In the week leading up to Christmas, Harry's mind was occupied with two very different thoughts, the more important being what he'd overheard between Snape and Malfoy after Professor Slughorn's party. But then, of course, there was Luna, and even if she wasn't the more pressing memory, she was the more pleasant one. Harry often found himself reminiscing about their kiss under the mistletoe. He was well aware Malfoy and Snape should've been his main focus, but Luna was like a balm for all the anxiety, stress, and frustration he'd been experiencing for what felt like an eternity. Harry found that thinking of Luna dulled all the negativity stewing in his heart.
But after opening his presents Christmas morning and pulling on his new sweater from Mrs. Weasley, it occurred to Harry that Luna had parted ways with her cork necklace as a gift to him but he hadn't returned the favor. It was Christmas after all and Luna didn't even live that far from the Burrow. He could have sent Hedwig with something.
It was a thought Harry brought with him when he gathered around the table for Christmas lunch, and after a few minutes of quiet contemplation while he ate, Harry turned to Ron. "Hey, what did you get Lavender for Christmas?" he asked in a lowered voice.
"Some perfume. She wrote down exactly what she wanted. It was pretty easy. Guess I should've done the same. Then I wouldn't have to get an earful when I tell her there's no way I'm wearing that bloody ugly necklace she gave me," Ron replied as he poured gravy over his mashed potatoes, but after setting the gravy boat back down he eyed Harry suspiciously. "Why you wanna know?" When Harry merely shrugged in response, his friend snorted. "Don't tell me you didn't get Luna anything."
"Luna? Who's talking about Luna?" George suddenly interjected into their conversation. He was sitting directly across from Harry, a mischievous grin on his face.
"Must be Harry," Fred answered from his spot beside his twin.
"Funny, I wonder why that is?" George replied. "You got any ideas, Fred?"
"Well, I think I might have a theory, George."
The supercilious manner in which they were speaking told Harry he was about to get another teasing and inwardly he groaned.
"Fred! George! I will not have you bothering our poor Harry over his new … friend," Mrs. Weasley chided, her face severe as she reprimanded her sons, but the creases between her brows relaxed as she turned to look at Harry. "Luna's a lovely girl, Harry. She and her father live just up the way. He comes for visits sometimes, always with a gift of that magazine of his, the uh ..."
"Quibbler," Mr. Weasley chimed in.
"Yes, the Quibbler. Thank you, Arthur."
"Aaaaand it's a magazine mum promptly uses to line the chicken coop with," Fred added. "It might not be good for reading, but it sure is great for catching all that chicken sh-"
"Fred!" Mrs. Weasley warned, and a hush fell over the group as they waited for the lecture that was sure to follow. But instead, her severe look crumbled, giving way to a smile that she unsuccessfully hid behind a napkin. "That was very rude," she half-heartedly scolded, which only made the table erupt with laughter.
"I think I'll uh, go get some air," Harry suddenly mumbled, pushing his chair back and standing, not really feeling keen on sticking around to hear them all poke fun at the Lovegoods.
"Oh, come on, Harry. We were only having a little fun," George said.
"Yeah, it's what we do to our little brothers, isn't that right, Won-Won?" Fred winked at Ron and laughed when his younger brother shrank in his seat. "See, all in good fun."
This made Harry smile, but it wasn't enough to make him stay. After grabbing his coat, he walked out into the chilly afternoon air to the tune of Mrs. Weasley's voice berating her boys, and Fred or George replying, "Ah, don't worry. Harry's a good sport. He'll come around."
Without thinking much of where he was going, Harry crossed the yard but stopped as he neared the Weasley's overgrown, snow-covered garden where a gnome had popped out of the frozen ground. Harry's gaze followed the small creature as it ran in front of him and then disappeared again behind the chicken coop. The sight of the coop made Harry snort and then chuckle when he thought of the Quibbler lining its floor.
While Fred's comment had been funny, it still bothered Harry some, because it reminded him of the common consensus about the Lovegoods. While everyone else thought Luna and her father were jokes, Harry felt they were just misunderstood. Their magic was real, and unfortunately also selective. In a way, it was a bit like being a wizard in the muggle world, and Harry had an uncomfortable flashback of life living with the Dursleys. Luna's situation could be considered similar, but unlike him, Hogwarts wasn't an escape away from bullying over magic and it filled Harry with empathy for her plight. Although knowing Luna, she'd probably tell him to forget that nonsense. She wasn't one to wallow in self-pity.
Just then Harry heard a crunching sound, like boots walking over snow, and after glancing up, his heart did a flip when he saw who was standing in front of him. "Luna!" Harry nearly shouted, his eyes growing wide as he took in her sudden appearance. Luna's long hair was messily tucked under a yellow knit hat with blue stars. Her coat was the opposite, dark blue with yellow stars, and she was wearing bright orange boots that didn't match the ensemble at all. And then Harry glanced to her right and saw a man, similar to Luna in every way except in gender and height.
