Happenstance

Chapter 16: To Put It Simply, I Want You

Draco had hardly slept a wink all night. The confrontation between himself and his father had proven to be a bit of an obstacle. Draco knew that their going head to head was inevitable, but he hadn't expected it to result in physical violence. Wizards were supposed to be above that sort of thing, although he'd had plenty of physical altercations with Potter and Weasley while at Hogwarts, but the position on fighting was that magical kind didn't have any need for it due to their ability to use magic in its stead. All in all, why brawl when you can duel? No matter how hard he tried to rationalize his actions, Draco couldn't get around the fact that he'd hit his father. You couldn't disrespect him any more, even if you tried. The worst part about it was that, while he felt bad for hitting his father, Draco got a great deal of satisfaction out of it too. In that moment, he wasn't a wizard, he was a man. A man overcome by rage due to the wrongdoing of his loved one. Finally, he could understand what people meant when they said that, 'magical or not, we're all still human'.

Just before the sun started to rise, Draco finally abandoned his tossing and turning, and decided to go for a jog. While at Hogwarts he developed the habit of taking jogs early in the morning while it was still cool. It served two purposes; one being the exercise it provided and the other being that it allowed him to clear his mind and sort through his thoughts. After pulling on a pair of black jogging pants and his running shoes, the shirtless Draco bounded down the stairs and headed for the kitchen for a bottle of water. As he entered the kitchen, Draco was surprised to find Luna seated at the breakfast counter, clad in her silk dressing gown, sipping a cup of tea and reading the Daily Prophet.

"You're up early," he said, softly, trying not to startle her.

"You too."

"You want to go for a run with me?"

"No," she said, laughingly. "I'll pass."

"Why are you up already?" Draco asked, retrieving his water from the fridge before settling himself on the stool next to her.

"Couldn't sleep."

"Me either," Draco replied, placing one of his hands on the back of her neck and gently massaging it. "Last night was pretty interesting, wasn't it?"

"A regular three ring circus," she muttered, shrugging his hand off of her neck before turning to face him. "Why did you hit your Dad?"

"He said something that was inappropriate." Draco didn't like where this was headed so he stood to leave.

"What did he say?" Luna knew that it had to have either been about her or Landon, she just needed to hear him say it. All night, she'd been ridden with guilt over having caused a rift between Draco and his father, and she'd hoped that he would tell her what it was exactly that had caused him to strike his father.

"Does it matter?" he asked pleadingly. He really didn't want to talk about it but he knew that if she was determined to find out, she would, even if it meant nagging him endlessly until he told her.

"Yes."

"He called you a whore," Draco said, grimacing. To her credit, Luna seemed unfazed by what his father had said, but that didn't mean he wanted her to know it had ever been said. Draco knew that he'd been Luna's first and only partner, so for someone to say something so false, and for that person to be his father no less, it made him angrier than he'd ever recalled having been in his entire life. "I just snapped. Where does he get off talking about people that way? He doesn't even know you."

"Which is why it doesn't bother me that he said I was a whore," she informed him. "I wish you hadn't fought with him because of me."

"As much as I care about you, you alone didn't cause last nights fight. It was a long time coming, so you don't need to feel bad. What he said about you was just the last straw. If my father can't accept you for who you are, than clearly he doesn't want to be a part of my life that much. I don't want my son around him and his crazy prejudices. They wreaked their havoc on me, but I won't let them corrupt Lanny."

"If you're so sure of what you did, why couldn't you sleep?" Luna asked.

"I was conflicted. I hit my father, which is a terrible thing to do, and I enjoyed it. But at the same time, he deserved it. I just had a lot to think about, that's all." Leaning over, Draco kissed Luna on the cheek before standing to leave.

"Oh, Draco," Luna called out to him. "Can you watch Landon Tuesday night?"

"Why?" he asked, playfully. "Got a hot date?"

"As a matter of fact I do," Luna replied. That was not the answer he'd been hoping for. They'd only just shagged two nights ago and she was already making plans to go out with other guys. Draco couldn't believe it. "I ran into Neville at Josephine's the other day..."

"Neville?" he asked, disbelievingly. "As in, Neville-I-couldn't-brew-a-decent-potion-to-save-my-life-Longbottom?"

"Yes," she confirmed, nodding as she smiled at him. "We used to be good friends at Hogwarts and when we ran into each other yesterday, he asked me to go to some Ministry Ball Tuesday night." For several long moments, Draco was silent. He just stood there staring at Luna with his mouth open slightly. "So, can you watch Lanny for me?"

