35
Harriet held the door open for Luna as they entered the stylish oriental restaurant. The restaurant was decorated in red, gold and green Asian themes and soft music playing in the background. Not the tacky kind of decorations but very traditional looking. It was definitely a fancy sit-down restaurant. Of course, neither girl had ever been to such a place before so they took a moment to absorb the environment before heading up to the hostess stand. While the restaurant was quite busy they managed to get a candlelit table in corner which offered a little privacy as well as a little romance. Neither girl knew what to get so they settled for a dinner for 2 with hot tea to drink. While they were waiting the conversation inevitably went back to their wedding.
"So we're having our wedding at Hogwarts. Are we actually inviting everyone? I mean that could get out of hand real quick. I mean I guess the cooking could be done by the house elves and all if they agree to it. We could even pay them for their time and effort. It wouldn't feel right otherwise," Harriet stated, thinking out loud.
"What about a small intimate wedding with our closest friends and family down in our secluded spot by the lake and then we can hold the reception in the Great Hall for all of Hogwarts?"
"I love that idea Luna. Our friends and family can be there with us for the ceremony but all of Hogwarts can be open for the reception. I still can't dance though…."
"Don't worry. There's still plenty of time to learn and I can teach you."
"That might not be so bad. What about colors? Are colors a thing people do for weddings? Also, what would you like to do after the wedding?"
"After the wedding," Luna asked dreamily. "Well I was thinking we could find our room and…."
"I meant…for the honeymoon," Harriet interrupted as she blushed.
"Oh! I know," Luna exclaimed causing several people to turn and look at her outburst. She quieted back down to normal talking level before continuing, "We could do look for Crumple-Horned Snorkacks in Sweden! According to Daddy's research that should be the perfect time of year to see them!"
Harriet thought about it for a moment. She didn't really believe in Snorkacks the way that Luna did but she seemed so excited to go and look for them so Harriet really couldn't turn her down. Suddenly Harriet remembered something she had heard once as an ad on Wizarding radio. "Luna my love, is it true they have a magical underwater resort down by muggle Greece?"
"Of course, everyone knows that. I believe it is called The Neptune. It's supposed to be named after of one of their local gods of the sea or something. I heard it has some fascinating opportunities to see some sea life that you don't get to see anywhere else! Including some magical creatures thought to have been previously extinct!"
"Well how about we spend a week or so there after the wedding as our honeymoon? Give us a chance to relax and unwind after school and the wedding and then we can spend a little sometime after that in Sweden looking for Crumple-Horned Snorkacks?"
"Oh Harriet! That sounds perfect. I've always wanted to go to The Neptune but I've been told it's soooo expensive plus it's always been sold as a couples thing," Luna replied
"Sweetheart, we are a couple and who cares about the price? I think we're allowed to splurge on our wedding and honeymoon besides it's not like we're going broke anytime soon."
It was at this time that their meal arrived. The two girls both tried a bit of everything and found it all to be quite delicious and agreed that they would definitely have to make more trips here. As they were eating Luna spoke up…well…telepathically.
Harriet, you can hear me right?
Of course I can. It's been that way for a while now. Harriet replied in thought as she looked up with a confused look on her face trying to figure out what her fiancé was getting at.
Even without the rings? Luna asked as she continued to eat.
Harriet's emerald eyes grew wide at the realization. She looked at Luna, then at her hand, then to Luna's hand and back to Luna. But….but…but how? I mean…how? Harriet thought. She didn't know how this was possible.
It's obvious isn't it? It means we're forming some sort of soul bond somehow. I've heard about them but they are exceedingly rare and not very well documented but if you close your eyes you can feel it can't you? The magic flowing between us.
Harriet closed her eyes for a moment and focused on Luna and she did feel a magical connection between them. She reopened her eyes and looked at her beautiful fiancé. I can feel it. The magical connection between us. It feels...like nothing else I've ever felt. I truly feel connected to you and it's amazing.
Luna smiled and to Harriet it was the most beautiful thing in the entire world, just like her beloved. Harriet felt uncertain…but she knew it wasn't her uncertainty. "So it must be…Luna's," She wondered. Luna? Is everything ok? You seem….nervous and uncertain about something.
And you feel worried to me. I think that is another part of our bond. The ability to know how the other is feeling.
And that makes you nervous and uncertain? Is it because you're uncertain about sharing this bond with me? Luna felt more nervousness and worry coming through their bond.
No Harriet my love. It's not the fact that I'm bonded to you that makes me nervous. It's the fact that you're going to be bonded to me. I mean for all I know you might not even want that. Things seem to be moving so fast for us lately. I went from being alone, to having a girlfriend, to having a fiancé, to having a soul bond in such a short time. I just worry that you're going to grow tired of me or that this is too much. Luna smiled weakly before looking away.
Luna. Please look at me. Luna was a bit hesitant because she didn't know what she would find when she looked up but she did as requested. Through this bond you can feel how I feel. I want you to close your eyes for a moment and feel my feelings for you. All of them. Feel all the love and caring I have and be reassured that I want this as much as you do. I can't wait to spend the rest of our lives together. I may have defeated Voldemort but without you there is no future.
Luna wiped the tears of happiness from her eyes before closing them and searching their connection for Harriet's feelings about her. She was almost immediately overwhelmed by the amount of love, compassion and desire to protect that came from Harriet. Once again the tears threatened to return as she struggled to keep them contained. I'm sorry. I know that I am being stupid. It's just that I worry. I feel like this is all a dream and that I'm going to wake up and be alone again. It feels so perfect and I don't want to lose you.
Even if this were a dream, if we were to awaken I would still come and find you because we'll be together…always.
Always. Luna smiled, feeling reassured about their love and future.
The two girls finished their dinner with the conversation drifting back towards marriage plans. Their paid for their dinner and left satisfied hand-in-hand. The walked back towards the Leaky Cauldron, ignoring the occasional glance by people who were weirded out at seeing two girls holding hands.