Disclaimer: Everything (characters, settings...just everything) belongs to and was created by the wonderful J.K. Rowling. Not me.

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CHAPTER THREE: LIGHT BULBS

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"What time was this?" Tonks asked Remus, giving him a quick affectionate rub on the arm.

"It must've been at around three in the morning, Tonks. You all went to bed at 11... she must've spent four so hours trying to sleep, but how could anyone sleep after their only remaining parent has just died?"

"Must be terrible for her," Tonks sighed. "It's good you were there to cheer her up, though."

"That's one of the things that upsets me the most though – I didn't cheer her up. It's practically impossible with what she's going through. I wish I could take some of her pain away," Remus confessed.

"Shh, Remus. I know it's difficult for you because you've lost a lot of people you love – James and Sirius to name just two - but you have to just accept that all we can do is offer her comfort when she needs it. There's not much else we can give her. We can't bring her father or mother back," Tonks soothed.

"I can't even offer her comfort at the moment," Remus replied. "Full moon soon. I'll be gone for a little while. Not feeling up to much at the moment."

"Well I'll be there for her," Tonks promised.

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"Luna," Tonks started, "How's things?"

"Oh, you know," Luna muttered, "Things are good. They've selected a new editor for The Quibbler now."

"I'm sure they won't be nearly as good as your father," Tonks remarked. "I'm a fan of The Quibbler."

"Really?" Luna gawked at Tonks. "I thought everyone thought it was nonsense!"

"I don't," Tonks laughed. "How would you like to go for a walk in the park today? Just me and you?"

Luna's eyes glazed over for a second but eventually she whispered, "Yes. That would be wonderful."

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"She's not even wearing her bottle cap necklace," Harry pointed out. "Of course she isn't okay."

"Maybe she just realised how stupid it was, Harry," Ron snorted.

"Ron, that's not nice!" Ginny scolded.

"Luna used to have an air of ethereality about her I believe," Hermione mentioned. "Now, she seems different."

"I agree!" Harry decided.

"She's sort of like a light bulb which has lost its light," Ron speculated in a desperate attempt to sound impressive.

"For once Ron, you're right," Ginny groaned. "Where is Luna, anyway?"

"She's gone to the park with Tonks, apparently," Harry answered.

"Could've asked us to come," Ron huffed, folding his arms.

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"What was your mum's name?" Tonks enquired as she strolled along the pavement arm-in-arm with Luna.

"Selene," Luna replied. "After the Greek moon goddess."

"Ah...and that's why she called you Luna?" Tonks questioned.

"Yes," Luna said simply.

"Do you mind me asking how she died?" Tonks ventured to ask.

"It's fine," Luna sighed. "One of her experiments went wrong."

Tonks gasped. "Must've been awful," she sympathised. "My mum died too. Death Eaters. She was a good witch though, my mum."

"Tonks, can I ask you something?" Luna mumbled.

"Sure."

"Do you think I'm ridiculous?" Luna blushed slightly.

"No!" Tonks insisted as they reached the park. "Why do you ask?"

"Well, people call me Loony Luna at school. Sometimes, they steal my stuff too. Dad always used to reassure me that it'd all be okay, but now that he's gone, I feel alone. And I feel ridiculous," Luna confessed, taking a seat on a bench.

"Luna, the people who call you Loony Luna aren't worth noticing. They are probably just insecure about themselves and take it out on other people. Anyone who gets kicks out of belittling others are ridiculous, Luna. You aren't. People used to think I was weird at school. You have to learn to be confident about yourself. It's a gift, Luna, being different from the crowd. And your dad is always going to be with you," Tonks assured Luna kindly.

"Thank you Tonks," Luna responded, giggling slightly. Tonks had just changed her nose to one frightening similar to Professor Snape's.

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Lunafan: Yup, it's not Remus/Luna. I've always maintained that Remus wouldn't be interested in little girls in that way, lol. He's much too decent and wonderful. I do love him! His love for Luna (when it arrives entirely!) will be entirely platonic. Thanks for reading; I'm glad you like it!

Potterlovegood: Yes, poor Luna :( I feel terrible doing this to her! She's such a charming character. Glad you like the story so far, and thanks for your review :)