"No." Draco replied, a plan formulating in his twisted mind. "I can't. I've already got plans."

"Where are you going?"

"The Ministry Ball. I'd completely forgotten about it until you just said something, so thanks for the reminder." Turning on his heels, Draco quickly left the room, a deep scowl on his handsome face. He tried his best to not appear jealous but he knew that he was. 'Neville Longbottom!' he thought. 'Neville fucking Longbottom!'

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Luna wasn't sure why, but things between her and Draco had been really tense ever since the morning they spoke before he went jogging. Naturally, Luna associated his seeming anger towards her with his altercation with his father at their housewarming supper. For some reason she hadn't even noticed that he had become agitated when she'd asked him to watch Landon when she went to the Ball with Neville, and not before then. Draco didn't mean to be so short with her, but ever since she'd mention she was going on a date, he'd been really angry. He had been the one to put the final nail in the proverbial coffin of their relationship when he told her that he was done playing her games, but knowing that didn't help matters in the least. So for three days, Draco either avoided Luna or snubbed her when they were together, all of which was part of his 'Master Plan'.

Since Draco was going to the Ball as well, Luna had asked her father to watch Lanny while they were away. Luckily, he never went to any of the Ministry functions, so he eagerly accepted the opportunity to spend some time with his grandson.

Just as he'd promised, Neville owled her the information for the ball so that she knew the dress code and any other specifics. Lucky for Luna, when she'd went to Josephine's the other day to find her dress for the housewarming supper, she'd also found quite a few other gowns that would work wonderfully for the formal Ministry event.

The last thing Luna wanted to do was celebrate his Lordship Harry Potter, but Neville wanted her there to keep him company, so she'd endure the boy-wonder worshipping for one evening. The closer the night of the ball came, the more excited Luna got. She'd tried several times to smooth things over with Draco but he'd always been unreceptive. Finally, she'd just given up trying to make amends for causing the rift between the two Malfoy men, figuring that he'd get over it when he was ready. As much as she would have liked to have enjoyed getting ready for the Ball with Draco, she knew that it wouldn't happen, so after dropping Landon off at her father's house, Luna returned home so that she could get ready. As she headed up stairs to shower, Luna realized that she hadn't seen Draco all day. The last time she'd seen him was the night before during supper, where she was forced to endure yet another wordless meal. Shrugging, Luna put her thoughts of Draco out of her mind and focused her attention on having a wonderful evening.

Just as she was giving herself the final once over, Luna heard the doorbell chime and raced downstairs to get it, her four inch stilettos doing their best to make it as difficult as possible. Upon opening the door, Luna was greeted by a tuxedo and dress robe clad Neville Longbottom. 'He cleans up nicely,' she thought, as she checked him out. Neville didn't really notice that Luna was sizing him up since he was busy doing much the same thing. He'd know that she was beautiful and that she looked amazing in fancy gowns, but this evening, unlike when she was at Josephine's shop, Luna was going for more of a sexpot look. The floor length gown that Luna had elected to wear was made of many layers of a bright red, floaty chiffon material. The three quarter sleeves and bodice were fitted and led into a very floaty and free flowing skirt that moved every which way when she walked, and also featured a short train. The waist of the gown was cinched in by a wide black velvet sash, and the neckline was off of the shoulders and led to sheer three-quarter length sleeves. To finish off her ensemble, Luna had chosen a pair of understated black four-inch stilettos and a black clutch, both of which were made of velvet. Instead of wearing her long hair in some complicated up-do, she curled it and let it fall down her back, using on two diamond and onyx encrusted hair combs to keep it out of her face. Neville couldn't believe how beautiful Luna looked. He was quite sure that he would be the envy of just about every guy at the Ball that night.

"You look gorgeous," Neville said, softly, leaning down and kissing his date on the cheek. He was glad that she wasn't like most other witches, who tended to pile on their make-up. Instead, Luna had kept it simple, only using a bit of foundation to make her skin appear flawless and enough eyeshadow and eyeliner to create a smoky look. The only other makeup she used was a light dusting of blush and some clear lipgloss.

"Thanks," Luna said, his compliment causing her to blush. "You look really good too."

"Well, I try," Neville replied, jokingly, turning and posing playfully. "You ready to go?" Luna nodded and grabbed her black floor length velvet coat. Neville took it out of her hands and helped her put it on. Once she was done, the pair set off for the Ministry Ball.

