day off in months swinging in the park with Luna?"

"We didn't just swing. We walked around…fed some ducks…got some ice cream…listened to a rubbish musician for a bit. You know…proper exploring."

"Sounds exciting," Ron replied. Based on his tone and how quickly his attention returned to the football match, he hadn't meant it.

"I never said it was exciting," Harry countered. "Besides, I get enough excitement at work."

"Listen, mate. If you liked it, that's all that matters. I'm just saying it sounds dead boring. And spending an afternoon with Luna would leave my head spinning."

Harry chuckled. "Some people would argue us spending every Monday here, drinking beer and watching muggle football, is boring."

"And anyone who said such a thing would be a proper bell-end," Ron replied as he held his empty glass up, smiling at the bartender's nod of acknowledgment.

"So how is Hermione doing?" Ron asked, trying, and failing, to sound as casual as possible.

Harry fought the urge to roll his eyes. Ron and Hermione were on a break again. At one point in time, Harry had kept count of the number of 'breaks' the pair had been on over the last five years, but he'd lost track long ago.

"Why don't you ask her yourself? I'm assuming you haven't forgotten where her flat is. You should probably let her know you're coming. She's been dating a muggle bloke and it would be awkward if-"

"Are you serious?" Ron interrupted, all attempts at feigning disinterest long forgotten.

Harry tossed a chip at his friend, hitting him squarely in the forehead. "Of course not," Harry replied. "Besides, Hermione would never tell me if she was dating anyone because she knows it would get back to you."

"She's free to date whoever she likes," Ron replied. "We're on a break. And stop changing the subject…we were talking about your boring holiday."

Harry decided not to remind Ron that he had been the one to change the subject, because that would only lead to another conversation about Hermione, and he was tired of talking to Ron about Hermione. He opted instead to fling another chip at Ron's forehead.

"Oi!" Ron grumbled. "Stop wasting the chips."

"Then stop insulting me. Besides, if you think that was boring, you don't want to hear about what I have planned for tomorrow. I'm going to a muggle art museum full of paintings. They don't even move or talk back."

Left unsaid was the fact that Luna had said she might join him once he'd mentioned his plans to her. A museum was just as likely a place as anywhere else for the creature to be hiding, she'd offered.

"Why do you have to suck all the fun out of being Harry Potter's best friend? Can't you provide something exciting that I could sell to Witch Weekly?"

"You'd never do that," Harry replied.

"Course I wouldn't," Ron replied before taking a rather large swig of his fresh pint, "but it would be nice to have the option. Now, how does Offside work again?"

Tuesday

He'd been at the museum for less than an hour but Harry had already concluded that this wasn't nearly as enjoyable an experience as the park. Despite Hermione's insistence that the National Gallery provided a one-of-a-kind insight into muggle history through the eyes of history's greatest artists, Harry had felt the same as he had at the age of ten when his primary class had gone on a similar field trip. The museum they'd visited then was much smaller in size and stature, but both were equally as boring.

The highlight of the day had been purchasing guided tour headphones. He'd thought Luna might refuse, given that she was on the lookout for her magical prey, but she had quickly become fascinated with the muggle technology. Her bright smile made the ten pounds that he'd paid more than worth it.

But even that enjoyment appeared to be temporary, as Luna had slipped off the headphones a few minutes prior and looked to be in no hurry to resume the guided tour.

"A bit boring, isn't it?" he asked after slipping off his own headphones.

Luna gave a slight shake of her head as she continued to gaze at a painting of a mother holding her young son. "It was quite interesting, but I prefer listening to other things."

"Ah, right. You need to listen for your magical creature," he supplied.

She turned her eyes toward him. "I actually was hoping to talk to you. We don't see each other very often and yesterday was very nice."

As the girl continued to scrutinize him, Harry suddenly felt like one of the paintings they had been staring at and felt his face warm. He envied Luna's ability to be so forthright at all times.

"So, you seem to like this one," Harry offered as he pointed to the painting in an effort to change the subject. To his surprise, it actually worked as Luna's gaze turned back to the mother, poised to feed her young son what looked to be some sort of soup as he sat on her lap.

"I think I prefer muggle paintings over magical ones," Luna supplied as she continued her examination.

Harry knew he was meant to be looking at the painting, but his eyes remained glued on his friend. "Why?"

"It's easier to imagine a happy ending," she continued, looking at him once again. "She looks quite sad, and if it were a magical painting she might start crying at any moment. But it's easier to imagine she is just a bit melancholy because her husband isn't home yet. Or maybe she's worried about something trifling…like she put too much salt in the soup. If it were a magical painting I could just keep watching and find out for sure, but this is better."

