-Disclaimer: Harry Potter is the property of JK Rowling

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-Tonight I will be attending the special midnight premier of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, so, I thought to commemorate this moment that I have been waiting forever for, I would post the last two chapters of Loony for Luna: Forever from the Ashes. I hope you will find it a fitting ending to this encarnation of George and Luna that began in Loony for Luna so many months ago.

Because reviews have so drastically dropped off since the summer began, I have decided to take the rest of the summer off. I will still be writing, just not posting. To be honest, it really sucks to work so hard on something and only get one review for it as was the case two chapters ago. Reviews mean everything to fanfiction writers. Unlike other writers, we do not have booksales to gauge our success by, and hits aren't acurate. Hits could be someone popping in, reading one word, and then popping out again. Reviews are all we have, so, essentially, when a chapter only gets one review...it is in essense saying..."That chapter sucked"

Anyway, I will see you again in the fall. And, I hope you enjoy the conclusion to Loony for Luna: Forever from the Ashes. My other stories will return sometime around labor day.

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-Loony for Luna: Forever from the Ashes

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Chapter 22

Eternal

Part I

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Luna stared glumly at her Transfiguration book, attempting to decipher the gobbledygook that was suppose to be making perfectly good sense. She wanted to blame it on the fact that she had missed the last half of her sixth year, and that despite Professor McGonagall's best efforts, little learning had actually been accomplished while they sat under the tyrannical hands of the Carrow's the previous year, but the truth was, Transfiguration had always been her best class.

She had always been a good year ahead of the rest of her fellow classmates, she had in fact, already accomplished the spells that she was suppose to be studying at the moment. The problem was...her mind was far, far away from her studies.

The last couple of days had been difficult, her back was killing her, though it was still far better than it had been before the procedure. Luna had known it would take some time for her body to adjust to the rigors of returning to school and newly appointed headmistress McGonagall had been kind in giving her leave to take all the time she needed to get from class to class. Upon learning that she was still recovering from injuries from the battle, her fellow Hogwarts classmates had been equally as kind, offering to carry her book bag and lending an arm when she had to climb stairs. Some of the males had even gone so far as to offer to piggyback her.

Being a war hero, Luna decided, definitely had its perks.

Unfortunately, it wouldn't help her get her mind back on her books where it belonged and off of George Weasley, where it definitely did NOT.

Luna put aside her Transfiguration book and pulled out the letter that had arrived that morning.

September 2

Dear Miss Lovegood. We are happy to inform you that we have successfully sold your property. Enclosed you will find the receipt for the down payment. This amount, minus our selling fees, has been deposited into your vault at Gringotts.

It has been a pleasure doing business with you.

Morgia Flemwhaller

Scovington Reality

She'd been surprised that the land had sold so fast. The woman had told her it could take months, sometimes even years, to sell undeveloped land, and she had hinted at the fact that it might be a difficult sell due to the history of the property. Luna supposed the woman had had a point. It was after all, the place where Harry Potter had been betrayed.

She sighed and took out the second letter she had received that morning, the one from Angelina.

September 2nd

Dear Luna,

Well, I am off again, back for another year with Puddlemere. I arrived at the station quite early and thought that I would pen you a letter while I wait.

I saw George yesterday, we had lunch and a long chat about you and about everything that's happened since Fred died. To be honest, I have never seen him looking so lost. I know you are doing what you think is best by leaving, and a part of me doesn't blame you in the least. But there is a part of me too that wishes you would reconsider, and not just because I will miss you if you move so far away.

I know your probably tired of hearing about how much losing Fred has hurt him, because I know that it hurt you too, and really, it doesn't excuse the way George has behaved. But, I can't help but realize how much Fred would hate being the cause of the problems between you two, and I hate it. I hate that his loss is tearing you apart when really, it should be pulling you together.

You NEED one another Luna, surely you must realize that no matter how far you go, George will always be a part of you...just as you will always hold a piece of his heart. And I have to admit, a part of me is angry with the two of you for being so stubborn. Don't you know what I would give to have Fred back? But I can't, we will never be together again, at least not in this world. But you and George CAN BE TOGETHER! There is nothing standing between you but yourselves.

The train is beginning to board so I really must go. But please think about what I've said. Fred would want for you both to be happy, he would want you to be together. I'll write again soon..

Love,

Angelina

Luna sighed deeply, pulled out a fresh roll of parchment and began to write.

September 3rd

Dear Angelina,

Thank you for writing, it was lovely hearing from you...and also, thank you for the shoulder to cry on the other night.

I know your trying to help, but, the situation between George and I is...well, it is just impossible.

It's not as if I don't KNOW that he loves me, I KNOW he does... But I know something else as well. When he looks at me he remembers another time, a time when Fred was still alive. I am like a constant reminder to him of what he lost. He says that he is afraid, and I have seen that...I also have come to realize that his fear is stronger than his love for me, and as long as he is afraid, he will keep running away, and I can't live my life that way.

