Chapter 6 – Joy and Sorrow

The next six months passed quickly as life settled into a pattern for the two couples. Viktor was back on the road for the new Quidditch season. He usually made it home once every couple of weeks and Charlie would occasionally get a couple of days off to visit him in between. The Quibbler was doing well and Luna found that her domestic happiness and regular sleep made her a better editor. Unfortunately, her father's health continued to deteriorate. Quality Quidditch Supplies was booming under Ginny's ownership. Her updates to the store layout and design added a modern touch. Business was going well enough that she hired two more employees. In addition, she changed the stock around, including more modern items and new offerings from suppliers around the globe. Along with his monthly profit payments, Ginny sent Liam regular updates and pictures of the shop. In return, he sent long letters detailing his travels. Ginny shared these letters with Luna and the guys and everyone admired the old man.

At home, the two couples grew closer and often made trips into Muggle London for outings. The Muggle world allowed them to be together with only an occasional person questioning Charlie and Vik when they cuddled at a train station or Luna and Ginny when they kissed in a restaurant. They also enjoyed time at home in the evenings with casual activities, reading or listening to music. Vik would often play his guitar when he was home and was getting quite good. There were occasional disagreements, but all of the members of what they were now acknowledging as their blended family were willing to talk things through and compromise as needed. They enjoyed time as individual couples, but also all together and Charlie wondered how he and Vik had ever managed to live in the large flat with just themselves. If Luna and Ginny went out in the evening the place seemed too empty. They continued with several switch nights a month, and found themselves increasingly comfortable with the added variety of occasional straight sex.

Everything was going well in London, but for Charlie and Ginny their main issue was with their family. They both attended Weasley dinners at the Burrow, or one of their siblings homes, usually several times a month. Both of them were missing their partners, but had agreed that the family wouldn't cope well with their coming out. So they kept the two sides of life separate. There were regular comments and outright questions about their dating lives, mostly from their mother. Charlie and Ginny became adept at deferring the questions, but they knew their mother was determined to get all her children married off.

One Saturday evening while Viktor was on the road, Ginny, Luna and Charlie were sitting in the living room when Mrs. Weasley called on the floo. Usually they had it locked, but unfortunately Ginny had forgotten. Mrs. Weasley's head appeared in the fireplace as Luna and Charlie played Gobstones and Ginny sat nearby with a pile of shop paperwork. Mrs. Weasley grinned as she saw Luna and she began rambling before anyone had time to respond.

"Luna! I didn't realize you were visiting Charlie and Ginny. Are you and Charlie dating? He never told me. Charlie, why didn't you tell me? I mean, of course Luna's a good bit younger than you, but we don't mind that. You must bring her to the next family dinner. We haven't seen her since the shop opening. Ooh, I am just so happy that you took our hints and decided to find yourself a good woman. Now, Ginny, when are you going to find yourself a man? Okay, I know, don't pressure. I really didn't call about this, but seeing Luna just got me excited. I was actually just calling to check in on you two. How are you handling sharing a flat? Are you okay in London? It's such a big place and I worry. I know, you tell me not to worry, but I'm your mother. Now, are you coming to Ron's house for Rosie's birthday lunch on Saturday? Ooh, I know, Charlie can bring Luna. You will come, won't you Luna?"

Finally Mrs. Weasley wound down and her two stunned children took a moment to respond.

"Hi mum, yes I'll be coming to Rosie's birthday of course. I'll bring Luna, if she wants." As he replied, Charlie turned to Luna with a questioning look.

"Sure Charlie, it will be good to see all the Weasleys."

"And of course I'm coming as well mum. And we are doing fine here in London. Like I've said, don't worry!" Ginny admonished.

Mrs. Weasley sighed. "Well, I try not to, but I can't help it. Someday you'll be a mum and you'll understand. Of course you need to find yourself a good man first. Okay, I know, I'll back off. It's good to see you both. I'll be going now. Have a good evening dears."

As the fireplace stopped swirling, Ginny let out an explosive sigh. "Someone remind me to lock the floo next time."

