word count: 576


After the war, it feels like their schedules never quite line up like they used to. In some ways, Ginny wonders if that's for the best. Most of the time spent with Luna last year came in the form of leading a rebellion against the Death Eaters in power. Still, she misses her best friend, and she's thrilled to see a letter in the owl post, though she can't help but snort and wonder why Luna doesn't just approach her in person.

She opens it quickly. Astronomy Tower, tonight, 10:30. Ginny grins. It's almost like old times, sneaking out after curfew. At least this time, the old risk is detention and not torture. She meets her best friend's gaze from across the Great Hall and nods.

Snow is drifting softly when Ginny arrives atop the Astronomy Tower. How has it taken until the first snow of the season for her and Luna to actually properly spend time together? She can't help but feel guilty. Then again, word quickly spread that the two of them were right there with Neville, carrying out Dumbledore's Army last year. Suddenly, everyone wanted to be their friends, and they found themselves hounded and bombarded with a million questions.

She's about to apologize when Luna looks up at her with those wide, dreamy eyes, smiles, and says, "I made hot chocolate."

Ginny looks at the thermos, immediately suspicious. "What's, uh… What's in it?" she asks carefully, fully aware of the way her best friend likes to experiment with ingredients for the sake of some reason that makes sense only to her.

"Ginger, black pepper, and a hint of honey," Luna answers. "Daddy says it helps keep the Wrackspurts at bay during the winter."

It sounds like a weird combination, but not terrible, so Ginny allows Luna to pour her a glass. Not bad, but not something she would make a habit of. She sips, savoring the warmth.

"It seems strange not getting to see each other so much. I miss having friends."

"We're still friends," Ginny says, shaking her head. "Not getting to see someone doesn't mean you stop being friends, silly."

Luna tips her head to the side, seeming to ponder that for a moment. "Oh. How nice," she decides before taking a sip of her hot chocolate. "You were my first friend, so I'm still not sure how it works sometimes."

Ginny wonders how lonely Luna must have been for years. After all, Ginny never reached out to her properly until they were fourteen. Part of her wishes she had reached out sooner. Then again, she couldn't have known the value Luna would add to her life.

"Well, as long as you have me, you'll always have a friend. Neville loves you too. And Harry. Ron, Hermione… So many of us."

Luna's face brightens at that, and she nods. "Dean Thomas, too. We became friends at your brother's. He's lovely."

Luna doesn't have to be lonely anymore. It's taken time, but people have finally seen the amazing girl she is. Ginny smiles and leans against her friend, lightly bumping the side of her head against Luna's.

"But the best part?" Ginny asks. "You and I are best friends. Forever."

"Forever," Luna echoes. "That sounds nice."

And Ginny knows that, as different as they may be, and as hectic as their lives are now, she and Luna really and truly will be the closest of friends until the end.