I watched his pain all summer, it was so obvious to me that being around me hurt him. I can't stand to see him hurt like that anymore. Leaving him behind is the right thing to do...for both of us. Once I am gone, he'll be able to heal enough to move on, maybe then he can find someone who doesn't constantly remind him of losing Fred. And maybe then, he will be happy. That's the only thing I have ever wanted, George's happiness.'

Good luck with the Quidditch this year, I'll be following you in the paper.

Love,

Luna

"Luna?"

Luna looked up to see Ginny standing next to the table.

"Do you mind if I join you?"

"Of course not." Luna motioned to a chair.

"How are you?" Ginny asked

"I'm fine."

"Are you sure?" Ginny looked at Luna as if she were trying to decide whether to believe her or not. "You're not in pain are you?"

"Not really." Luna smiled "It's hurting some, but nothing like it was before I had the procedure. Healer Kenning warned me my back would hurt a little as I got use to the extra walking and climbing stairs."

Ginny's face relaxed with Luna's reassuring. "You'll let me know if I can do anything, right?"

"Of course, but, I'm sure I'll be fine. Everyone has been so kind, helping me get to classes and with my books."

Ginny looked at Luna with worried eyes once again. "How are you doing with the other thing?"

"Other thing?" Luna attempted to evade the question "I'm not sure what you mean."

"Don't play dumb with me Luna." Ginny rolled her eyes "We've been through too much together. Besides, I was on the train...I saw you right after you talked to him."

"Right." Luna looked up and stuffed the letter to Angelina into her book bag. "Okay then, I am fine...just peachy in fact..."

Ginny arched an eyebrow "You really think you can lie to me?"

"Okay..." Luna sighed "If you're going to brow beat it out of me... I'm fairly miserable. Okay?"

"Was that so hard?" Ginny gave Luna a small, satisfied grin. "If you want to tell me about it, maybe I can help."

"You just want to know what happened." Luna rolled her eyes

"I admit a certain bit of curiosity, I mean, it took me a while to figure out what happened to make George to run out on you the night before you got sick...I'm just trying to be a little quicker on the uptake this time around."

Luna shook her head, a small grin on her face "And you're sure you've figured out that much are you?"

"Well, yeah...pretty sure." She leaned forward and whispered "He kissed you, didn't he?"

"Yes, he kissed me. But let me remind you...afterwards he ran away with his tail between his legs."Luna said as a look of pain shot across her face. "Look...none of this matters, really, because it's over. All of it, the summer, George's promise to take care of me, our relationship...it's all over."

"You really believe that do you?" Ginny leaned forward again and lowered her voice "You honestly believe you are going to just move to Belize and forget all about how much you and George love each other?"

"If it were as simple as just loving your brother, I wouldn't be going. But, it's NOT that simple. Too much has happened to him, too many bad things. He's not the same person he use to be."

"I know he hasn't been the same since Fred died" Ginny touched her hand "I know he hurt you Luna. But his coming to the station must mean something. I don't know what exactly, but I do know that he came for a reason."

"Listen..." Ginny leaned closer "Last year, when Harry broke things off so he and the others could go after you-know-who, I was sure it was over too. I've never felt pain like that before in my life it hurt so much. But let me tell you something else too. The whole time Harry was gone, I was on his mind. When they camped at night and he was on watch, he would watch my dot on the marauders map. He would think of me and wonder if I ever thought of him. And I did Luna...I always thought of him. I thought of him the moment my eyes opened in the morning, and when I closed them at night, and just about damned near every moment in between...I thought of him."

"I know you did." Luna said "And I also know how sad it made you...I was here, remember?"

"But don't you realize? It was worth all that sadness, all the times I missed him. Come spring, I am going to marry him. So, in the end, it all came out alright."

"But George isn't like Harry was. George hasn't broken up with me for my safety. He hasn't had to go off on some dangerous quest to save the wizarding world." Luna brushed at the wetness around her eyes "He ran away out of fear."

"So you think you're going to just go off to Belize and everything is going to be okay?" Ginny said sadly "Luna...can't you see...it won't be any better miles and miles away than it is here."

Ginny stood and put her hand on Luna's shoulder " You can tell yourself it's over all you want, you may even believe that it is, but as long as you still love each other, it will never be over."

She turned away, leaving Luna alone in the crowded library.

- - -

George ignored Ron and Hermione's questioning looks as he returned to the shop. He walked straight past them and went up the stairs that lead to the flat, he unlocked the door and went directly to Fred's room.

There, he pulled open the desk drawer, pulling out the tightly rolled scroll that he had never read. He pulled off the ribbon as he sank down on the side of Fred's still mussed bed to read...

June 13th

Dear Fred,

It was so nice to hear from you, I was so excited I actually hugged professor Lupin! Thank heavens I was able to cover saying it was the excitement of the new baby news. They are all celebrating now as I sit penning a response...Professor Lupin has kindly agreed to drop it by on his way back.

