First Meeting
Luna dreamily peered out at the cloudless sky through the library window, wishing it would snow soon. She supposed that now was the time she should be studying, but somehow found herself sidetracked as usual.
Tearing herself away from the sight, she went in search for a book to read. As she glanced through the books trying to decide what to pick, she heard a quiet voice, belonging to a boy, mumbling across from her in the other aisle.
"Stupid Potter, always causing trouble for me. Don't know why everyone loves him so much…"
Upon hearing this, Luna couldn't help but correct the mistaken person beyond the books hidden from her view. "Harry Potter isn't stupid."
Her response earned her an irritated sneer. "Oh yeah? Then how come he's always stirring up trouble every year?"
Luna considered this. She contemplated the stories of the dangers Harry faced every year; the rumors of him fighting Lord Voldemort, brushing death in the process. "I don't think he's looking for trouble. I think trouble seems to find him; maybe it's destiny."
She heard the person begin to walk down the aisle, and found her feet following of their own volition. "Destiny? If you say he's destined for trouble, we may find ourselves in agreement." The sound of his footsteps died down. They had both reached the end of the aisle. "No matter, my father says I won't have to put up with Potter for much longer anyway. He's got plans for me."
It wasn't hard to tell by his tone that the news pleased him. Luna wondered who his father was, but more importantly, who is he?
"Ah, found it." Luna watched as a large book was pulled off of the shelf, revealing the mystery boy through the gap. She gasped into the pale face that mirrored her own shock. It was Draco Malfoy.
"It's you," Draco scoffed. He shook his head, as if he might make the whole situation disappear by doing so, and mumbled his next words. "I can't believe I'm here right now."
Luna tilted her head. "You sure mumble a lot."
Draco glanced at her. "Yes, well it's been a long day."
"Care to talk about it?"
Draco appeared taken back by the offer. "Actually, I've got a practice right now I need to get to."
"Good luck." Luna found herself wishing he could stick around for longer."Thanks," he murmured briskly as he left.
Curiosity
After Luna's encounter with Draco in the library, she went to eat dinner with Ginny and her friends in the great hall. Luna had just finished her pudding and got up to leave with Ginny subsequently at her heels in the corridor.
Ginny leaned in closely to Luna. "Malfoy?" She whispered incredulously.
"Yes, I know what you must be thinking," Luna replied. It's not as though Luna didn't have her own reservations about Draco in the beginning, but after their little chat, she was certain that he was capable of changing, and she resolved to make him her friend.
"Well that sure wasn't a scene I ever expected to walk in on. What were you two doing together in the library anyway?" Ginny went on. "I mean, we're talking about the same Malfoy who bullies Harry and basically treats everyone outside of the Slytherin house like muddy slugs."
Ginny gave Luna a minute to let that sink in. "He didn't cast an imperius curse or anything on you, did he? Is he blackmailing you into doing his evil bidding?"
Luna laughed at the absurd notion. She casually played with her butterbeer cork necklace as she contemplated out how to answer the question. "No, it's nothing like that, I assure you. I don't have to be jinxed in order to talk with him."
Ginny stopped dead in her tracks and drew her brows together. "You're not going to talk have another chat, are you?"
"I'm not oblivious to the things he's done, but I believe that people can change, and everyone has a fraction of good in them. Some just choose to hide those parts of themselves. Anyway, I think I might be able to get him to open up to me."
Ginny looked doubtful. "I can't wait to hear what the rest of the group has to say, especially Harry, when they catch word of you having rendezvous with his arch nemesis."
"Well, they'll just have to learn to get past it."
Luna's encounter with Draco sparked an interest in her and she was determined to unwrap the mystery that was Draco Malfoy.
The next day, Luna went to the library to work on her next Transfiguration assignment along with some other homework due this week. She searched around the room for an empty seat and the first spot she found happened to be next to Neville.
Luna set her belongings down, and greeted him. "Hello Neville, lovely day this is."
Neville looked up from his parchment and smiled. "Hey Luna, how are you?"
"I'm doing quite well, thank you. How are classes going? I hope Professor's Snape's not giving you too hard a time."
Luna noticed Neville's hand slightly quiver at the mention of Snape's name, and immediately regretted broaching the subject seeing as how affected he was by it. She reached out and patted him on the shoulder.
"Oh Neville, I'm so sorry." Luna picked her brain for ideas that might work to help him. "How about I tutor you some nights before class to help?"
Luna may not be a potion's expert, but she felt she was decent enough. At any rate, she felt terribly bad for Neville because Professor Snape had an affinity for picking on students who weren't members of his house, and is especially cruel to Neville for some reason.
Neville looked surprised at the offer. "Um, I don't know. Nobody's ever offered to do that for me. I wouldn't want to trouble you."
Luna gave a dismissive wave of her hand. "I don't mind at all. In fact, I bet Ginny might even join us if we asked her!"
Luna felt pleased to see that Neville's face had begun to brighten up clearing away his pallor.
"Really? You guys would do that for me?" Neville couldn't believe anyone would be willing to put in the time to help a hopeless case such as himself. "How can I ever repay you?"
Luna thought about it for a moment. "You know, I'm lagging a little behind in herbology, and you seem to have the top marks in the class. I would love some tips." She gave him a wink.
"You've got a deal." Neville smiled and reset to work on his parchment.
Luna went back to her notes and attempted to study. Gradually, she felt her eyes wander off the pages exploring the room in search of a particular person.
No luck today.
A mild surge of disappointment welled inside her chest as she wondered what Draco could be up to right now. Setting aside the thought, Luna forced herself to focus on her studies until she was satisfied. Collecting her things, she bid farewell to Neville and left.
Luna strolled through the corridor to the painted fat lady, ready to recite the password of the day, when shrill laughter reverberated down the hallway. One of the voices sounded familiar, so she curiously peeked around the corner to discover Draco with Pansy.
They appeared to be engaged in intimate conversation, leaning closely towards each other against the wall- Draco's back facing towards Luna.
It only took a second for Luna's presence to catch Pansy's attention. As soon as their eyes met, Pansy nudged Draco, "Hey, look who decided to show up out of nowhere, Draco, it's Loony!" Pansy snorted with laughter.
"Did you lose your way back to Loonyville? Are you here for directions, or shall we deliver you to the loony bin instead? I'm sure your father's headed there anyway so you won't get lonely." Pansy snickered some more.
Luna just ignored her and shifted her attention to Draco instead. His face was completely blank.
A corner of Pansy's mouth lifted as her eyes traveled down to Luna's shoes. "Looks like you've got on both pair of shoes today! I hope you had a good time finding the pair last week…"
The comment pulled Draco from his reverie. "What's that about her shoes?"
Pansy shrugged. "It was nothing really, just the usual ritual of hiding them in places hard to reach. Pretty good, right?"
A muscle twitched in Draco's jaw. "Yeah, sure."
Luna felt a pang of something not altogether pleasant in her chest. Before she could decipher why, they were interrupted by loud approaching footsteps. Luna spotted Crabbe and Goyle.
"Hey, what's going on?" Crabbe asked.
Luna turned to leave not wishing to be on display for their mockery when a hand whipped out and clutched her wrist. She looked up to see Draco open his mouth to say something, but then closed it seeming to change his mind and released her.
Hurt, Luna spun on her heels as fast as she could manage, and as far away from them as possible.