For the second day in a row, his thoughts turned to his parents…how the painting could have been depicting a scene moments before Voldemort had arrived on that fateful night. A magical painting portraying that scene's ultimate outcome would have been thoroughly depressing. Did that fateful evening eventually have a happy ending? Harry wasn't so sure.

It wasn't sad necessarily, but he couldn't shake the feeling that there was a bit more to be grasped onto before he could be truly happy… but whatever that was remained just out of reach.

He shook off the moment of melancholy he'd allowed himself and pointed to a picture of a medieval execution. A man was shackled into a guillotine with the blade poised to be released at any moment. "What kind of happy ending can you imagine for that one?"

Luna's brow furrowed as she considered the portrait. "Perhaps the man suffered from excruciating neck pain? In mere minutes he'd finally be pain-free."

Harry laughed loud enough to draw the attention of a few people standing nearby.

"Okay, fine," Luna huffed, "perhaps I can't come up with a happy ending for all muggle paintings, but at least we don't have to watch the outcome. The magical version would leave nothing to the imagination."

Harry chuckled, drawing a warm smile from Luna. He grabbed her headphones and handed both pairs off to a gallery employee standing nearby. Luna had the right of it: talking to her was infinitely more enjoyable than that stodgy narration.

"Fancy having a look at the Renaissance exhibit? If Hermione is to believed it's," he glanced at his dossier, "a breathtaking representation of a watershed period for art."

Wednesday

He surveyed the rather non-descript building and smiled to himself. He'd been meaning to come here since his departing conversation with his Aunt Petunia but had never worked up the nerve until now. This particular location hadn't been on Hermione's list, but given the large number of tourists milling about, he wasn't alone in making the trek.

"I don't get it," his companion asked, thoroughly unimpressed at what she was seeing. Apparently, this mysterious, unnamed creature had been known to hang out in Westminster, because Luna had readily agreed to join him on his adventures once again.

"It's a recording studio where a famous muggle group came up with most of their songs." He handed over the picture he'd been carrying in his pocket.

"My mum was a big fan when she was young, before Hogwarts. She forced her parents to come here and get her picture taken crossing the road. She's the one with the red hair."

"Who is the other girl?"

"My Aunt Petunia. I grew up with her and her husband. She hated magic and wasn't very kind to me growing up. A week or two after the war was finished, I went back to fetch a few things I'd left behind. Before I left she gave me a box of my mum's things. She said that picture was taken a week before Mum got her Hogwarts letter."

"They both look so happy," Luna commented.

"It was the last good day they had together, before magic ruined everything, according to my aunt."

At Luna's questioning gaze he continued.

"My aunt hated that she wasn't magical and took out her frustrations on my mum, and then on me," he supplied.

Luna looked furious on his behalf but thankfully kept her thoughts to herself.

He watched a father and daughter smiling and striking a similar pose to his mother and aunt while what he presumed was the man's wife took their picture. His heart clenched, wishing he'd had such a memory with his mother…or maybe a younger brother or sister. He felt his eyes moisten and felt like an idiot, hoping that Luna hadn't noticed. Perhaps coming here was a mistake.

"Is that a common muggle tradition? To take pictures of each other crossing a road?" she asked, frowning at the thought. "Without protection charms that doesn't seem very smart."

"No," he advised with a chuckle, "there is a famous picture of the group crossing there. People come and get a picture of themselves recreating the same pose."

"So they relive the magic?"

"That's a good way of putting it," he replied.

"Oooh, did you bring a camera? I can take your picture. I'll even cast some protective charms just in case!" Luna enthused.

"That's all right," he answered. "I didn't bring a camera."

"I bet that souvenir shop we passed sells them," Luna offered as she grabbed his hand and pulled him toward the shop. "It will be my treat…I've always wanted a muggle camera."

"No," he responded, pulling on her hand to stop her progress. "I don't think I'm up for that."

Harry felt inordinately stupid for admitting such a thing and wondered if Luna's emotional honesty was rubbing off on him.

Luna gave him a knowing smile and squeezed his hand. "Another time then," she supplied.

As he gazed at he thought about Hyde Park and Luna's memories of her mum pushing her on the swings. There was one thing he'd wanted to do since his aunt had shared the picture, but for reasons he couldn't quite explain, he'd stubbornly pushed back on the urge. He felt his irrational resistance fading away.

"Would you cross it with me?"

"Of course!" she replied, pulling him toward the crosswalk. "But only on a red light. It's important to follow muggle traffic laws."

