Disclaimer: I own nothing but the plot.

A/N: WARNING: This chapter is really, really, really, really short, even by my standards. But I'm making up for it by posting another one with it. Please don't hate me, I'm giving you a double dose. Enjoy.

Six chapters left…


Chapter 14: Preparations

Harry swallowed hard and stood up. He noticed Dumbledore waiting for him and waved the old man on. He wanted a few more minutes. Dumbledore nodded and quickly returned to the battle. Harry turned to the rest of the group and took a deep breath.

"Well," he said slowly, "this is it."

"The big one," Ron jumped in, smiling slightly as they remembered Oliver Wood's pep talks before Quidditch matches.

"The one we've all been waiting for," the entire DA chorused together. They had heard stories about the crazed maniac Oliver Wood, and they as well as the Gryffindor Quidditch team knew the words by heart.

Draco stood up. "You're not going out there alone, Potter," he said. Harry shook his head.

"I have to," he protested. "It's in the prophecy."

"No it's not," Hermione said suddenly. "It only says that you have to kill him. It doesn't say you can't have help. He certainly will." As she spoke, several other people stood up as well. Harry looked around, knowing he was defeated. He sighed.

"All right," he said. "Just everyone be careful. Move out." The DA—every last member—trudged out of the Hall, wands raised and ready for battle. Harry considered telling Ron to stay put, that he wasn't strong enough to fight, but one look at his best friend's face made him shut his mouth. Instead, he grabbed Luna as she passed him. She turned around.

"Harry?" she inquired. Harry took another deep breath.

"Luna," he began. "I want to tell you something. Just…thank you, for being there for me, and being my friend when no one else would. But…I think it's blossomed into more than just a friendship. I guess what I'm trying to say is…Luna, I love you." Harry paused, waiting for her reaction. To his surprise, her misty blue-grey eyes filled with tears.

"Oh, Harry," she said softly. "I love you too." Harry smiled and leaned down toward her.

As their lips met, Harry felt the tiniest spark pass between them, and somehow, he knew that it was their magic connecting. He had read books about that happening when two people truly loved each other. He moved his tongue over Luna's lips, and she surprised him by parting them slightly. Their tongues met in a fiery dance of passion as the kiss deepened. Harry pulled away, slightly breathless. Luna looked up at him, happiness dancing in her eyes, her face flushed.

"Be careful out there," Harry told her. He cupped her face with his right hand, stroking his thumb gently over her cheek. "For me."

"You too," she replied softly.

Harry kissed her one final time before running out into the rain.


A/N: Wow, that actually turned out better than I thought it would. I am so totally bad at writing love scenes, it's not even funny. Like I said, short chapter, but another one is right behind this one. So do me a favor, and review this one before moving on to the next one.