A surprise visit
"That's terrible! That bloody git!" Ginny howled in outrage. Luna had gone to visit Ginny's dorm filling her in on what happened.
"Shall I send a Bat-Bogey Hex his way for you?"
Luna giggled. "As fun as that sounds, I can't have you getting punished for something as silly as this. Besides, if we retaliated like that, we would be just as bad as them…and I want to make Draco better."
Ginny pouted. "Ah fine, but I really wanted to…" Luna smiled. "Anyway, on a more serious note, you never used to let these kinds of things bother you, so why now?"
"Honestly, I'm not sure," Luna responded. Normally, Luna usually let the insults hurled at her roll off her shoulders, but this time was different. She didn't understand why having one honest conversation with him changed the way she felt upon seeing him take part in the ridicule of her. It was almost as if it were a betrayal.
Luna had returned to her dorm in Ravenclaw tower for the night.
Sometime later, she was aroused from her sleep by a light rapping on the door. Alarmed, Luna quietly got up, dressed in her robes, and took a peek outside the door to locate the disturbance. The hall was mysteriously empty.
Luna was about to return inside when a hand latched onto her wrist out of nowhere, followed by another hand darting out to cover her mouth, smothering her scream. Terrified, she could not see anything beyond the pair of floating hands because the rest of the person was…invisible.
Luna had no idea what to do as the person led her away from her dorm to the common room. The invisible figure slowly lifted their hand from Luna's wrist to remove whatever was concealing their presence, revealing the person underneath.
Luna gasped.
"Draco?!" Luna cried in a muffled voice. Draco uncovered her mouth, and Luna began to relax.
"You scared me half to death! Why are you here, and how?"
"I apologize for the late hour, and to answer your question… I used this." Draco showed her the silky black garment he was holding, and when he unfolded it she realized it was a cloak. "It's an invisibility cloak that I bought." He peered down admiring the enchanted fabric. "It's a little bit faded but they're hard to come by so it was definitely worth the price. I know that any of the Professors here could easily dispel the charm, but I figured it could still buy me enough time to come do what I needed to."
"And what is it that you need to do?" Luna asked, confused.
Draco scratched his head suddenly looking a bit uncomfortable. "Look, about earlier with Pansy…" His grey gaze roamed the room fixing his attention above the fireplace, averting Luna as she waited patiently for him to finish.
"Er-I'm s-sorry."
Luna tried not to laugh with observing how much effort an apology visibly exerted him. It was almost comical. "You know, your expression reminds me of a goblin stubbing his toe when you apologize. Nevertheless, I accept your apology since you went through all the trouble."
Draco chuckled lightly. "Perhaps you're right. I'm afraid I'm a bit out of practice as far as apologies go."
"Can I ask why you choose to be around people like that? Do you really enjoy their company so much?"
"It's not that simple," he answered. Draco fidgeted with his robes while pondering the question. "Crabbe and Goyle have been there for me since the beginning of our 1st year, and sometime later we met Pansy." Draco did indeed used to enjoy their 'extracurricular' activities, but now he felt unsure of himself.
"My father…he has certain expectations of me, and wanted me to fit in with the right people in order to make the right connections. It's not easy to shed old habits."
Luna didn't know what that was like but decided it best not to pursue the subject at this moment. "It's pretty late. I think we should both get to bed now, and be careful not to get caught breaking curfew." Luna gave him a wink.
"I'll try my best." Draco smirked as he draped the cloak over his head. "Let's maybe talk again sometime. Hopefully under better circumstances where I'm not apologizing for being a prat."
Luna smiled as Draco exited the room. A minute later, she heard a noise and then Filch shouting, "Ouch! What-who? ...Luna heard some struggling and then, "Aha! DRACO MALFOY! Decided to break curfew, eh? I'm going to have fun with you boy hahaha."
Oops.
The bonds of friendship
A few days later, Luna talked to Ginny about helping Neville with potions to which Ginny happily agreed. They decided it would be best to form a night study group so that they could more easily access a vacant classroom.
Later, Neville, Ginny, and Luna were heading towards the great hall for dinner when something captured Luna's attention.
It was Pansy, hanging out with Crabbe and Goyle except Draco appeared to be absent. Pansy rested a hand on her hip and sneered. "oooh look, if isn't the band of misfits!"
Pansy pointed a painted nail at Neville. "Here, we have the 'nobody.'" Pansy whirled around to appraise Ginny and continued, "The penniless ginger." Ginny's face turned beet red with rage as Crabbe and Goyle accompanied Pansy's cackles. She reached for her wand but was stopped by Neville who pulled her aside to calm her down.
A look of triumph spread on Pansy's face as she met Luna's eyes and continued, "Of course we all know who Loony is."
Luna chose to pay no heed to her words. "Where's Draco?"
"That's none of y-"
"-He's serving detention with Filch," Crabbe blurted.
"Idiot!" Pansy elbowed him hard and gave him a dirty look. She turned to leer at Luna. "Why do you care anyway?"
"No reason," Luna answered vaguely. She didn't feel like sharing any personal information with her victimizer, and was for some reason relieved that it seemed Pansy wasn't privy to the reason Draco was serving his detention. Luna left with Neville and Ginny trailing behind her.
Neville glanced at Luna and asked, "Why do you care about Malfoy?"
"I enjoy the thrill of mysteries," she answered.
In hearing that remark, Neville now looked more confused than ever.
The group went to dinner, and when it was over they bid farewell to their friends. "See you, Ginny." Harry waved to her. "Bye Harry," Ginny replied, and gave him a lingering look after they parted.
"Ginny, now that you and Dean are broken up, why don't you tell Harry how you feel?" Luna ventured.
Ginny pressed her lips together. "There's no way Harry would ever go for his best friend's little sister." She gave a frustrated sigh. "Besides, we've known each other for five years now, and he's never given the slightest hint that he fancies me."
"That's not true," Neville chimed in. "Isn't Harry always protecting you and stuff?"
"First, Harry would protect any of his friends. And second, he is not always protecting me. I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself," Ginny declared.
Luna looked at Ginny sharply. "I get the sense that both of you are holding yourselves back. I see the way you two look at each other, and it's more than just in a friendly manner." Ginny didn't respond, so they let the subject drop for now.
After descending the stairs, they finally made it to the potions classroom to commence their study group.
"I believe this week's potion is Veritaserum, correct?" Luna asked.
Neville began flipping through his textbook. "That's right."
Ginny started rummaging through the cabinets for ingredients, and then sat down to pick out a phial. "Neville, let's have you begin by stirring some knotgrass with bobkirk liquid in this." Ginny motioned to a cauldron in front of her.
The room grew silent as Ginny and Luna concentrated on Neville brewing the potion. Feeling nervous from all of the gathered attention, Neville cleared his throat and blurted, "So Luna, what's the deal with you and Draco? I thought he hated us."
"I don't think he hates us exactly," Luna began.
"So, he just hates Harry and is mean to the rest of us…" Ginny said in disbelief.
"He does have some unresolved issues," Luna admitted. She recounted both of her experiences with Draco to Neville- leaving out a few unnecessary details, (like the fact he snuck into the girl's common room past curfew, and how she's the reason he's serving detention).
Neville could hardly believe the story. "Apparently there's more to Draco than we thought, but why bother going through so much trouble for him?"
"I think every person is deserving of good friends. Maybe we could influence him," Luna said thoughtfully.
"Even Pansy?" Ginny challenged.