"I'm so proud of you!" Hermione enthused that evening as she dug into the Chinese takeaway Harry had brought over for supper.

"Don't you think putting tracking charms on your itinerary was a bit much?" Harry asked.

"And you spent four hours at the National Gallery! I didn't expect you to even go there, let alone make it past an hour!" she continued, ignoring his question entirely.

"I knew you'd be pleased, Mum," Harry continued. Hermione was too excited to be bothered by his sarcasm.

"What was your favorite?" she asked.

"Favorite what?"

"Favorite portrait! There are so many great pieces to choose from!"

Harry had the distinct impression that his friend had been waiting years to have such an intellectual conversation with him or Ron. He felt bad for how non-intellectual his answer was.

"There was one with a mother and son," he supplied.

Hermione stopped eating. "And?" she prompted.

He should have known that wouldn't be enough.

"And...I have no idea."

Hermione frowned and waited. He clearly needed to do better.

"I don't know…the woman looked a bit sad…but there was a bit of hopefulness as well…like she was carrying on for her family's sake."

Apparently, he had sufficiently impressed Hermione as she now didn't look annoyed or frustrated. The only problem was his 'analysis' had apparently intrigued her enough that she was waiting for more. She'd put down her chopsticks and given him her full attention. Time to make up some more bullshit.

"So although it was sad on the surface, her happy ending was just around the corner. Like she would carry on through this rough patch, get her son fed and into bed, and tomorrow would be better."

Hermione sat back in her chair and considered him. "Wow," she finally managed. "That's lovely. I'm actually impressed."

"No need to sound so surprised," he responded in annoyance, "I've been known to say intelligent things from time to time. Besides, it was Luna who came up with most of it."

For some reason, Hermione suddenly looked very pleased.

"That's the fourth time you've mentioned Luna. Is there something you're not telling me?"

"What?"

His question only made her smile more. She did her best to hide it by taking a bite of her food, but he saw it. Time for a change in topic.

"Ron asked about you."

He saw the familiar brief flash of interest before Hermione schooled her face and turned her attention back to her food.

"Instead of asking about me he should be apologizing to me," she muttered.

"What did he do wrong this time?" he asked.

"Ron knows," she supplied

"I honestly don't think he does," Harry replied.

"Well until he does, I have nothing to say to him."

"Anyway," Harry continued, "is Luna still seeing Rolf Scamander?"

That goddamn pleased look was back. "She ended it a few months ago. Apparently, she's holding a torch for someone else."

"Who?" Harry blurted.

"That seems like a question you should be asking her."

Thursday

Harry had decided to go full-on tourist and sign up for one of the red double-decker bus tours throughout London. Luna had accompanied him again, but as the day had proceeded, her mood seemed to progressively dim. When they went their separate ways at the end of their adventure, Harry hadn't worked up the nerve to ask her about that torch Hermione had mentioned, or anything substantial for that matter. His heart sank a bit when Luna informed him that she wouldn't be joining him tomorrow…that she had to work and would be calling off her expedition temporarily.

"Your godfather is an idiot, Teddy," Andromeda Tonks muttered in annoyance after he had regaled him with his adventurers thus far in the week.

"Hey!" Harry protested, ignoring the giggles of his godson. Before he could ask for clarification, Andi held up a hand, signalling for him to remain quiet.

"By all accounts, it sounds like you had several lovely days with this Miss Lovegood. Nod your head if this is correct."

Harry nodded dumbly, drawing another round of giggles from Teddy.

"And apparently she became disheartened as your day came to a close today, knowing she wouldn't be able to see you tomorrow."

"That could just be a –"

"No need to speak," she interrupted. "A nod will suffice."

Harry nodded again, throwing his napkin at Teddy in an attempt to stop the giggling. It didn't work.

"And according to Hermione, she has her eye on someone in particular."

Harry frowned and folded his arms. "May I say something now?"

He waited for Andi's amused nod before speaking.

"I get what you're saying," Harry mumbled, "but I'm sure she was talking about some other bloke. She's just a friend."

Andi's expression softened as she reached across the table and grabbed his hand. "If you had told me you'd leave your house for four consecutive days, for reasons besides eating, work, or Teddy, I'd have checked to see if you'd been Confunded. But this Miss Lovegood seems to have sparked something in you. Nod your head if you agree."

Harry nodded.

"Then you should tell her."

"You make it sound so easy," he mumbled.

Andi turned toward her grandson. "Teddy, do you have a girlfriend?"

"Victoire!" he exclaimed.

"And how did you convince her to be your girlfriend?"

Teddy shrugged. "I told her I liked her."

