Chapter Two

Time Wounds the Beholder

"C'mon, I can't go back Luna" Harry said. He had been staying with Luna for a month now and school was to start back up in a week. "Fine, Harry, If that's how you feel then I'm not going either. So stop arguing." Luna yelled at him in fury. She walked to the door and she left with a loud slam behind her. He sat on the bed wondering how he was supposed to understand the many wonders known as women. He looked out into the clear August sky.

He thought of all the summers he had always had. How dreadful it was having to listen to the Dursley's. Then he would remember this summer. Him and Luna at the beach, the park, Diagon Alley, everywhere and anywhere they could enjoy each others company. He wondered how he could leave her but he knew that she had to go back to Hogwart's.

He could hear the sounds of all the little children of the neighbor hood outside so he headed downstairs after Luna to apologize for being such an annoyance. He saw her sitting outside on the bench in the backyard. The wind was blowing soft summer air and it made her hair flow in the wind, making Harry realize once again how beautiful she really was.

"Luna, I love you, but I have to do this and it's not safe for you." he told her as he sat down next to her on the bench. "I know, I just can't bear the thought of being without you." She said and she started to sob small quiet tears. He put his arm around her trying to reassure her that everything was going to be okay. "How about we go to Diagon Alley for the day. You know, to get away from it all." he suggested.

After asking Mr. Lovegood if it was alright they headed to Diagon Alley. Luna insisted that they go to Madame Malkin's first so that was their first stop. While Luna was being fitted for dress robes, since hers were old and dingy, Harry saw Ron and Ginny walk into the store. "Ron, over here" Harry called from the corner he was in. "Hey Mate, what are you doing here. Thought you weren't going back to Hogwart's" Ron replied. "I'm not, I'm here with Luna." Harry said. Luna walked out with a long powder blue dress robe on.

She looked magnificent as all her curves and natural beauty was accentuated by the robes. She walked towards him with Ginny not far behind her. She spun around and took the robe off. She grabbed Harry's hand and before he could say goodbye to Ron they were outside heading towards Blourish and Blott's. Luna bought her schoolbooks hurriedly.

As the got onto the train Harry asked"What's wrong? You haven't talked since we bought your robes." "It's not that" she replied"It's just that well Ginny is mad that you and I are more than just friends. We got into an argument in the store and I just didn't know what to say. Sorry about that" "No, no it's fine I just wanted to make sure you're okay" Harry quickly told her. They sat in silence the entire ride to the block before Luna's home.

Luna looked quietly at Harry as they got off the train and headed to her house. "Why can't you go back?" she asked. "I have too many memories there. Now that Dumbledore is gone, I have to defend myself and defend him." Harry replied quietly as if he was shy to talk. Luna quieted after that. Right before they got on her block she stopped and looked at him.

"Harry, promise me that no matter what happens to you, that you will always be there for Me." she said to him. "Luna, I wouldn't have it any other way" he said looking deeply into her eyes. He put his arm around her waist and pulled her towards him. He kissed her in the silence of the walk, the only sound being the beating of their hearts. They broke apart after a couple long moments then held hands and rounded the corner.

They looked into the sky and saw the one thing they never wanted to see. They saw the Dark Mark over a house. They walked slowly towards the house and saw that it was Luna's home. Luna began to cry sobbingly into his shoulder. He held her in his arms trying to avoid her seeing the mark again.

"He's all I had left" she cried over and over. "You have me" he said. She kept on sobbing hysterically. She clamed down after a while and looked at him with such a solemn face that would scare the devil himself. "You know how you said you would always be there. Well here's your chance. I'm coming with you. So just please don't argue and hold me" she said to him. "I'll never let go" he said as he held her by her house that was no longer a home.

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