Luna wrinkled her nose in response, causing everybody to toss their head back and burst into laughter.
"Do you think if we dumped a bucket of water on her she'd melt away?" Neville wondered.
Ginny smiled with a wicked gleam in her eyes. "I think it's worth a shot."
She leaned over the cauldron to examine the mixture closely, and then chewed on her lower lip. "Hmm, I think it's time to add the unicorn hair, but I forgot to bring it over."
Neville hopped off of his seat.
"I got it!" Neville delicately brought out the phial from the cabinet, and was on his way back to the table when he stumbled over himself dropping the container, and shattering the glass. He cursed himself for being so clumsy.
"Neville!" Luna and Ginny both shouted simultaneously. They ran over to him while he frantically spread out on his hands and knees trying to sweep things up. Ginny knelt down beside him startled.
"Stop it, you're bleeding!" She roughly grabbed hold of both of his hands locking them in place to prevent him from inflicting further damage.
Neville hung his head in shame and began to shake. "I'm so sorry. This always happens. I always ruin everything, and that's why Professor Snape is constantly berating me." Neville continued with his voice trembling. "He really hates me, and for good reason."
Ginny raised Neville's chin with a finger urging him to look her in the eye. "You listen to me Neville Longbottom. I don't want you to ever put any stock into Professor Snape's opinion because he is a sad, lonely, cruel, pathetic excuse for a human being. You are capable of more than you know, so don't sell yourself short." Ginny leveled Neville with a look. "Understand?"
Neville's eyes widened at her words, and he nodded his head in compliance.
Luna giggled. "You sounded exactly like just now." This caused Ginny to blush.
Luna turned to Neville. "Anyway, Ginny's right, Neville. You're great at many things; if only you saw yourself the way we do. One of the first things I ever noticed about you is your kindness, which is unparalleled." Luna fixed Neville a sincere look. "You were the first person who dared to sit by, and talk to the loon, remember? I don't know about you, but that's an act of bravery in my book. Now tell me that's not brave."
Neville shook his head. "You guys are just saying that to try and make me feel better," he mumbled.
Ginny thumped him on the head. "Ow!" Then she grabbed Neville's injured hands in hers and inspected his cuts. "I can take care of these since they're just minor injuries. I get them all of the time from quidditch." With a flick of her wand she chanted, "episke." Everyone watched in fascination as the wounds closed up in seconds.
"Thanks everyone," Neville murmured.
Luna scanned the floor and said, "If you guys clear the area, I can clean this up." Ginny and Neville stepped away as Luna retrieved her wand from behind her ear and chanted, "vidries reparo." Everybody studied the broken glass as all of the fragments shifted and mended themselves back together reclaiming its original form. Luna picked up the newly repaired vial, and they returned to successfully complete the truth potion.
Sitting with the Slytherins
"Would you like us to come with you?" Ginny offered Luna in a whisper. It had been a week since they had their first study session producing the veritaserum, and Draco had landed himself in detention. Ever since then, they continued their nightly sessions, and Luna often found her thoughts drifting towards Draco.
Tonight, was the first night that Draco was back at the dinner table with his friends, and Luna yearned to join him. Right now, Luna sat with Neville and Ginny at the Gryffindor table as they discreetly discussed Luna's desire to join Draco at the Slytherin table.
"Thank you for the offer, but I would like to do this alone." Luna gave a pointed look at Harry sitting on Ginny's other side who was engaged in conversation with Hermione and Ron, but Ginny didn't seem to notice.
Ginny and Neville wished Luna luck as she jumped to her feet making her way towards Draco. He and the other Slytherin's were laughing about something as he remarked, "What a load of rubbish!"
Gathering all of her courage, Luna strode up to him. "May I join you?"
Draco turned his head and his jaw dropped at the sight of her. The whole table fell into silence. Luna almost wondered if she wasn't speaking English considering the dumbstruck expressions everyone wore. She started to withdraw when a small Slytherin girl piped up, "I say let her sit!" Every other person at the table seemed unsure and started turning to each other for confirmation on the matter.
A tall older looking boy with messy hair sitting across from Draco straightened up and said, "I don't believe it's against the rules for houses to mingle with each other. Just because students don't typically do it doesn't mean it's not allowed." Pansy who was sitting on the boy's other side, bristled and started to object.
"Shut up Pansy! Let Draco's girlfriend sit and enjoy her meal in peace," snapped a girl with short dark wavy hair. She turned and motioned for Luna to take a sea, smiling.
Draco's ears transformed into a deep shade of pink as he stammered, "She's not my-"
"Come on, you know she's only playing with you mate, because we all know that in reality everyone's too good for you," the Slytherin boy teased while grinning. He stuck out his hand to Luna shaking her's vigorously, introducing himself. "Pleasure to meet you. I'm Matt Stride- the handsome, truly amazing Slytherin prefect."
Luna assessed Matt, deciding that even with the sly gleam in his eye, he was good natured. "I'm Luna Lovegood. Thank you for letting me sit with all of you."
Matt gave a noncommittal shrug and proceeded to take a bite of his food. "It's really no big deal." He wrapped an arm affectionately around the short haired Slytherin girl sitting next to him. "By the way, this is my beautiful, and truly amazing girlfriend Alex Quinton."
Alex gave Luna a friendly smile and then gestured over to Pansy with a thumb. "If Pansy over here ever gives you more trouble, you can come to us. Don't let sour attitudes such as hers, and other people's nasty behavior ruin your perception of Slytherin. We may be proud, but not all of us are arrogant or untrustworthy."
Luna admired the boldness this girl exhibited thinking she'd make a wonderful friend. Luna thought about what she said, instinctively sneaking a sideways glance at Draco, but then quickly tore her gaze away down at his tray instead. She noticed that his pudding sat untouched.
Everyone continued their dining and chatter while Pansy scowled into her food for the duration of dinner without uttering a single word.
Thestrals
Eating dinner with the Slytherins, and attending nightly study sessions with Ginny and Neville had become a regular part of Luna's daily routine and she welcomed it. In the past few weeks, she had reached ample progress in all her goals. For instance, with Draco, she had been able to talk with him a little bit more each passing day. He eventually came to terms with allowing a member of another house at the Slytherin table. Luna also felt that he was gradually warming up to her quirky self as well.
Christmas was fast approaching, and as usual during the winter season, the outside of Hogwarts was decorated in snow. Delighted by the sight her favorite weather created, Luna decided to take a trip to the entrance gates.
This also happened to be the spot where the Thestrals would arrive. Luna felt a deep connection with the Thestrals, and felt bad for not having visited them in a while.
While waiting for them, Luna aimlessly pranced around the edge of the gate listening to the snow crunch beneath her feet. It was one of her favorite noises to hear. She let her mind wander off as she hummed a tune, enjoying the freedom that she felt being out in the open.
"What are you doing?"
It was Draco. She must have been too distracted to notice his approach. For some reason, the sight of him made her heart flutter.
She searched around her brain for a reasonable explanation as to why she was out here dancing alone in the snow that wouldn't result in him feeling the need to cart her off to the loony bin. However, after a minute of contemplation she decided to just go with the truth. "This kind of weather reminds me of my mother. She loved it because it was during this time of year that her and my father found each other."
Draco blinked. "Oh, is she um…," he trailed off, not knowing how to handle this delicate kind of situation.