"Hello, Harry," Luna greeted, but after taking in the startled expression he must've been wearing, she stated, "Oh, you weren't expecting us."
"No ... was I- was I supposed to?"
"Ron's mother sent us an invitation by owl yesterday. I assumed you knew and that's why you were out here to greet us."
"I promise you, you're not what I expected to see when I came outside." Harry laughed a bit in relief at having Luna standing in front of him when she'd occupied so much of his mind for the past week. He couldn't have asked for a better Christmas present.
"Well, are we at least a good surprise?" Luna asked. Her smile was bright but held a hint of wariness, like Harry's reaction had thrown her off balance. Coming from Luna it was an odd expression. She was always so sure of herself. Harry decided to put a stop to whatever second-guessing was going on in her head.
"Of course it's a good surprise." And then Harry pulled her into an embrace that lasted so long, a loud clearing of the throat reminded him that they weren't alone. Immediately Harry and Luna separated.
"Harry, this is my father." Luna gestured towards the tall man with long blonde hair.
"A pleasure to finally meet you," he said, grasping Harry's hand and giving it a good shake. "Did you know your interview was the Quibbler's best-selling issue? I have the cover framed in my office."
"Yes, Daddy, Harry is aware of how important that issue was and most likely still is, but he doesn't want to hear about that right now. It's Christmas and we're late for lunch."
"Only late because of those pesky nargles. We have such an infestation in our home," Luna's father complained. "I'm planning on writing an article about the looming threat of an upcoming nargle plague unless more wizards and witches take the necessary precautions."
Luna gave her father a patient if not patronizing look and patted the bundle he was carrying in his arms. "Why don't you go inside and hand these out. I'm sure everyone will be very pleased to have the latest copy."
Upon closer inspection, Harry could see Luna's father was holding a stack of Quibblers. "I brought one for each member of the family. One for you too, Harry. And here's the best part. It's the latest edition. Not even out to the public yet."
"Well, I can't wait to read it, sir," Harry replied, trying his best not to laugh, thinking of how Mrs. Weasley would have loads of new lining for her chicken coop. Luna must've noticed his not so well hidden humor, because her eyes narrowed in curiosity.
"Come Daddy, let's go say hello." With a gentle hand, Luna nudged her father forward and then fell in step alongside Harry. "I'm sorry," she whispered, "that you didn't know we were coming and for my father's … enthusiasm."
"He doesn't bother me," Harry said, glancing down at Luna's hands, which were covered in orange mittens the same shade as her boots. He thought of reaching out and holding one of them, but with her father so near, Harry let the idea go. "Actually, he uh, kind of reminds me of you."
Luna grinned and softly bumped her shoulder into his. "I know you're teasing me."
Harry shrugged. "Maybe. But enthusiasm for what you believe in isn't a bad quality to have. Although I'll admit your version of it is a lot more enjoyable to be around."
"Could that be because you also find me attractive?" Luna asked in that whimsical and honest way she had. There was no hint of flirtation hidden within her words. She was simply stating an observation.
Even so, Harry's face still grew hot. "Might be," he answered.
"Well, more attractive than my father, I suppose," Luna commented, and she and Harry shared a soft laugh over her joke, causing her father to momentarily glance their way. When he looked forward again, Harry lowered his voice even more.
"I'm glad you're here," he said.
"I'm glad I'm here too," Luna echoed his sentiment. "Since I left Hogwarts, you're always on my mind. All day I stare out a window and think of you. My father is quite convinced I've got a mind buggle infection."
Harry didn't ask what a mind buggle was- assuming he'd find out soon enough anyway if he kept on kissing Luna- and instead focused on the first part of her admission, the part about missing him. It was nice to have confirmation that he occupied her mind as much as she did his, and if the situation had been different, Harry might've taken the opportunity to kiss Luna. But considering it wasn't the time or place for snogging, Harry thought it was best to ease the palpable attraction between them by moving past her father and opening the Burrow's entrance. "Mrs. Weasley, you have uh, guests," he called inside.
"And Quibblers," Luna's father spoke up as he entered, forcing Harry to once again hold back a chuckle.
Five minutes and two added chairs later, Harry, Luna, and her father were all wedged between the Weasley family at their table for what had been a surprise gift from Mrs. Weasley to Harry- Christmas lunch with the Lovegoods. Fred and George were still facing Harry, but the sight of Luna had tempered their teasing. It was a much different scenario poking fun at Harry's relationship with Luna when she was right there in front of them. But Harry did notice Fred eyeing the stack of Quibblers on the table next to Luna's father, as if itching to crack a joke. Thankfully for Harry's sake, Fred kept his snide remarks to himself, most likely saving those unsaid words for later.
But even with the Weasley twins' restraint, Harry still managed to find himself in an awkward situation when a bit of Luna's cork necklace became visible from where he'd tucked it under his new sweater. Luna's father happened to notice and said, "Ahh Harry, I see you're prepared for the nargle plague."
Confused, Harry turned to Luna's father, and after swallowing his mouthful of food, he asked, "I have?"
