Solace

Chapter 1

**I own nothing as all belongs to J.K. Rowling. I hope you enjoy this story.**

War changes people. The aftermath of a war is one that is hard to come back from. Having to try to "return" to a normal way of life is one that is never easy. For Luna, she knew going back to Hogwarts would be hard. After all, she witnessed many friends and classmates perish at the hands of death eaters and Voldemort himself. Thankfully, Voldemort was gone for good and the death eaters were rounded up (at least the ones that survived) and were given the dementor's kiss. Although the Malfoys were able to avoid this only because of Harry's testimony of how Narcissa lied to Voldemort to spare his life.

Luna was laying on her bed In her dormitory. She had just unpacked her trunk and was now taking time to reflect. Suddenly Luna heard chatter in the common room and knew it must be about dinner time. She slowly got up and headed down the stairs. She trailed behind other students that were also heading to the Great Hall.

Upon arriving into the Great Hall, Luna took a seat at the Ravenclaw table. Once everyone had been seated Headmistress McGonagall stood to give the welcoming speech.

"Good evening students and welcome back to Hogwarts. I know for all of us that this has been nothing short of tragic and difficult to return here. However, knowing that Voldemort is now long gone my hope is that Hogwarts once again can become a safe haven for you all. There are no enemies here and so forth I expect all of you to treat each other with love. We have lost so many already we do not need any more casualties or destruction. Now then, may this be a wonderful school year for us all. Let the sorting begin!"

The new first years were waiting anxiously to be sorted. One by one they were called forth to be sorted by the sorting hat. Luna watched each one get sorted and yet her eyes were drifting over to the different tables.

Once the sorting was completed, the food appeared and everyone began to eat. Luna placed the potatoes and roast beef onto her plate. Pumpkin juice was already in her goblet as she took a sip. She looked over towards the Slytherin table and saw Draco Malfoy slowly eating his dinner.

Luna noticed how Draco was sat further away from most of the other Slytherins. Blaise Zabini was sitting next to Draco so at least he was not alone.

However, Luna noticed how even though Blaise was talking to Draco that Draco's responses were almost robotic. He looked not too interested in whatever the conversation was. Some Slytherin girls were calling to Draco to get his attention, but Draco was paying them no mind. Luna could very much tell that something was bothering Draco.

The meal in the Great Hall was over and the students were heading back to their dormitories for the most part. Luna noticed that Draco had headed outside to walk the grounds. With her curiosity getting the better of her, Luna headed out to follow Draco.

She followed him until he stopped at the Black Lake. He sat down in the grass and stared off into the water. Luna was behind a tree watching him curiously.

Suddenly a voice interrupted her thoughts, "Whoever you are please just leave me alone." Luna snapped out of her thoughts and noticed Draco was looking around him before his eyes settled back on to the lake.

Luna approached Draco and sat down beside him. Neither had spoken a word until Draco said, "What are you doing here? Don't you have friends you can go bother or chase those creatures you are so fond of?"

Luna laughed and looked at Draco, "Well I do have friends, but they're dating and are spending time together. As for the creatures, it is not the best time to try to look for them anyway. Besides, I was curious as to why you are out here alone? The Prince of Slytherin should be with all the women in his common room."

Draco looked at Luna and sighed. "No, I needed time to myself. As you are aware, a lot has gone on and many have died. Only thanks to Potter's testimony that my family is not rotting away in Azkaban right now. There's just so much I can not begin to say that is on my mind. Really Lovegood it would be best for you to leave me alone. I am not good company at all."

Without thinking twice, Luna placed her hand gently on Draco's arm, "It is not your decision to tell me who is good company for me. We all went through the war. Yes, we were on opposite sides, but I know you did not want to follow Voldemort. I want to be your friend because I know there is good in you. I know you are not who you once portrayed yourself to be. Now, if only you could see what I can see then maybe you could let your guard down too."

Luna then got up and headed into the castle leaving Draco to watch her walk away.

Luna walked into her dormitory and got herself ready for bed. She climbed under her blankets and turned her eyes to look at the moon.

Her thoughts drifted to Draco and wondering what she could do to help him. After some time, Luna's eyes got heavy and she drifted into a peaceful sleep.