"Yes, she died. My mother was an incredible witch but passed away when I was nine during an experiment with a spell gone wrong. It was quite terrible actually, but I'm okay now. I'm not as sad anymore." Luna lifted her head skyward, smiling dreamily. "She visits me in my sleep."
"Interesting." Draco was impressed. He had never lost anyone close to him before, but just the thought of losing either of his parents filled him with enough anguish to decide that it was something no one should ever experience at such a tender age.
It was the first time Luna had ever seen him with such a soft expression, and she felt something stir deep inside her.
The sound of hoof beats clicking on the ground brought her back from her daze signaling the arrival of the Thestrals. Luna looked at Draco hesitantly, not sure how he would respond. "Would you care to take a ride to Hogsmeade with me?"
Draco took a moment to consider it. At last, he answered, "Sure."
Luna walked over to a Thestral and stroked its mane.
Draco stood with a mixture of puzzlement and fear across his face. "You can see them?"
"Yes. Anyone who's been touched by death and understands it can. People see Thestrals as a mark of an ill omen, but they're wrong." Luna tilted her head scrutinizing the skeletal bat-winged horse closely while threading her fingers through its mane. "They're just misunderstood." Similar to me, she thought casually.
Draco watched her interaction with the invisible creatures in bewilderment. "What do they look like?"
"Well, they are black as night. They stand taller than both of us with enormous wings and bony structure-but don't let that intimidate you because they are as friendly as can be as long as you're nice in return."
Draco chuckled nervously. "That's reassuring."
"Oh, where are my manners! Draco, meet my friend, Seraphina." Luna gestured towards the Thestral. "I named her myself," she informed him, proudly.
"How fascinating. You know, we'd better head out before curfew. I don't feel much like serving detention again." Draco felt unsettled as Luna continued to stroke the invisible mythical creature. He didn't like the idea of touching something without being able to see it. In fact, he wasn't a fan of mythical creatures in general, especially after a certain run in he had with a hippogriff, so he hastily hopped into the carriage ready to go.
As they rode past the entrance leaving Hogwarts, Draco noticed a peculiar streak of color in Luna's hair. Without even thinking, he reached over and carefully clasped the long lock of curls to view it more clearly, causing Luna to draw in a sharp breath.
The hair was pink. "What's up with your hair?" Draco asked, intrigued.
They had never been this close in proximity before, and it was making Luna nervous. She could hear every intake of his breath, and from this distance they could almost... Luna banished the thought. As if he would ever feel that way about her. "I used a charm on it to change the color based on my mood."
"Interesting. Which mood does this color indicate?"
"Happy," she answered quickly. Well, it wasn't a complete lie anyway…
A short time later, they arrived at Hogsmeade, and had a pleasant trip exploring all of the different shops. Luna had a particularly good time testing out new contraptions at Zonko's joke shop on Draco. Thankfully, he took it all in good stride. As they spent more time together, Luna saw more sides of Draco than she thought possible. Their relationship was growing, and so were her feelings.
Snowdrop
Today was the last day of school before it was time to travel home for Christmas break. Luna felt an inexplicable chill in the air like something bad was going to happen very soon. She tried to tell herself it was nothing but she couldn't shake the sense of foreboding.
At dinner, Luna was able to temporarily evade the feeling as she sat with Draco and the Slytherins. She started into her food as Matt started some conversation. "Now that Luna's basically an honorary guest at our table, I think we should ask her questions and get to know her." He looked around seeking for approval.
"I think that sounds like a good idea, but let's have everyone share something about themselves- that way it's fairer," Alex suggested.
"Alright, it's settled." Matt rubbed his palms together. "Let's see…. what are your ambitions?"
Draco snickered. "Of course, that would be your question."
Matt raised an eyebrow. "Zip it Draco, it's important. Here, I'll even start us off." Matt threw an arm around Alex bringing her close and said, "My first goal after I graduate next year, is to convince this girl to marry me." Alex blushed rolling her eyes at him playfully while everyone chuckled. "And then you know, finding a good job and all of that stuff too. Maybe I'll open up a shop or something because I'm awesome." Following that, everyone's eyes drew to Draco next. He coughed, clearing his throat and then spoke softly seeming embarrassed. "I don't know, I've never really given it a thought." He absentmindedly slid his pudding over to Luna as he went on. "Hmm, I think it would be cool to become a star quidditch player." This news surprised Luna.
"Nice." Matt reached over and gave him a high five.
"That's a good one." Alex smiled. "I think I want to become part of the ministry, you know, work my way up to improve the structure of things."
"I guess it's my turn now," Luna said nervously. "I want to be a Magizoologist."
Draco nodded his head in approval. "That definitely suits you."
Luna felt her cheeks burn and ducked her head into her food feeling shy. While Matt and Alex broke out into a conversation of their own, Draco leaned over to Luna and whispered in her ear, "Could I have a word with you outside?"
Draco and Luna stood outside near the entrance gates where they were granted some privacy. Luna concentrated on the snow beneath her feet while Draco fumbled around inside his robe pockets for something.
"Sorry to drag you out here like this, but I wanted to tell you something important without an audience."
Luna lifted her head curiously.
"Luna, you've been there for me in a way that no one ever has. You never judged me, and just treated me like a normal person. So, I wanted give you something to show my appreciation."
Luna's eyes widened and Draco took a step towards her. He withdrew a small jewelry box from his pocket and held it out to her. Timidly, she took it and stammered, "Oh, what is it!?"
"Open it, and see for yourself."
Luna did as he said and found a sparkling silver necklace with a pendant holding a white stone in the center. She was left speechless.
Draco shifted his feet. "It reminded me of a snowdrop, so I thought it would be a way to remember your mother by. Now, you'll always be able to carry her with you wherever you go, and you won't have to wait for it to snow." He chewed on his bottom lip and said, "Listen, I know it's probably not what you expected but-"
Luna cut him off by flinging her arms around him, squeezing him tightly. "It's wonderful," she said full of emotion. "Thank you."
They stayed in each other's arms for a minute before Luna released him, and then they stood smiling at each other. Being this close, Luna casually wondered if his grey eyes have always been this striking. Her heart pounded in her chest under his stare.
"So, I'll see you after the break?" Draco asked, nonchalantly.
"Yes, of course. Until we meet again." Luna saluted him and was rewarded a laugh as they parted ways and went home for Christmas.
Snape's favorite student
After the break, classes resumed as usual, but something wasn't quite right. A lot of tension was building among the students because Professor Umbridge who was appointed as the new Defense against the Dark Arts Professor refused to teach them anything other than textbook theory. As things got progressively worse, Harry, Hermione, and Ron, founded the D.A., which Luna, Ginny, and Neville joined subsequently.
Because most of their time would be spent focusing on the D.A., tonight they would have their last study session together. Before Luna reached the stairs, she heard a voice holler, "Luna, wait up!" It was Ginny. She walked up to Luna and gave her a hug. "How was your break?"
"It was good. I spent a good portion of it attending my father's book signings."
"That's nice." Ginny's eyes traveled down to the necklace Luna's necklace. "Whoa, that's new. Where did that beauty come from?"
In spite of her efforts to control her emotions, warmth flooded Luna's cheeks.
Ginny gasped. "Let me guess, Draco? You have to tell me everything!"
Luna described the whole story in detail for Ginny until they arrived to the classroom and met Neville.
"I can't believe this is our last time here with just the three of us," Neville lamented. "I can't thank you guys enough."