Charlie chuckled. "Well now, it looks like Luna is coming to Rosie's birthday. I didn't know what to tell mum. Not that she really allowed me time to say much. I figured though if I agreed, at least you will have Luna with you Ginny."

"Thanks Charlie. I understand. I guess I will have to be careful and not snog Luna in the middle of the party. Might be a bit of a giveaway. Luna, please do not wear anything too tight and distracting."

Both Charlie and Luna laughed. "Sure thing Ginny. I'm glad I got invited, even though your mum is completely mixed up. I like being with your family."

"Yes, that's the one issue with the secrecy about our partnerships. It would be so nice to have Vik and Luna both with us, but I'm afraid if we disclosed our status to the family we wouldn't be invited around at all." Charlie replied.

The three of them grew silent for a few minutes before Luna nudged Charlie and they resumed their game. Ginny went back to her paperwork and tried to forget about her mother's recent intrusion.

An hour later, Ginny was startled by a cheer from Luna. "Yay! I did it! I beat Charlie at Gobstones!" Then Luna stood up and began dancing around the room. Ginny laughed and marveled at Luna's antics. Then she looked at Charlie and saw him turning away with a blush. As he rose out of his seat, the tight jeans he was wearing made the bulge in his pants obvious and Ginny knew he was missing Viktor, who hadn't been home in two weeks.

"I'm done ladies. Great game Luna. I'm going to bed."

Ginny watched him leave and Luna came over to sit on her lap. "Ginny love, are you almost done with that paperwork?"

"I wish Luna. Unfortunately, I still have a bit more to do. There's a lot of import paperwork for my new product line that I'm bringing in from a broom manufacturer in India."

Luna pouted and Ginny had an idea. "Luna, I know you're randy and since I'm busy, do you want to go sleep with Charlie? You haven't been with him in weeks. I noticed he was enjoying your little dance. I think that was the reason he left the room so suddenly."

Luna kissed Ginny soundly before replying. "That sounds great Ginny. I really wish I could have you, but maybe Charlie does need me tonight. I'll go see him, but maybe we can plan a long shower for the morning?"

"Sounds wonderful Luna. Go take care of Charlie for me now."

Luna bounced off down the hallway as Ginny sighed and refocused on her work.

Luna reached Charlie's door and knocked. There was no answer except a groan and Luna was worried, so she opened the door. The sight that greeted her confirmed Ginny's concerns. Charlie was leaning up against his bed with his pants on the floor and his cock in hand. Luna crossed the room, grabbed Charlie and began kissing him. He responded at first, but then pulled away.

"Uh Luna, what are you doing here. I didn't want to be seen like this."

"Nonsense Charlie. Ginny sent me. She knew I was needed. I tried to get her to go to bed, but she has work to do. Viktor's not here and he gave consent already while he's gone, so stop grimacing and let's get on with it."

The last of Charlie's resistance melted and he began yanking Luna's clothes off her. As soon as he got her knickers down, Charlie pushed her back on the bed, plunged into her and began thrusting brutally. Unable to hold back, he came quickly with a small scream and sighed in relief. As he came down from his climax, Charlie looked over and saw Luna fingering herself. Disgusted with himself that he hadn't taken care of her first, Charlie pushed her hand back and went down on her. Minutes later Luna had her first climax of the evening and her scream reached the living room. The scream broke Ginny's concentration and she laughed. She had only sent Luna to Charlie ten minutes before and they hadn't even taken time to silence. Smiling, Ginny went down the hall and cast a silence spell on the door as she heard them starting up again. Ginny took a couple of minutes to bring herself under control and returned to her work.

The next morning Luna woke Ginny with a kiss. "Morning love. Time for that shower you promised me."

Ginny stretched and pulled Luna to her. "Mmm, good morning. You and Charlie sounded like you had a good time. I had to do the silence for you."

"Oh, oops Ginny, sorry. You were right. He needed me badly. When I got there he didn't even take time to get me fully undressed. He just did the bottom half and threw me on the bed. I never got a chance to cast the silence charm. He apologized after and took care of me quite well, but that first time was for him. I didn't mind. You know I like it rough."