I am fine, they didn't hurt me...so put your wand away. That's not to say that it was a piece of cake being held there. They are terrible people Fred...I know you know that, but, unless you've seen it, the things they do...it's unimaginable. I was never hurt nor tortured myself, but I was forced to watch while you-know-who did it to others. He said it was character building, to learn to properly fear him. Said I needed to learn, that I didn't fear him nearly enough, because if I had, I wouldn't have gotten into so much trouble with Headmaster Snape and the Professor Carrow's.

It was horrible Fred, watching that poor man suffer under the Cruciatus curse, and to hear you-know-who laughing while he did it. He said that it and worse was what awaited many who opposed him, and in those he mentioned, were the 'members of the Order who put out the underground radio broadcast'. We both know who that is, right? Please tell me that you are being careful. He is REALLY angry about the fact that the truth is getting out to so many.

Fred, about George...

I am sure he was worried...you and he have always been very protective of me. But that is all it was. He doesn't love me anymore. The only reason I was the one who ditched him is because I beat him to the punch. Afterwards, I cried for hours and hours and hours on Ginny's shoulder. I know it wasn't exactly fair of me to go to your sister, but, Ginny was the only one who could possibly understand. She knew how much I was hurting because of what she went through last spring when Harry ended things between them.

After what my father did to Ron, Harry and Hermione, I imagine that it is for the best that we ended things. Your family surely must hate me. Frankly, I am amazed that Bill and Fleur have allowed me to stay here, I imagine Harry, Hermione and Ron must have intervened on my behalf. It's shocking how it seems that they don't bear me or my father a grudge. They have every right to.

I hate to imagine how uncomfortable it would be now if George and I hadn't broken up already. Surely George would have come to Shell Cottage the minute he heard what my father had done to end things between us. My father betrayed Ron, and in doing so, betrayed your entire family as well. I don't expect anyone's forgiveness and I am not sure I could accept it were it offered. But I am still his daughter, and I refuse to be ashamed of that fact. I'm sure you can see the obvious problems that would result from this.

The time I spent with George was like a beautiful dream, and I will always cherish the time we were together, but it is over now. Even though I still love him with every single bit of my heart and soul, even though I will always love him. ..Always and always and always. George will forever be a part of me and I can't imagine how I will stand living the rest of my life without him.

But I will have to find a way, because as much as I love him, I can't help but realize that there is no way he will ever love me again. And even if he could, after what my father did, I don't think your family would accept it, and so I would have to turn him away. I won't be responsible for coming between your family. It just wouldn't be right.

Please take care of yourself, and please, take care of George.

Love

Luna

George closed his eyes and allowed the scroll to roll shut. He and Luna had never really talked about what her father had done, and as such, he'd had no idea how heavy the burden of guilt she had been carrying. But for her to think that he would hate her because of it? That he would have broken things off with her over it?

It was nothing short of lunacy.

He had been willing to give his life to get her out of Voldemorts hands. Even Fred had told her so...had she thought he was making it up? He loved her! He loved her like she said that she loved him...with every piece of his heart and soul...always and always and always!

He should never have allowed things to get this bad...that was his own fault, he had allowed his fear to ruin everything. Angelina was right...he should have remembered how it had felt to love her...how it had always been so damned easy.

His memory flashed back to last fall, the night before she had returned to school. Fred and Angelina had talked them into going to a muggle club to go dancing, since they didn't know when they would be seeing each other again.

He had held Luna tight in his arms as they slow danced, fear and uncertainty clinging to them tightly even as they clung to one another. The music was soft and sweet, one of those corny muggle country songs that came out of the states. It hit George though, the more he listened to the lyrics, the song seemed as if it had been written about them...

-Flashback-

From this moment...life has begun

From this moment...you are the one

Right beside you...is where I belong...

From this moment on.

Luna pulled back and lifted her head to stare into his eyes, tears running down her face.

"George..." she had whispered "This song..."

From this moment...I have been blessed

I live only...for your happiness.

And for your love...I'd give my last breath...

From this moment on.

"I know..." He smiled and bent his head to kiss her, then he pulled her close again and whispered against her hair. "...it's about us."

-End Flashback-

George slid off the bed and tossed the scroll back in the dresser drawer, a determined and heady feeling growing in his chest as he felt the old George Weasley come out of hiding. Angelina had been right. The old George would have followed her back to school and he wouldn't have left until Luna was his again.

And that was exactly what he was going to do.

He was going to get on his broom. He was going to fly to Hogwarts. And, he wasn't leaving until Luna was his. And this time, it would be for forever.

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Chapter 23 Preview

George makes a huge

gesture to win back Luna...

Will it be enough or will she leave

him behind?

Coming Soon

The dramatic conclusion of

Loony for Luna: Forever from the Ashes!

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