Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.
Luna was seated on the couch in the library across from Draco, as was their more common routine for the afternoon. Luna was happy to spend her days reading and the library in the Malfoy's home was definitely not lacking in interesting literature. Although most of the time Luna and Draco had spent together was in silence, Luna did sometimes have the misfortune of having Draco try and make small talk with her, most commonly he would try to strike up conversation in the library by asking her if she was very interested in the book she was reading, to which Luna didn't feel the need to elaborate much further than whether or not the book was agreeable. Today she was rather affixed to a very informative book about sea creatures, she was very startled when Draco spoke and it took her a moment to snap back to reality.
"I was thinking about taking you shopping tomorrow…" Draco had closed his book and was scanning Luna's expression for a response.
"Why…..Whatever for?" was her response, her eyes barely taken off of her book.
"I thought it might be nice for you to get out for a while, since you had been here a few weeks and all."
"I haven't any money, Draco" she stated again barely looking up from her book.
"I hadn't had any intentions of making you pay for anything yourself; I suppose if you'd rather stay here that'd be fine." Draco said feeling slightly defeated but still glad that they had had more than a one word conversation.
It was later that afternoon when Luna had recalled Draco's shopping invitation and how incredibly thick she had been to not realize this sooner. This was the moment Luna had been waiting for, the moment that she could escape. It was all too perfect, Diagon Alley would definitely be crowded enough for her to slip away even without her wand, and if the only one she had to be concerned about losing was Draco and not a house full of death eaters, her chances for escape were definitely greater. She decided to find Draco immediately to tell him she had changed her mind, she found Draco in his room preparing for dinner. Draco had often invited her to these family dinners, but the thought of dining with the Malfoy's seemed immensely awkward.
"Draco, I thought about your offer earlier and it would be wonderful to get out of the manor for a while." she said after closing the door behind her.
This for some reason caused Draco a great deal of excitement "Excellent! I'll make preparation for us to leave then!"
Since their departure from the manor Draco had taken hold of her arm very firmly and once they entered the crowded streets of Diagon Alley his grasp was stronger still. Luna was slightly disappointed that it wouldn't be as easy as she had originally thought to slip away from Draco, her mind started to race for ideas, Draco couldn't reasonable hold onto her the entire time they were out. Draco made it very clear that the trip was for her benefit and that she should go to whatever stores she wanted, and until Luna could form a plan as to how to escape she could at least buy some time by going to stores and if she was lucky an opportunity would present itself. Their first stops were of course to Diagon Alley's various bookstores. Luna spent a significant amount of time in Flourish and Botts, she scanned the aisles until she noticed that Draco was almost bored to tears and suggested that they go to Florean Fortescue's for ice cream. As Luna sat across from Draco, both enjoying their ice cream, Luna began to feel slightly guilty about her plans of escape. Luna had often been curious as to why Draco had seldom left her side, she had assumed that it had been assigned to him to watch her, thus him leaving the manor would involve him taking her along with him, however it seemed strange that Draco would not be allowed to have a few days off from time to time for personal, or whatever reason. Regardless she was glad it would be Draco that would accompany her, anyone else would probably have made her flight slightly more difficult, but it was obvious to her that her escape would be blamed on Draco and there would be some kind of repercussions to losing her. Draco had been extremely hospitable to her and it seemed slightly unfair that she would take advantage of that.
Luna had partly convinced herself that she would not be able to leave Draco to suffer the consciences of her departure when she made her way to the second hand robe store, where she usually purchased clothes, when Draco stopped her.
He grabbed her by the shoulder and was stifling his laughter as much as he could.
"Luna, you can't honestly expect me to go in there."
Luna hadn't really given it much thought; it was in fact where she purchased her own clothes at one time. She was also very aware of the Malfoy's reputation, especially now, and she could see how Draco going into a thrift store may be bad for the image that his family portrayed. Before she had finished her thought she felt herself being lead elsewhere. Draco had taken her to Twilfitt and Tatting's, a much more up market shop.
Luna had never been to Twilfitt and Tatting's before and she was rather nervous upon entering and seeing all the beautiful garments. She started browsing through the clothing and noticed that none of them had price tags, she drew the conclusion that if you had to ask the price you probably shouldn't be shopping there in the first place. After some reassurance from Draco, Luna picked out a few things to try on and was guided into the dressing room. She tried on a v neck black dress, it was very sleek and beautiful and not at all anything she could have ever imagined herself wearing, or having anywhere to wear something so nice. She suddenly felt sick as she continued to look at the girl in the mirror, suddenly she looked as though she belonged at Malfoy manor. Perhaps here she could fit in here, with Draco, the war was over she had lost and this could be an opportunity to ensure her safety. To fit in this world she could play this part, be this girl, but at the end of the day it wouldn't be her. She had changed her mind, despite whatever Draco may end up facing she couldn't turn into the pureblood elitist that was staring at her in the mirror; as bleak as everything felt and seemed there had to be some hope to change things, to make things better. She couldn't betray her feelings, her ideals just to make sure she stayed alive. After all what was the point of staying alive if she had to live in a world where Voldemort made every living thing cower in fear. After exiting the dressing room she assured Draco that she simply had not liked the dresses. Draco exited the shop Luna following behind him. Once they were out the door, Luna saw her chance and she bolted towards the most crowded part of the street.
As Draco exited the shop he waved his arm rather foolishly behind him to grab hold of Luna's arm. After some irritation he turned back only to find that she was no longer there. Draco glanced back and forth to find evidence of which way she had gone. Draco finally spotted Luna pushing through a crowd heading toward Knockturn Alley. Draco knew that the Dark Lord's take over had made Knockturn Alley a much more dangerous place, and it would definitely not be a safe place for a girl like Luna. Draco pushed through the crowd as fast as he could to catch up to Luna and he hoped that he would be able to catch her before it was too late.