"Yes, you have. And no doubt it was Luna here who informed you all about nargles and the threat they pose to wizarding society as I see you've taken the necessary precautions with a cork necklace."
However, before Harry could reply and mention the necklace was not actually his, Luna spoke up. Her tone carried a hint of warning, even if her words were only a simple request. "Daddy, would you please pass me the glazed carrots?" She pointed to his left, and when he twisted in his chair to reach them, Harry was suddenly besieged by Luna's hands as she shoved the showing bit of cork necklace back under his sweater. The unexpected touch of her fingers brushing against his skin caused Harry's blood to race.
After Luna's father passed the plate of carrots his daughter's way, she suggested he tell them about the latest troll uprising. Harry could tell she'd baited him with a favorite subject of his, as he rambled on and on, much to the chagrin of everyone else. It was an odd sort of exchange between Luna and her father, but it had happened so fast, Harry didn't know what to think. And it wasn't until later- when Luna suggested they go outside for a walk- that she apologized for shoving the cork necklace down his sweater. But he still didn't understand and asked, "Why'd you do that anyway?"
"I didn't want him knowing you were wearing mine," Luna said. "I must admit though, I am flattered that you've kept it on this whole time. Are the nargles still bothering you?"
"Considering I haven't kissed you in a week, no." Harry broke eye contact with Luna, feeling embarrassed at the mention of them snogging.
"I see. So your theory still holds?"
She sounded so technical about it that Harry wanted to laugh. "Yeah it would seem," he replied and was quiet for a moment before sweeping his gaze back to her. "Why didn't you want your dad knowing I have your cork necklace? He seemed pleased that I was wearing it."
"Only because he doesn't know it's mine."
"Is that a problem?"
Luna stopped walking, and ironically enough it was near the chicken coop. She leaned her back against it and then tilted her head to the side. "Not to me … but if he knew it was mine, he'd assume we were closer than I've led him to believe. You see, that cork necklace … I've had it since I was young. My mum helped me make it. I'd only ever give it away if that person meant a great deal to me."
"I-I mean a great deal to you?" All at once, the world seemed to melt away around Harry. Her confession wasn't the same as a shared kiss, but somehow it felt grander in scope.
"Isn't that what I just told you?" Luna replied.
Harry laughed awkwardly and looked away, his face burning. "Yeah, that was a dumb question."
But Luna gently pressed a mitten-covered hand against his cheek and guided Harry's attention back to her. "No, not dumb. You were surprised. A reasonable response to what I said." She was quiet as her eyes searched his, and Harry thought he saw her gaze dart momentarily up to his scar. "But it's true. It's been true for a long time actually. Ever since we met. When I first told you of the thestrals. Your importance to me has only grown since then and now, I suppose kissing is a part of that importance." Her mouth curved into a knowing smile and Harry chuckled, but there was still a part of her confession that he didn't fully understand.
"If I'm so important to you, why keep it from your dad?"
Luna's smile slipped. "I'm trying to protect you both. Remember when you wouldn't tell me about Draco. Well, this could be seen as me doing the same."
Harry sighed. He wanted to press Luna on her reasoning, but also didn't want to ruin their moment. For now, it was better to let the subject drop and tell Ron's family to ease off their teasing of him outside of the Burrow. If Luna wanted to keep her father in the dark, Harry wouldn't question it. "I'm sorry I didn't get you anything for Christmas," he said, changing the subject. "But maybe this'll help." He cleared his throat and leaned in closer; Luna's eyebrows rose slightly in surprise. "You uh, mean a great deal to me too. You seem to get me in a way no one else does, but it wasn't until Slughorn's party that I realized my feelings for you were stronger than just friendship."
"We could blame it on the nargles. Our first kiss happened because you brought me under the mistletoe wanting to see them, and then our second because they were pestering you," Luna mused, and Harry smirked.
"True, but how 'bout we thank them instead? I rather like kissing you."
Luna giggled, but her amusement was quickly quieted when Harry pressed his lips to hers. It was risky kissing Luna out in the open when anyone could step outside and see them, but Harry's emotions had gotten the better of his rational side. He just really needed to kiss Luna.
Yet it wasn't someone inside the Burrow that ended up being an unintended audience for Harry and Luna's affectionate display. Their kiss was brief but might have lasted longer if a few seconds into it Harry hadn't heard his name being spoken. And the voice wasn't one he'd heard in a long while either.
"Percy?" Harry mumbled as he jerked away from Luna, his heart hammering in his chest. And then his eyes darted to the man standing next to Percy Weasley. A man Harry had only ever seen staring back at him from moving pictures in the Daily Prophet. The Minister of Magic, Rufus Scrimgeour.
A moment of unease passed as Percy nodded, and Scrimgeour greeted Harry with a gruff hello. Both men seemed keen to ignore Luna's existence altogether until she unabashedly said, "Were you invited to lunch too? Well, I'm afraid you're both late. We've already finished eating."