"Oh yes, I know." Ginny said as she began to snog her lover. Luna melted into her for a few minutes before dragging Ginny to the shower. They spent a long time getting clean and pleasuring each other. Luna took care of Ginny several times in appreciation for her understanding. Finally, they settled down and left the shower. Ginny was running late and had to floo to the shop without eating, but it was well worth it to start the day with mind blowing shower sex.

The following Saturday, Charlie, Ginny and Luna floo'd to Ron and Hermione's house to celebrate Rosie's third birthday. Ron and Hermione had bought a reclaimed Death Eater property a couple of years after the war and had spent a year refurbishing it. The house was modest, but comfortable and was located not far from the Burrow on an acre of wooded land. When they arrived, most of the family was already there and the brothers quickly began harassing Charlie about his new girlfriend. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley both gave Luna hugs and welcomed her as Hermione entered the garden with the birthday girl. Rosie was dressed in a poufy, soft green dress decorated with pink butterflies. Her auburn curls framed her porcelain face and made her resemble a doll. Ron looked over at his wife and daughter and beamed. Ginny looked at her brother and smiled. Family life had settled him. He and Hermione were still madly in love and it showed. With the birthday girl having arrived, the party began in earnest and the next few hours were spent pleasantly with plenty of good food, children under foot, babies being passed, and a birthday girl who was ecstatic with her many gifts.

By late afternoon, the family began to disperse and Charlie, Ginny and Luna apparated home. The visit with family had been good, but it was stressful to keep up the facade with everyone constantly questioning Charlie and Luna's relationship.

The following week brought Viktor home for a few days and Charlie's mood improved. Charlie told Viktor about his night with Luna and Viktor thanked Luna for taking care of Charlie for him. The couples had reached a comfortable agreement among themselves and there was little discussion any more about sleeping arrangements. Most times the couples kept to themselves, but if they chose to switch, everyone was understanding.

On Thursday, Ginny was at the shop when Luna's hare patronus bounded into the stock room, landed in front of Ginny and began speaking with Luna's voice. "Ginny. Please come. Please come home. Now." Ginny could tell something was wrong and immediately went to the front of the shop. She informed Leane and Matthew that she was leaving early due to a family emergency and asked them to lock up. Then she apparated herself back to the flat. She found Luna in the living room sobbing and ran to her, pulling Luna into her arms.

"Luna love, what is it?"

"Oh Ginny. Thanks for coming. It..it's dad. I got a visit at the Quibbler from a nurse from St. Xerxes. Dad was taking his usual afternoon nap and when they went to wake him, he had passed. He passed in his sleep."

Ginny was in shock and felt tears in her eyes. She had never known Xeno Lovegood well, but she ached for Luna. "Oh Luna, I'm so sorry." There was nothing else she could say, so Ginny just held Luna, rubbed her back and made small soothing noises.

An hour later Charlie arrived home from work just as Luna was getting under control. He rushed over to her and gave Ginny a searching look. Ginny gave Charlie the news for Luna and Charlie dropped to his knees and held Luna's hand as well.

Eventually Luna settled enough that Ginny felt she could talk. "Whatever you need Luna, I'm here. I don't know if you have any plans yet, but just let me know."

"I'm here as well Luna. We're all family now." Charlie reassured her.

They stayed like that for a few more minutes before Luna straightened herself up. "I guess I should start making plans. Daddy actually left detailed instructions. It was something he did several years ago when his mind first started slipping. He doesn't want much, but it will be good to have you with me. I have no other family now. Ginny, will you come with me to St. Xerxes?"

"Of course."

"And I'll send a fast owl to Vik with the news. Then, how about I order us some take-out from the Indian place we all love?" Charlie asked.

"Sounds great Charlie, thank you."

Charlie wrapped his arms around them both before Luna and Ginny apparated to the long term hospital where her dad had been living for over a year. The staff at St. Xerxes were wonderful and soon the immediate details were planned. Xeno would be cremated and then Luna would spread his ashes over a creek in a forest near their home. He hadn't wanted a memorial service, only an article in the Quibbler. Luna was ready to start writing the article that night, but Ginny persuaded her to take the night off and they apparated back home. The three of them spent a quiet night eating take-out and listening to Luna's crazy stories about her father. Talking seemed to help and the tension in her face let up a little bit. After good food and plenty of wine, Ginny eventually took Luna to bed and folded herself around her girlfriend. Ginny's presence allowed Luna to relax and finally sleep.