Ginny smiled patting him on the shoulder. "What are friends for?"
Neville was stirring the potion when he suddenly paused. "Remember the first time we were in here, and I accidently broke that phial?"
Ginny and Luna both nodded.
"Man, I can't imagine what Professor Snape would have done if he had been there to witness it…"
"I have a faint idea," Ginny said, mischievously. Her face sagged and she mimicked in a low greasy voice, "How dare you bleed on my floors Longbottom. The only injuries allowed to be sustained in my classroom, are the ones which I inflict upon you myself."
Neville visibly cringed and everyone howled with laughter. Neville tried to stifle his laughter long enough to say, "Wow, I feel like I'm actually in the room with him. How are you so good at that?"
Ginny smiled sheepishly. "I might have picked it up a bit here and there from Fred and George."
Luna crinkled her nose. "Do you all smell that?"
Just then, the potion they were working on began fuming smoke while producing an odorous smell.
"Oh no!" Neville cried. "What do we do?"
Ginny fanned the air in front of her. "Ew, smells like George's feet," she exclaimed in disgust.
Luna walked over to the door opening it, allowing the room to vent. "We'll have to start over, but I don't understand where we went wrong."
Ginny leafed through the textbook, and sighed in frustration. "I'm afraid I'm just as clueless as you are."
Meanwhile, a voice came floating in through the open door. "Mind if I help?"
Everyone turned to find Draco casually leaning against the door.
Ginny and Neville looked shocked, but then shock quickly turned to wariness.
After a minute, Ginny grew tired of the awkward staring contest and waved him forward. "Sure, come on in."
"Thanks." Draco settled into a seat next to Luna. He folded his hands in his lap, and took a deep breath preparing for what he had to say. "Look, I know you all probably have your reservations about me, and I honestly can't blame you. I have treated you terribly." Neville and Ginny didn't argue with that sentiment, but continued listening intently. "And I'd just like to say that I'm truly sorry. I'd like to help make up for my ill behavior."
Ginny crossed her arms in thought, while Neville focused on his feet.
Finally, Ginny spoke. "I'll admit, in the beginning I didn't trust you at all. I was very cautious of you having any kind of a relationship at all with Luna, being that she's one of my best friends and I didn't believe you had good intentions. Simply put, I'm very protective of my friends." She turned to Luna, her lips curving into a small smile. "However, I have never seen her with such a shine in her eyes before, and I have the sense that you're the one responsible, Draco."
Draco cleared his throat, his ears becoming tinted with pink much like Luna's cheeks. "Um, does this mean you can forgive me?"
"We will, so long as you swear not to betray our trust. Right Neville?"
"Yeah, what she said."
Draco nodded. "I promise, I have no intention of doing that."
Luna finally released a breath she didn't realize she'd been holding. "Welcome to the band of misfits."
Draco raised an eyebrow in question at her.
"That's the name your beloved Pansy has bequeathed us with," Ginny explained. "I'm the penniless ginger, by the way."
Draco grimaced. "Yeah, I'm sorry about that."
Neville leaned back on his chair. "Don't worry about it, it's not like it's your fault."
"I don't see why we need to resent the label. We may be different, but we can embrace our differences rather than seeing them as flaws." Luna tilted her head thoughtfully. "Anyway, I don't really mind being different."
Ginny huffed. "You may have a point, but I still hate that bloody witch."
Draco chuckled, and leaned over the cauldron. "What is this anyway?"
"A disaster," Neville said matter of fact.
"We were trying to make Draught of Peace, but evidently it became something else entirely," Luna explained.
"Let's fix that."
They tossed out the contents of the cauldron, and Draco helped them restart the whole process, guiding them through each step of the way. At one point, when they needed some powered moonstone, Draco and Luna reached for it at the same time brushing their arms. As soon as they made contact, Draco withdrew his, inching his seat away suddenly from Luna as if she were a nasty creature he didn't want near him.
Having no idea what brought this on, Luna inclined her head pretending to study her textbook so he wouldn't see the hurt etched on her face.
"You're pretty great at this stuff," Neville acknowledged to Draco, disrupting the tension.
Draco ran a hand through his hair, grinning. "Potions isn't too bad, and Professor Snape is great after all."
This gave everyone pause. Ginny lightly elbowed Neville and whispered in his ear, "He is Professor Snape's favorite after all."
Neville whispered back, "I suppose it makes sense, him being a Slytherin and all."
Draco sat puzzled by their reactions. "What'd I say?"
Luna just giggled since it would take all night to explain everything wrong with the last part of his sentence.
A change in the air
Luna's life had begun to intensify- her days being filled with D.A. training, and keeping up with her classes. But what occupied her mind right now was the fact that it had been almost two weeks, and Draco was nowhere to be seen. It was almost as if he were avoiding her…
Luna was leaving her class when she caught sight of Matt.
"Matt!" She bounded over to him and gave him a poke.
Matt grinned. "What's up, dream girl?" Matt had taken it upon himself to create that nickname as a result of her dreamy stares and demeanor.
"I've been meaning to ask you, have you seen Draco lately?"
Matt rubbed the back of his neck and sighed. "Not much. I think something's been troubling him, but not even my amazing charm could convince him to confide in me. In fact, the little tosser's been skipping quidditch practice, classes, and I've hardly even seen him in the dorms lately."
Luna's heart fell into her stomach. However, she didn't want to cause Matt anymore worry, so she strained to plaster a smile on her face. "Thanks Matt. Maybe he's just caught a nasty bug, and it's put him in a mood. I'm sure he'll come out of it." She waved a hand. "I'll see you later."
It was time for the D.A. to meet. Luna ascended the stairs and was on her way to the room of requirement, when she caught a glimpse of Draco strolling by. Luna chased him around the corner, but by the time she made it to the hallway, he was already gone as if he had vanished into thin air.
But what she had seen of him, frightened her. He looked like he had lost weight. Plus, more than that, his skin had taken on a grey hue along with bags underneath his eyes.
Luna wondered what could possibly be affecting him this badly, but it was clear that he didn't want to be seen by her. Unfortunately, Luna didn't have time to think more about it right now.
She entered the room of requirement for the D.A. meeting. Harry had taught them a new spell, but Luna found herself unable to concentrate during the whole session.
"What's wrong?" Ginny asked.
Luna stared ahead blankly at the wall. "It's nothing," she lied.
Secrets
It had been a few days since Luna last saw Draco, and she was steadily working up the courage to go find out what was going on with him.
The only chance Luna had of finding him was to stake out the hall near the boys' dorm. After a while, she heard shuffling footsteps around the corner, and then some bickering voices. She edged her way along the wall, straining her ears to catch what they were saying.
"I told you two to quit following me," a voice snapped in irritation. It was Draco's.
"You can't turn your back on us now, you've sworn your allegiance to-"
"Keep your voice down, you moron," Draco hissed. "You know I didn't want to, I didn't want any part of this!"
"What's changed your mind?" The voice sounded like Crabbe.
Silence.
"It's not her, is it? You've let that crazy Loon get into your head, haven't you? She's the one you've been spending all of your time with."
"Don't call her that," Draco growled.
"So, what, you're going to forsake all of our work, our glory, on some stupid girl?"
"I'm done here."
'THUMP'. Startled, Luna peeked her head around the corner to see Draco being shoved up against the wall by Crabbe, with Goyle keeping guard beside them.
