Summary: The couple knew it was best to part ways before the worst was about to come. It didn't help their reasons placed them on opposite ends of the War.

Rated: K

Genre: Tragedy; Angst

Warning Tag: Mutual break up; References War & Possible Outcome


Competition/Challenge Block:
Written for/Stacked with:
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry (Term 14); Monthly Challenges for All (Year 4)
Hogwarts:
Ravenclaw; A10 - A Study of Magical Objects #2: Write about someone showing acceptance (restriction: the character can't be a Hufflepuff)

Word Count: 605

Author's Note: Astoria is a Ravenclaw and part Greek.


With the War at Dawn

The bite of summer lingered in the air that surrounded the couple who dwelled in the Astronomy Tower. Their arms were wrapped around each other, and Astoria had her head resting on Luna's shoulder as they looked out into the moonless night sky. There was a war on its horizon, both knew it, they could feel it, and they'd be lying if they weren't afraid.

"It is best we do this now," Luna said, breaking the silence. "For both of our sakes."

Astoria sighed, closing her hazel eyes. One of her hands found the soft, silky blonde hair of Luna's and she took her time to curl it slowly around her fingers. Their time together had been brief, but still full of love, care, and affection. It was hard to let go. The two took months of dancing around each other, pining for each other during DA meetings and silent rebellions against the tyrants prowling around the castle once Luna was bold enough to return and keep hidden in the Room of Secrets. This was the first time they had truly talked about it, and they both stood on opposite ends of what was to come.

"Yeah…" Astoria muttered, turning her face to nuzzle Luna's neck. "There is no way to convince you to run with me, is there?"

The subtle shake of her head wall all that was needed to seal their fate. To seal this mutual breakup for their safety… for their family's safety.

"They attacked my father, they kidnapped me. Please understand that I cannot walk away from that. It… it would defeat the purpose of the pain that was inflicted," Luna explained.

"Yes… and my family are too important to be harmed. They have already made plans to flee back to Greece. They are just waiting for the right moment…" Astoria said. "I can't risk them to be discovered if I stay."

Both of their arguments were valid, filled with purpose and protection and meaning. They just had to take that final step. Luna was already risking so much by coming to the Tower, she just wanted to see the stars.

"I will find you when it is over," Luna said with confidence, with promise.

The reassuring squeeze of her hand was meant to bring comfort, but Astoria knew it was a foolish promise to make. War was never predictable, and she knew Luna was going to be at ground zero fighting for what was right rather than be a coward like she was and hide.

"You can't say that," Astoria snapped, pulling herself away from her girlfriend to lock eyes with Luna. "You cannot promise something like that."

Luna simply looked at her, eyes sparkling like the stars above them. "Dwelling on the darkness will only cloud your thoughts, 'Stori."

Astoria felt her eyes water then, letting her mind race with the what if's… what if Luna didn't make it out the throes of war? She looked away, hating this feeling of loss that has not even happened yet. She didn't know what she'd do if Luna didn't survive.

A soft hand cupped her cheek then, a thumb catching an escaped tear as Astoria pressed into the touch, taking in a stuttering breath. "I'm trying to stay positive, but it's hard."

"I know," Luna whispered, pulling the other Ravenclaw back into her arms, letting their warmth keep the cool breeze at bay. "I know."

"So, this is goodbye," Astoria muttered between quiet sobs.

"I prefer a 'See you later,'" Luna replied, only loosening their hug enough for them to look at each other.

"When this is all over, I will find you," she promised, placing her hand under her chin to pull Astoria into a damp, salty kiss.

"When it is all over… I will find you," Astoria found herself whispering back when they pulled away.

And the night got just a little bit darker.