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Just as Neville had predicted, the Ministry Ball was quite boring. The first hour, while everyone was eating their supper, they were forced to endure several skits that a group of first years from Hogwarts had put together. Once the children were done, several of the most well known members of the magical community gave speeches in praise of the brave and noble Harry Potter. The entire time these skits and speeches took place, Luna and Neville whispered back and forth and made jokes, in an attempt to pass the time.

Finally, after what seemed like ages, the speeches and skits ended and the guests were able to move about and mingle as they pleased. Immediately, Neville and Luna headed to the dance floor, both having a well noted history of liking to dance. The young couple danced non-stop for the longest time, enjoying both fast and slow songs, and they were even able to partake in a classical waltz, of which most people elected to pass on. Since this was a Ministry event and the Ministry was always looking for ways to promote themselves, neither Luna nor Neville thought anything of the multiple photographers buzzing throughout the dance hall snapping their pictures, even though the bright flashes were quite annoying.

Several times throughout the night, Luna secretly scanned the room, looking for Draco, who had said that he would be attending the ball also. So far, she'd been unable to locate him. A part of her thought that he was lying when he said that he was coming to the ball, and that he only said it to get out of watching Landon. She thought that he probably assumed that if he wasn't able to watch Lanny than she'd stay home. Luckily for her, Luna's father was willing to watch the baby, so she didn't have to resort to canceling her evening out with Neville.

As the pair slow danced, Luna's head resting against Neville's shoulder, her mind wandered back to her thoughts of Draco. It was nearly eleven-thirty and the Ball would be over in less than an hour, Luna hadn't so much as caught a glimpse of anyone who remotely looked like him. Just thinking about it made Luna want to gouge his eyes out for lying to her. As she planned the tirade that she would force Draco to endure tomorrow morning, Luna felt someone tap her on the shoulder.

"May I cut in?" the familiar voice drawled. "You can dance with my date for a bit, if you'd like." Luna turned to see who it was. Part of her was bummed to find Draco there. She'd actually been looking forward to presenting her 'How dare you lie to me just to spoil my fun' speech. It was really quite good; it flowed nicely and it would have certainly helped to make her look the part of a victim. But now that he'd made good on his word, she wouldn't be able to use it. Glaring at the intruder angrily, Neville stepped aside so that Draco could cut in. As much as he hated it, he wasn't about to start a fight right in front of the entire Ministry, and he certainly wasn't going to start a fight with Draco Malfoy, period. That would be a death wish. Instead, Neville allowed Draco and Luna to dance while danced with Draco's date, a scantily clad young witch who was wearing far too much make-up. The girl was pretty, she just wasn't beautiful, least of all naturally so.

"I didn't think you were going to show up," Luna said, several moments into their dance.

"You were looking for me?" Luna could hear the antagonizing tone in the wizards voice. "I didn't know you cared. I figured you would be so entranced by Mr. Longbottom and his stellar dance moves that you wouldn't be able to think about anything other than him."

"Shut up, Malfoy," Luna laughed, allowing Draco to spin her out and pull her back in, their bodies as close to one another as humanly possible. "So who's the girl?" Luna didn't like the girl the moment she saw her. Her breast were practically falling out of her too small dress- if that's what you could even call the napkin she'd elected to squeeze into- and she looked like she'd cake every drop of make-up she owned on her face.

"Her name's Stella," Draco whispered, his lips against her ear. "I think I'll marry her."

"Well congratulations," Luna replied, sarcastically. "I wish the both of you the best." Luna knew full well that Draco had no intention of marry that jezebel and she wasn't about to give him the satisfaction of knowing that the thought of him marrying someone bothered her. Not that she was even admitting that it did bother her.

"Would it be okay if Lanny called her Mommy number two?" Luna's hand met his cheek before she could even realize what she was doing. She hadn't meant to hit him but he'd crossed a very delicate line. Luckily, the music was loud enough and the crowd was preoccupied enough that no one noticed their fight, if they had, it was sure to be plastered on the cover of the Prophet in the morning. As Luna tried to pull away, Draco held her tightly against him, not wanting her to go. "You asshole," she hissed, giving up her struggle to get out of his reach. "How dare you say that."

"Why does it bother you so much?" Draco asked, rubbing his red cheek with his free hand. She'd really popped him pretty hard, and he'd have a nice little welt in a few moments to prove it. "You don't want me, so why should you care?"