The next morning, Ginny and Luna woke late and were surprised when they found Viktor in the kitchen.

"Good morning lovelies. I just made it home." Vik said as he crossed the room to Luna and embraced her.

Luna sighed. "Thanks for coming Vik, but I didn't want you to mess up your schedule."

"Nonsense Luna. Anyway, we played last night and don't have another match for three days. I'll miss a few practices, but it's not a big deal. I told the team I had a family emergency."

"Really? What did they think?"

"Oh, our team manager didn't ask for details. He's figured out that Charlie and I are together so he probably figures it's Charlie's family since my parents are both gone now."

"Well, I'm glad you're here. Thank you."

Viktor gave her a kiss on the forehead before pulling away. "Now, since I'm home, anybody feel like some of my famous French toast?"

Both the women smiled as Charlie replied. "Dumb question Vik. I'll start the tea."

They ate their way slowly through the large breakfast Viktor had prepared. As they were finishing, Charlie asked what the Luna's plans for the day were.

"Well, I'm going to get showered and then I'll go to the Quibbler office. The house still has all my dad's gardens. I'm going to take some cuttings and also put together a bouquet. St. Xerxes will have the ashes ready at noon. After I pick them up, I'd like to go straight away to the creek and spread them. Ginny is going to come with me when I go back to St. Xerxes. Can you and Vik meet us after?"

"Of course. Shall we meet at the Quibbler at 12:30? Then you can show us the spot where we are going."

"Yes, that will work."

Luna left to shower while Charlie and Ginny cleaned up from breakfast. Then Ginny apparated with Luna to the Quibbler office that had once been Luna's childhood home. They made their way to the garden and Ginny stood back and waited as Luna weaved her way through the circuitous pathways that ran throughout the garden. Luna stopped at a large bush with strange shaped flowers in a variety of purple shades. She drew her wand and carefully took cuttings off the lower part of the bush. Looking up at Ginny, Luna smiled. "It's a snorkroot lacewing weigela. Very rare. Dad brought the cuttings for this bush back from Mongolia when I was two. It's his favorite and I'm going to plant some next to the creek." Then Luna continued on around the garden collecting flowers for a bouquet. With her arms full, Luna made her way back up the path to where Ginny waited. With a small sigh, Luna apparated to St. Xerxes and Ginny followed right behind.

When they arrived at the hospital, Ginny took the plants and guided Luna to the offices they had been to the previous day. The staff was quite kind and Luna finalized the last paperwork before taking the small bronze urn that contained the ashes. As she held it, Luna began to cry quietly and Ginny took her free arm and embraced her. They stood there for a couple of minutes with Ginny planting small kisses on Luna's forehead and smoothing her hair. Luna soon settled and they stood up to leave the office. Looking over, Ginny saw the matron smiling and knew that it was quite obvious that she was more than a friend. They made their way out of the hospital and then apparated back to the Quibbler office. It wasn't quite 12:30, but Charlie and Viktor were waiting. Luna decided to walk down to the creek and everyone followed. The distance wasn't far and soon they all stood in a beautiful spot where the creek spread out in calm shallows under a canopy of old trees. Luna said a few words and then opened the urn and let the ashes blow on the light breeze and settle on the water. Then she took the bouquet and began spreading the flowers on the water. With each flower she placed on the creek, Luna spoke of a memory of her father. Once all the flowers were placed and drifting on down the creek, Luna took the weigela cuttings and planted them a few feet back from the water. With the cuttings in place, Luna stood for a moment with Ginny, Viktor and Charlie around her and said "goodbye Daddy", before turning and leading them back out of the woods.

They returned home and Luna decided to take a nap since she wasn't hungry. The guys headed off to spend time together since Vik would be leaving again the next morning and Ginny settled down with a sandwich and a good book.

The next day Vik left and Luna went to her office to begin writing the tribute article for her father. Life returned to normal and within a few days Luna was almost back to her usual self and everyone settled back into a content routine.