"You. Are. A. Fool," Crabbe sneered, enunciating each word. He continued pressing hard on Draco's shoulders. "That girl is going to be your downfall, and you'll be sorry for abandoning us." There was a trace of hurt in his voice as he said this. Crabbe released Draco, and then stormed off with Goyle in toe.
Draco sunk to the floor, burying his face in his hands. He looked miserable.
Luna waited for Crabbe and Goyle to disappear from view before approaching Draco. She hurried over, kneeling beside him. "Are you okay?" She asked softly.
"I'm fine," he snapped.
Luna flinched, but didn't leave. Draco lifted his head, and when he saw her, his eyes widened, immediately appearing contrite. "I'm sorry. Didn't realize it was you."
Luna nodded mutely.
Draco shot up to his feet rubbing his left forearm and said, "I need to go." He turned to leave.
"When will I-" see you again, Luna sorely wondered. But he was already gone before she could finish the question.
Memories
This was it. Today was the day Luna would finally get to the bottom of what's going on with Draco, she thought more determined than ever. Luna didn't understand what had transpired between him, Goyle and Crabbe, but it was high time she find out. He'd avoided her long enough, and most importantly, she missed her friend.
After classes were finished, she waited by his dorm for him to return. The minutes dragged by, causing Luna to feel restless, and she fought the urge to break in. Luckily, Luna wouldn't have to because she finally caught sight of Draco, so she weaved her way through the crowd of students, grabbing hold of him. It disturbed Luna how thin and frail his arm felt beneath her hand.
Draco turned to her in surprise.
"We need to talk," Luna declared.
"I can't right n-"
"I'm not accepting no as an answer," Luna said, her voice replaced by one of steel.
Draco blinked. Before he could continue his resistance, Luna dragged him to the room of requirement so that they could talk.
Draco looked around nervously. "Ah, this room."
"You know about this room?" Luna asked surprised.
"I've used it once or twice," he replied ambiguously.
He started pacing around. To Luna's dismay, she noticed he was looking thinner and even sicklier than before.
Luna took a deep breath mustering up her courage to obtain some answers. "What's going on with you Draco? Please tell me."
Draco squeezed his eyes, and pinched the bridge of his nose, appearing conflicted. "I can't." He didn't want her to know.
"Don't you trust me?"
"It's not about that! You don't understand."
"Then tell me, and help me to understand," she insisted. "You need to tell someone because you look as if you're barely hanging on, and it really worries me." She let her eyes travel over his body. It was as if all of his stress and worries had manifested in his appearance.
Looking exhausted, Draco fell into a seat across from her. He covered his face with his hands and said, "I can't bring you into this. It's too dangerous."
Now Luna was more confused than ever. She strode over to him, leaning down and lay a hand across his knee in a gesture of comfort. Draco stared down at the hand looking repulsed by the mere contact, brushing it away.
Luna shrank back, stung by the series of rejection. "Why won't you even let me touch you?" she cried. "Do I repel you so much?" Luna couldn't stop her eyes from glistening.
Draco groaned in exasperation. "Luna, you shouldn't be around someone like me. Trust me, there are things you don't know about my history that would make you loathe me."
"Draco, you don't get to decide that," Luna said, rivaling his frustration. "I promise, there is nothing you could have to say that would ever make me loathe you."
"I'm betting you'll change your mind once you learn about everything."
Luna sat up determined to hear his story. "Tell me."
Draco finally seemed to concede. "This stays between you and me, though I wouldn't blame you if you decided to take off screaming. But at least hear me out before you do, please."
"Okay…"
Draco carefully rolled up his left sleeve, revealing a faint mark on his inner forearm which sent a chill down Luna's spine.
Draco explained everything to Luna about going home Christmas break, and having his parents force him to become a death eater. In doing so, Draco was obligated to witness all of their evil doings, and follow any given orders.
"It was quite the surprise for me to come home to. I mean, they might as well have come and said, Merry Christmas Draco, we've branded you a criminal!" Draco laughed bitterly.
Luna's mind spun as she tried to register all of this unsettling information. The fact that Draco's parents forced their only child to pledge himself to the most evil being on the planet, and aid in all of their heinous activities made Luna sick.
Draco must have misread her expression because he looked at her in pity and said, "I don't blame you if you're scared of me." Draco began trembling, with tears welling up in his eyes causing them to become misty. "I've been corrupted and there's no going back now. That's why I can't have you touching me; I can't have you tainted. You deserve better than this."
Unable to listen anymore, Luna quickly enveloped him in her arms tightly, placing his head on her shoulder as he wept. "Aren't you disgusted by me?" he choked out.
"Never," Luna said firmly. "You didn't have a choice."
"What am I going to do?"
Luna rubbed her necklace. "I don't know yet, but we'll figure it out together." Luna leaned back, gazing into his misty grey eyes, and a realization unfolded in her mind causing her heart to race. "There's something important that I need to tell you."
Draco was curious now. "What is it?"
Luna's cheeks burned as she tried to form the right words. "I know you probably don't feel the same way but…I love you."
Draco's eyes widened in astonishment, and they both sat in silence for a moment. "What makes you think I don't feel the same way?"
Luna gave a half shrug. "Not too long ago, you were repulsed by my touch," she said, thoughtfully.
Draco snorted. "But not for the reason you thought. Anyway, I need to show you something."
"Alright."
"Why don't you take a seat?" Draco backed away a few steps, drawing his wand. "The thing is, my aunt Bellatrix taught me Occlumency, and Professor Snape taught me Legilimency. Later, I took things a step further. I've been developing my own spell that is the opposite of Legilimency because I figured it could come in handy, like right now." Luna looked at him in surprise. "I call it Accelimency. It allows me to grant you access to a selection of my memories without having to store them in a pensieve. The difference is, you won't be reliving the memories, but you'll be able to view the collection as I allow you to."
"So, basically you're allowing me to penetrate your mind?"
"Something like that."
"But why do you want to show me?"
"It's a surprise. Now, are you ready?"
Luna nodded.
"Accelimens."
Instantly, images began crossing Luna's vision. It was like watching a video play out in her head. At first, the pictures were a bit blurry because they were Draco's childhood memories, but as he became older they were painted more vivid. As she sifted through the memories, it was like she could also feel the emotions tied to them. Draco's childhood was filled elation, but that changed as he grew older. Luna only caught flashes of him being at home, but she could feel his stress and anxiety from what his parents put him through.
All of a sudden, his memories focused on her, and only her. It was all of the little moments Luna thought Draco paid no attention to. Turns out, he actually always saw her out of the corner of his eye. From her twirling her hair, to humming in the halls, and dancing in the snow. As the memories played, Luna was flooded with a powerful emotion of Draco's. This was more than happiness…it was love.
Luna heard Draco say something pulling her from the memories. She gasped and gripped the arms of her chair feeling dazed by the intense experience.
"Are you okay?" He asked, worried.
"Yes." Luna drummed her fingers on the chair's arms. "Was all of that true? You feel that way about me?"
A corner of Draco's mouth lifted in amusement. He drew nearer closing the gap between them in one swift movement, and then he gently pressed his lips to hers, kissing her. A warm feeling spread from Luna's lips all the way down to her toes, leaving her dizzy by the time they broke apart.
Draco smirked seeing her expression. "Yes, I love you. Do you believe me now?"
Luna nodded gingerly making him laugh. She loved the way his laughter rang like music in her ears, and knowing she was the reason for it. Luna had never felt as happy as she did in this moment.
