February 3, 2004

"So, Harry started showing up at your house each morning. And you just accepted it?"

Luna shrugged. "I was lonely. My father had recently been sent to a long term care facility run by St. Mungo's and I couldn't adjust to an empty house. At first… it was difficult to be alone." Hermione nodded as though she understood.

"What did the two of you do? Talk about?"

"For the first few months, we barely spoke other than to remark on the weather. Harry would simply help me in my garden or with various chores around the house. He would usually come over at around half nine in the morning and we'd work for a few hours. I'd fix us lunch and he'd head home. I suppose to meet Ginny."

Hermione frowned at that. "And Ginny didn't know the entire time? You two were meeting daily and she had absolutely no idea."

Luna glanced at Hermione and raised an eyebrow. "On the contrary, Ginny knew exactly where Harry was each morning. He never lied about his whereabouts and she had no issues with it. At least, not that she said out loud. Not many women view me as a threat. I don't appreciate your accusations, Hermione."

"Luna, I wasn't-"

"But you were. Harry and I are not and never were clandestine lovers meeting in secret trysts. Our friendship was built upon a foundation of mutual loneliness and the need for uncomplicated companionship. Much like when we were at Hogwarts. That is all." Luna sipped her tea and watched Hermione's reaction over the brim of her mug. Hermione's face fell from anger at the thought of Harry's supposed infidelity to hurt because she finally understood. In some of his darkest times, Harry had turned to Luna and not to her.

"But… But Ron and I. We were always here. We have always been here for Harry. I just don't understand…" She glanced down at the table top, frowning.

"Yes, well, the key difference is that you and Ron are in a relationship."

"I don't see why that would make any difference. We didn't stop being Harry's friends when we began seeing each other," Hermione said petulantly.

"I can't read Harry's mind but I believe he didn't want to intrude upon your happiness. And, as always, I was there to fill the void."

Hermione narrowed her eyes at Luna. "I still don't see how a friendship like yours could have evolved into love."

Luna raised her eyebrow and felt her cheeks flush. Breathe, she thought. "You know, Hermione. In all the years I've known you, you've always walked the line between coldly kind and pretentious. I don't often allow condescension to affect me but that doesn't mean that I'll roll over and take it anymore. You came here, quite unwelcome, to collect the details regarding a time of my life that I hold very private. And when I answer your questions truthfully, you're rude. Yes, a friendship like ours evolved into love. I am sorry that the thought of Harry possessing feelings for me offends you. But I am not sorry that it happened. Now, we'll either continue this conversation or you may see yourself out. I believe you know where the door is."

Hermione blanched and Luna noticed her knuckles turn white as she clenched her fists. "Fine," she said through gritted teeth. "I'm sorry. But see things from my perspective. You and Harry were always friendly with one another but I never thought that you saw each other in any other light."

Luna nodded. "I understand that but I will not take the insults any longer. But you're right about one thing. He and I were always friendly but it never crossed over into anything else. Remember – we had months of silent camaraderie before our friendship turned into anything else. Harry barely spoke to me the first few months… He'd just see to the tasks that I set out for him and leave. I think that he appreciated having a purpose, really. We both know that he wasn't working at the time and when he'd arrive in the morning… he was listless. Like he hadn't slept or like he had spent time pacing back and forth anxious to get out of his flat. Honestly, he frightened me. Harry was so tightly coiled and had such a nervous energy about him. That first night, when he drunk, he turned on me so quickly that I was afraid. And I knew that version of Harry was just under the surface…. And if I pushed the wrong way or said the wrong thing, he'd snap."

"I know exactly what you're talking about," Hermione said quietly. "He's been like that for ages."

"But then, everything changed. I am not sure exactly what happened in his life because I never asked for details, but I think that Ginny was just recruited for the Cannons. And one night, Harry showed up at my door… drunk, again." Luna paused and looked at Hermione. "I feel that I'm betraying him by telling you this."

Hermione frowned. "I don't know what you want me to say, Luna. If you don't want to tell me, then you don't have to."

Luna sighed and glanced out her window. "No, I guess it's time that I talk about it. It's hard, you know, not having friends. For a long time, for four years, Harry was the only person who consistently sought me out. And then we just stopped speaking and I've been so lonely ever since." Luna frowned slightly and glanced back at Hermione. "Anyway, one night, Harry showed up drunk as ever… but it was different. He wasn't angry or violent. He just seemed defeated and miserable. I couldn't very well turn him away so he came in; I made him tea and let him brood in my kitchen. I made up the sofa because I assumed he was going to pass out and when I turned – he was right there behind me..."