"I don't care who you shag but I do care who you allow our son to be around," Luna hissed, poking him in the chest, threateningly. "I'll not have him calling that skank 'Mommy number two'. Landon has one Mommy and it's me. Are we clear?"

"Crystal," Draco said, closing the few inches that remained between them. "But do remember that the same goes for whoever you decide to settle down with. Landon only has one Daddy and that's me."

"I already knew that," she hissed. "Unlike you, you insensitive son of a bitch, I would never dream of allowing anyone other than you to be addressed as Landon's father."

"Than we shouldn't have any problems," he assured her, placing her head back on his shoulder so that they could continue their dance. When he felt her relax against him, he grew a bit more bold, allowing his hand to slip down the small of her back and rest just above her rear. When she didn't object, Draco placed soft kisses on the bare skin of her neck, inhaling the comforting and familiar scent of her shampoo.

"What do you want?" Luna asked, suddenly, still making no move to get away from him. Draco couldn't believe that she, of all people, was asking him what he wanted. The real question was what did she want, not what did he want. He thought he'd made it pretty damn clear what he wanted. Guessing that she needed to hear it again, he decided to answer.

"It's really no secret, love," he said, placing his mouth against her ear so that he could make sure that every syllable of what he had to say got through to her. "To put it simply, I want you."

"Draco..."

"Why deny it," Draco asked, interrupting any objections she could make. "You want me just as badly as I want you. You miss our nights together just as much as I do. The feeling of our bare skin against each other, my lips against yours. Why deny yourself what you so obviously want?"

"I don't..."

"Please," he scoffed, not even wanting to listen to her lying about it any more. "You and I both know that's not true. You certainly wanted me the night of the housewarming supper. If Rosmerta hadn't walked in, I'd have taken you on the settee and you would've loved it." Luna wanted to object, but she knew that if she did she would be lying, and Luna Lovegood was not a liar, she was in denial, that's for sure, but not a liar. "Can't we just stop these games? Imagine the magic of being together, with all the time in the world to love each other the way we deserve to be loved."

"I can't," she whispered, not even believing it herself. Luna couldn't figure out why her brain seemed to turn to mush every time Draco laid his hands on her, but it did, and the consequences of her inability to have a complete thought while in his arms, were always steep and detrimental to whatever platonic relationship they'd managed to forge beforehand.

"Yes, you can and I know that you want to," Draco countered, gently running his finger up and down her spine. "I understand that you're confused. I know I have a reputation for being a bit of playboy, but ever since we've gotten together, it's been you. Just you, and I wouldn't want it any other way. I miss you. I miss the sound of your whimpering cries and moans..."

"Draco!" she shrieked, an embarrassed look on her furiously blushing face. "Inappropriate! Totally inappropriate!"

"No, it's not," Draco said, dismissing her refute. "It's beautiful and if you're willing to do it, you ought to be willing to talk about it."

"Well, I'm not willing to do it," Luna snapped. "So, I guess this is over. Fuck, this is a really long song!" It seemed like they'd been dancing to the same song forever. She wanted nothing more for the endless tune to end, so she could retrieve her date from the arms of that horrible skank and get on with her enjoyable date.

"You and I both know that we'll never be over," he assured her, allowing her to wiggle our of his reach. "You're always going to want me just as badly as you do right now, and I'm always going to want you. You see, you and me are one in the same. We're made for each other and the sooner you accept that, the sooner we can get on with our life together. Just so we're clear, persistence is one of my strong points, so you really haven't got much of a chance." Stepping away from her, Draco gave Luna a sly grin before whispering, "I was your first and I plan on being your only, so when Neville brings you home tonight, remember that. You can't undo things."

"Its only our first date," Luna said, not having even thought about bedding Neville.

"I realize that, but after the little talk we've just had and the dance we've just shared, I'm quite sure you're a bit... bothered," Seeing that she was getting ready to deny his accusation, Draco placed his finger against her lips. "Don't deny it, Love. You've got that look in your eyes. A look I'm quite familiar with." Leaning down, Draco brushed his lips against hers and left to retrieve his date.

Just as he'd hoped, Draco's little interference had caused Luna to be distracted for the remainder of the evening. Luckily, there was just over half an hour left, so it wasn't cause for her to call the entire night a bust. One thing was certain, Draco was right when he said that his little speech and dance had wound her a bit tight, but then again, he could make reciting the alphabet sound like an dirty novel.

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