A battle to come
After taking Draco's situation into much deliberation, Luna decided that he needed protection. She figured it would be best to teach him everything that she had learned from the D.A.; they spent weeks together practicing so that he could be ready when the time came to break away from Voldemort and his death eaters. Luna even taught him how to form a patronus, which just so happened to take the form of a hare, causing Luna to blush.
Later, Harry had a vision of his godfather Sirius Black being tortured by Voldemort in the department of mysteries, so he was now recruiting members of the D.A. to be a part of a mission to rescue him. Luna told Draco about their plight, and that they were going to leave in a few hours. They stood outside near the gardens as they spoke.
"I'm going with you," Draco declared.
"I don't think that's such a good idea."
"Why, because Potter and his weasel-I mean the other one; can I call him the orange one?" Luna shook her head, fighting the urge to smile. "No?"
Luna finally gave in and laughed. "I'm sorry, but I think that they'd be less than fond of the idea of you being there."
Draco frowned, crossing his arms over his chest. "Well I don't care. I can't just let you go off on some dangerous mission, risking your life without me."
Luna chewed on her bottom lip debating the odds of her friends accepting Draco's help if she tried to persuade them. "I guess we could try-"
"I want in."
Luna had been cut short by a person emerging beside her. It was Matt.
Draco raised an eyebrow. "Were you eavesdropping?"
Matt grinned raking his fingers through his thick messy hair. "That depends on your definition of eavesdropping. I was just walking by and overheard you as my ears happened to be open."
Draco shook his head. "So besides eavesdropping, what exactly are you here for?"
"I just heard the last part of your conversation involving a dangerous mission- oh, and something about the D.A.?" Matt held up a finger. "Does that stand for like Duty of Annihilation? Cause that would be cool. Nonetheless, what kind of mentor would I be if I let my young pupils wander off into the dangerous world without my guidance?"
Draco snorted. "No way are we letting you tag along."
"Why not? I can't let you and your pretty platinum head steal all of the glory for Slytherin!"
Luna's mouth twitched as she tried to hide her smile.
Draco opened his mouth to respond but Luna cut him off. "There's no time to argue. Let's go."
Welcome to the D.A.
Draco and Matt stood at the threshold of the room of requirement as Luna stepped forward to talk with Harry, Hermione, and Ron. Harry and Ron, as expected, had strong objections about Draco joining their team. However, Hermione argued that he could be an asset and that they need all of the help they can acquire. Luna also explained to them how Draco has changed- with Neville and Ginny also vouching for him. In the end, Harry and Ron reluctantly agreed to the idea of them working together.
Harry announced to everyone the plan he had to rescue Sirius, which involved infiltrating the Ministry of Magic to the department of mysteries. Once he was finished, Luna discreetly pulled Matt aside to talk while everyone else prepared to leave.
"Do you want to let Alex know about what we're doing?" she asked.
"No," he answered sharply, causing Luna to jerk back.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to snap, but we can't tell Alex anything. It's just that I want her to be safe," he said. "If she finds out about this then she'll immediately demand to come along, but I can't let that happen. The thought of anything happening to her is unbearable for me."
Luna knew just how he felt. "It's okay, I get it, but I hope you'll at least tell her about it when we get back."
Matt looked at her gratefully.
Then a thought came to Luna, bothering her. "Um, Matt. I've been wondering if there's more to your story than just coming along to watch out for us."
Matt's smile faded, as a dark look flickered across his face. "Yeah, there is."
"What is it?"
Matt spoke so quietly that the drop of a wand would be enough to drown out his voice. "If He-who-must-not-be-named is responsible for this, then that means his inner circle will most likely be involved."
"Yeah, that may be true. But is there something else you haven't told us?"
"His death eaters killed my brother Dan. He was doing security in Azkaban when they escaped, and he ended up getting caught in the fray of things."
Draco walked over to them, straightening his robes. "You guys ready to go?"
The Department of Mysteries
The D.A., plus Draco and Matt, successfully broke into the department of mysteries. However, they wound up in the wrong room leading Ron entangled with brain. Unable to remove him the brain's clutches, they would have to come back for him later. After exploring many other rooms, they finally ended up in the hall of prophecies, but Sirius was still yet to be found. The room was dark and empty with an eerie feeling lurking in the air.
Luna peered at the row of orbs beside her sending chills down her spine. As she focused on the trail of dust along one in particular, the room suddenly grew cold leaving Luna overcome by a feeling of despair. In the farthest corner of the room, she saw a dark hooded figure emerge. Its rotting smell permeated the air as it gradually drifted closer. Others formed behind it all at once.
"Dementors," Luna whispered in fear, recognizing the creatures.
Draco whipped out his wand, slowly backing up next to her as everyone began shooting out their patronuses.
"You remember how to do it?" Luna asked him.
Draco stared ahead trying not to let his fear overwhelm him. "Yeah, let's do it."
Luna pulled out her wand from behind her ear making Draco pause. "That's a curious place to be holding a wand."
Luna shrugged, holding out her empty hand for him. They joined together while casting their patronuses causing something strange to happen to the dancing blue streams sparking off the tips of their wands. The two hares merged together emitting an exceedingly bright blue light.
Draco gawked at the sight. "What's happening?"
Luna was just as shocked. "I have no clue."
The light faded leaving behind a single hare sporting a pair of wings.
"I can't believe it.," Hermione mumbled, joining them. "Patronus wings! I've read about this before. It's a rare ability, but when two wizards who have forged a deep bond cast their patronuses in sync, their wands respond to the emotion, translating it and generating an image of 'wings.' The power of the patronus is magnified, and allows them to vanquish more than one dementor at a time."
They watched as dementors around the room vanished, multiples at a time. Luna was amazed.
"It looks like you guys have everything handled so I'm going back to check on Ron," Hermione said as she fled the room with her otter leading the way.
"What do we do now guys?" Matt called from across the room.
Neville looked pale and exhausted as he spoke up. "I think we should leave. Sirius isn't here; this was definitely a trap to lure us out here."
Ginny silently agreed with him.
"There has to be a reason for it," Luna added.
Everyone turned to Harry who was busy studying an orb on the shelf. "Just give me a second here."
Luna took a look over his shoulder, and thought she spotted his name inscribed on the orb. Harry picked it up, and as soon as he did, death eaters landed around the room appearing to have apparated their way in. The orb must have been a trigger, and they were cornered by almost a dozen death eaters.
"Hand over the prophecy," one of them demanded, looming towards them from the darkness. They were all wearing masks so it was hard to tell who was who.
"Run, Harry!" Ginny shouted.
"You better be quick mate," Matt warned loudly.
"No! I can't just leave you guys, we're in this together."
Lights started flashing across the room, illuminating the space as it became a battle ground. Luna watched as Neville dived behind a shelf and shot out a stunning spell, crying out, "If they want that orb then you can't give it to them, Harry!"
Luna privately agreed as she shouted, "stupefy" at one of the death eaters.
Draco turned his head, and pointed his wand at her causing her heart to stop. Silently, he fired a curse that whistled right past her ear, taking its mark on someone square in the chest behind her. The figure lay writhing on the floor.
"You need to keep your eyes everywhere. Don't let your guard down," Draco advised Luna.
"Noted," Luna breathed. They ran behind a shelf seeking cover as Luna worked on restarting her heart. Draco and Luna could see Harry fighting from behind another shelf. "Expelliarmus."
