Luna and Daniel, or rather Draco, spent the afternoon together. They discussed teachers, classes, houses and of course classmates. Luna, as much as she tried, could not place Daniel. He claimed to be a Hufflepuff, two years older than herself. A year older than Harry. True she didn't know every person to have stepped through the front doors of the famed school, but there was something about him. He reminded her of someone, but who?
"You know you look very familiar. I definitely don't remember your name. But I just can't place you. I'm sorry I know it sounds terrible. I always was a bit, you know, away with the fairies I suppose is the polite way to put it."
"No, no it's quite alright. I think I know who I remind you of. That Malfoy boy. People always said we looked sort of similar."
"Yes of course. You could be his twin, or well his older brother I suppose."
"Yeah, I haven't heard that in a while. What happened to him anyway?"
"Oh we think he's dead, hewent missing after the great battle. We never found his body. So I suppose there's always the chance he's alive, but we think he would have shown up long before now."
"Wow. Well that's interesting. I'm sorry but I'm feeling a bit tired, it's been a long we chat again, another time?"
"Yes of course! It's been great speaking to someone from school, there aren't many of us left now."
"Yeah, going over old times is nice. Annie mentioned you were married to someone called Harry. Would that be the famous MrPotter?"
"Yes it would. We've uh, retired I suppose. Life in the city is a bit hectic. And of course everyone wants a piece of Harry. Especially after he defeated You know who. He was always being asked to do this and that. And we just wanted time to ourselves now that it's all over, you know?"
"I can only imagine, I can't say I blame you either."
"Well see you again, tomorrow?"
"Yes, goodbye Luna."
Draco fell asleep with a smile on his face that night. He'd fooled the fool. He could get close to her, gain her trust. It was incredible how it had all fallen into place. She'd be back tomorrow and then he'd really lay it on thick. A sob story like she'd never heard before. But he'd have to get it straight in his head first. He needed something good. Tragic but convincing and easy to remember. A potions accident maybe? Yes that would do nicely.
--
"Hello baby, had a good day?"
"Yup, I actually met someone, uh like us."
"Like us? Who?"
"Hufflepuff, older than us."
"What's their name?"
"His. Daniel Marsden. I don't remember him, do you?"
"Marsden? Never heard of him before."
"Me neither. But he seems nice enough."
"What does he do?"
"Nothing much, he's blind. Apparently he just sits around all day."
"That sucks. How did it happen?"
"I don't know, I didn't like to ask. But I am curious."
"You've always been curious. That's why I like you."
"Hmm I like you too."
"Good. So you're enjoying country life then? You don't miss the city?"
"Not at all. I love it here. How's the decorating coming along?"
"Not bad. I should be finished tomorrow."
"So can I see it?"
"No, not until I'm done. I want it to be a surprise baby."
"Oh Harry! Why won't you let me help you?"
"Because I want to do this for you. I want it to be perfect baby."
"Fine."
"Don't pout Luna, you'll love it. So what are you doing tomorrow?"
"I'll go see Daniel again, seeing as you're too busy for me."
"I'm never too busy for you, you know that. Just promise you'll be careful."
"Oh Harry don't be silly! He's harmless."
"We both know that appearances can be deceptive Lu. Just promise."
"I promise."