This was a stupid conversation. He wasn't going to take romantic advice from his five-year-old godson and he certainly wasn't going to risk being rejected.

"I haven't even touched on the reason you're an idiot by the way," Andi offered. Teddy, who had become bored with the conversation and had begun playing with his mashed potatoes, perked up once again at the 'I' word being repeated.

"What were the traits of this magical creature Miss Lovegood was searching for?" Andi asked. Apparently, it was meant to be rhetorical because she began supplying the answer.

"Something magical…something that hides in the muggle world…something that Luna is interested in…something she was looking for two blocks away from your Fidelius protected house…during the first week you've had off work in ages."

Suddenly it was obvious.

"I'm the magical creature Luna was trying to find," he mumbled.

Andi nodded; satisfied that he'd finally sorted it out.

"I am such an idiot."

"A big one," Andi replied, sending her grandson into howls of laughter once again.

"The question is, what are you going to do about it?"

"I'm going to tell her I like her," he answered. It really was that simple.

His excitement was short-lived as he realized a fundamental flaw in his plan. "I have no idea where she lives," he lamented.

At his words Andi assumed the look again. The I can't believe Harry is such an idiot look.

"You said that Luna was dressed as an uptight muggle the first day you encountered her, yes?"

Harry nodded.

"And she'd received advice from a friend on how to dress?"

Harry nodded again.

"Would you happen to know any slightly uptight muggle-borns, who in addition to being slightly uptight, also shared information on Luna's love life?"

He must have looked a particular shade of stupid as he realized that Hermione had been practically shouting to him that Luna was interested the night prior.

"I have to go," he mumbled as he stood to apparate.

Andi smiled. "Good boy. Say goodbye to Harry, Teddy."

"Goodbye, idiot!"

Harry apparated to the alley next to Hermione's flat and quickly made his way to the second floor. His knock on the door was followed by a thump and muttered words he couldn't quite make out. After a slightly longer time than normal, Hermione answered the door.

She was a mess. Her face was flushed, her hair was even more untamed than usual, and while her blouse was technically buttoned, the alignment was slightly off.

"I need to know Luna's address," he blurted.

"You finally sorted it out!" she said.

"Thanks to Andi, yeah. And I want to talk to Luna before I lose my-"

His speech was interrupted as a piece of paper was thrust into his hand.

"Did you have her address already written out in case I stopped by?"

"You were supposed to ask last night!" Hermione replied.

"Right," Harry said, anxious to get away before someone else called him an idiot.

"Good luck," a voice that sounded suspiciously like Ron called out from behind the door. He grinned and raised an eyebrow.

"He remembered what he did wrong and apologized," Hermione supplied. "Now stop being an idiot and go ask Luna out on a proper date."

He'd been so close to avoiding being called an idiot again.

Before he knew it, he was standing in front of Luna's flat. He wasn't intimately familiar with the area of Hogsmeade where she lived and had to walk several blocks after apparating nearby. He'd been subjected to multiple stares and barely concealed whispering during his five-minute walk but he supposed he needed to get used to it. If everything went as planned in the next few minutes he would be spending much more time in Hogsmeade going forward.

He gave the door three quick knocks and took a breath.

"Harry?" she greeted him, a mix of confusion and hope in her voice.

"I fancy you," he blurted, ignoring the fact that he'd essentially followed his five-year-old godson's advice almost verbatim.

Luna giggled. "I fancy you too," she replied, and Harry's heart soared.

"I know you have to work tomorrow, and I'm babysitting my godson tomorrow night, but would you be interested in going on a double date on Saturday?"

"I would love that. Ron and Hermione?"

"Absolutely not. If I have my way I will never be within five miles of one of their dates. I'm planning on taking my five-year-old godson and his friend, who happens to be a girl, to an amusement park."

"It's a date," Luna replied. "Would you…like to come in for a bit?"

Several parts of his body were practically screaming at him to say yes but, because he was an idiot, he ignored them.

"That's all right. It's late and you have work tomorrow," he replied, like the idiot he was.

Those persistent body parts exulted at the expression on Luna's face. Harry had never seen her look so…predatory.

"Do you know the best part about being known as an unfailingly honest person, Harry?" she said in a near whisper, reaching for his hand and pulling him inside.

Harry gulped as Seamus Finnigan's musings about the quiet ones reverberated in his brain. "I have no idea."

"It makes it very easy to lie about being sick, skive off work, and stay in bed all day."

A/N: Special acknowledgement to AppoApples for coining the word "Hermionian" in their excellent new fic Twice Dead and Thrice Deflected (which I've borrowed for this story). Highly recommend.