Draco sighed in exasperation and then shouted, "Stop holding back Potter, this isn't some playground like Hogwarts! They will kill us, or at least those who are not holding the orb if you don't put them down."
There were cackles coming from all around the room by the death eaters. Then came Harry's irritated response. "I'm aware, Malfoy."
"Then start acting like it, and use some real curses already!" Draco dodged one of the death eater's curses, and rolled onto the ground. "It's also time to grow a backbone while you're at it," he panted while wiping his forehead.
They heard Harry snort. "Guess I'm not as experienced at using them as you are. If we make it out of here alive, how about we agree to let me practice on you?"
Luna held in a laugh as she was occupied fighting. She wondered how the others were holding up.
She heard Ginny and Matt both yell, "Nice one, Neville!"
Draco turned to Luna and earnestly whispered, "I've got an idea, but we need to gather up everyone for it."
Somehow, Luna was able to gather everyone together behind the same shelf for at least a minute for Draco to voice his plan.
"Let's face it, there's too many of them, and we need to get out of here. I'm going to create a distraction, and you all escape as soon as I do. Potter goes first because he has the orb, and then everyone else follows."
"I'll go round up Ron and Hermione," Ginny said.
Harry turned from her to Draco looking uncertain. "How are you going to distract them?"
Draco dug in his pocket, pulling out a lumpy pouch. "With this," he began. "It's peruvian darkness powder. We'll have to feel our way out, but at least we'll have a head start."
Matt grinned, seeming impressed. "That's brilliant!"
Harry stared at the ground pensively for a second before raising his head and deciding. "Let's do it now."
Draco distributed the powder giving birth to complete darkness throughout the hall. The powder even worked to turn off the glow of the orbs. Luna could hear shuffled footsteps followed by frustrated cries. Luna tried to quietly feel her way along the shelf when she accidentally knocked down some orbs, releasing the wraiths and giving away her position.
Without warning, a blinding green light erupted before her threatening to take her life when suddenly a pair of hands roughly shoved her back into a shelf sending it tumbling down with a resounding 'BOOM'. Glass shattered everywhere. Luna's head was spinning, and all she could do was lie there in shock as her body was riddled with pain and the world crashed around her.
Someone shouted something and the room lit up. Luna looked around wildly trying to find out what was going on, when her eyes strayed to a large dark lump on the floor. Then, upon closer inspection, the painful truth of what she was seeing dawned on her hard as if someone had taken a broom to her head.
It was Matt's body that lay like a corpse where she was previously standing.
As curses flew around, Luna sucked in a breath crawling over to him ignoring the pain, and the blood dripping down the side of her face.
Matt's skin was already greying, and she could barely see his chest move. Luna closed her hand on his wrist, whimpering. "No, this can't be happening."
His eyes slowly rolled towards her and with what must have taken great effort, lifted a corner of his mouth in a small smile. "Bet no one will believe this, huh? Being saved by a Slytherin," he croaked. "Take care of them both." Luna watched him take one last breath, the light leaving his eyes telling her he was gone.
Luna shrank back, covering her mouth with her hand to stifle her sobs. She was in agony, but she knew she needed to pull herself together quickly. Luna wiped her tears as she scanned the room, and could see that Harry and Ginny were gone. They must have made it to their destinations, and Luna also noticed that some of the death eaters must have followed them. It was now left to her, Neville, and Draco to fight against the remaining ones.
Suddenly, another group of people unexpectedly apparated into the room. The Order of the Phoenix was here.
Legacy
As the Order took care of the death eaters, Draco staggered over to Matt. Luna quietly watched as he bent over his friend's lifeless body, and his forehead creased with the effort of trying to hold in his tears.
Luna walked over and instinctively slid her hand in his.
The death eaters in the hall were taken out, so they went into the next room to find Harry. It appeared that Ron, Hermione, Neville, Ginny, and Harry had all been trapped in the room with a black veil. Harry seemed to be in a panic, meaning something terrible must have happened.
The Order set in and were battling for their lives.
Meanwhile, one of the death eaters emerged in front of Draco lifting their mask and exposing their face. The man had the same trademark Platinum hair as Draco. Lucius Malfoy.
"Get over here, boy," Lucius commanded.
Draco squared his shoulders. "No," he said flatly.
"Son," Lucius spread out his hands. "We're staking our claim on what's rightfully ours. The Dark Lord has promised us a better world so long as we serve him valiantly. Think about our legacy…"
"They killed Matt," Draco choked out looking pained.
"Yes, I'm sorry about that, but fatalities are inevitable in war. Shame that it had to be a Slytherin, but what did you think would happen fighting against us?"
Draco took a step back. "I've learned something, father. This legacy of ours that is so full of animosity and violence only leads to destruction. I think it's time we lay down our pride, and take a step back to reevaluate our ambitions. This legacy," Draco swallowed. "It ends with me."
Draco was afraid of what his father would do but the last thing in the world he wanted was for his posterity to continue the cycle and inherit his family's prejudice all for the sake of keeping the bloodline 'pure.'
Lucius shook his head slowly. "You disappoint me," he whispered coldly. "I'll deal with you at home."
With that, he waved his wand and vanished into thin air leaving behind a billow of smoke.
The battle was over for now.
Warming Hearts
After that night, Luna had learned that the death eaters had been caught and incarcerated. Thankfully, Sirius was never really being tortured, and Voldemort didn't get his hands on the prophecy.
The D.A. members only suffered minor injuries, except Ginny who had a broken leg, plus Luna luckily didn't have a concussion. The worst they had to deal with was Matt…and breaking the dreadful news to Alex.
Luna and Draco stood outside with the Thestrals. This ground had sort of become a meeting place for them since their first time.
Draco focused in on the mysterious creatures. "I can see them too now. I guess that makes us the same."
Luna felt sorry for him because she knew how hard it was to lose someone for the first time. She wished for a spell that could magically clear away the ache.
Draco's voice broke Luna from her thoughts. "Does it ever get better?"
"It does, and do you know how?" He shook his head, and Luna smiled. "When you surround yourself with people who care about you. The pain ebbs away, and it will always still be there, but that's just love."
She pointed at his heart. "That pain is a sign that you really loved them."
"Strange how that works."
Luna played with her necklace. "My mom always said, love is another form of magic because it has a peculiar way of changing us."
It was Draco's turn to smile. "Those are wise words. She sounds a lot like you."
He drew her into a hug and Luna said, "I'm really proud of you for standing up to your father."
"I couldn't have done it without you."
Luna's heart was so full and brimming with love that she couldn't stop smiling. "Whatever comes next, we'll face it together.
Epilogue
Luna and Draco watched as their son Scorpius boarded the Hogwarts Express for his third year.
The whistle sounded, signaling it was time to leave. Then they turned to their daughter Kardelen whose turn it was next.
Kardelen fiddled with her cart full of luggage stalling for time, and then cast them a worried look. "What if they don't like me, or I don't fit in?"
Draco snorted as he and Luna shared a look reminiscing on the past. She cradled their baby Matt in her arms.
Luna bent down smiling as she looked into Kardelen's grey eyes, sensing the presence of a bit of her own free-spirit.
"Then stand out," Luna answered simply. "Being a misfit isn't as bad as people make it out to be; sometimes you meet the greatest people that way who forge the strongest bonds."
THE END
And Sirius never died…
45
