Summary: Luna and Astoria bond over a meteor shower and find themselves blessed to see the secret garden of the gods..

Rated: K

Genre: Adventure

Warning Tag: N/A

Competition/Challenge Block:
Written for/Stacked with: Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry (Term 12); Monthly Challenges for All (Year 3)
House/Role: Ravenclaw; Prefect (Hogwarts)

Term (Assignment): Term 12 - Assignment 8
Subject (Task): Geology Task 3 (Alt: Write about a hidden or lost civilisation.)
Other Hogwarts Challenges:

Other MC4A Challenges:
Representation:
Primary & Secondary Bonus Challenges:
Tertiary & Generic Bonus Challenges:

Word Count: 1,078 words (per Google Docs)

Secret Garden

Tonight was supposed to be extra special, at least for Luna and Astoria, anyway. There was supposed to be a meteor shower spritzing across the navy blue sky with their white streaks of dissolving dust and particles, but visibility was limited to southern Europe. Naturally, Astoria was thrilled to have the opportunity to witness the cosmic event and had planned for days on where the best place to see it would be. Luna packed their tent and supplies for the overnight stay to the middle of nowhere, something she enjoyed to do herself, the meteor shower was just a bonus.

The couple decided to travel to Greece for the maximum experience near Mount Olympus. Astoria knew of a great clearing that overlooked the sea, giving them ample sky to view it from. Luna could tell she was excited to be visiting her motherland, it will be her first time, but the trip had her remember a story her mother told her when she was young.

After a portkey over the Mediterranian Sea that put them in Athens, Luna and Astoria found a discreet location for Astoria to transform into her Eleonora falcon animagus while Luna turned into her yellow cream-colored cat and climbed into the small pull string bag they packed everything in. Astoria grabbed the pull strings with her talons and quickly took flight, setting her sharp eyes for the mountain.

Her elegant wings and a good tailwind got them there in record time. After gently placing the bag down, Astoria morphed back, looking tired but her eyes still full of excitement for what was about to come. Luna jumped out and stretched before transforming back as well so they could make quick work on their camp before they prepared some tea and a late supper.

"You know," Luna started, stirring in the cream with her tea, "my mother actually grew up here in Greece. On one of the islands, actually."

"Really? You've never mentioned that before," Astoria said, moving around the kitchen island to be closer to Luna, who was sitting on a barstool. "Which island?"

"I think it was Mystikó?' Luna said with a tilt of her head. "The name is a bit fuzzy since she told me the stories when I was quite young."

"Mystikó? An island called Secret? Interesting… but it doesn't sound familiar," Astoria said, repeating the word a couple of times in hopes to jog her memory of an island named it. "Are you certain?"

"Mhm." Luna hummed between a sip of tea. "She used to tell me stories of how enchanted and beautiful it is. The place teems with old magic and it melds with everything, even a person should they stay long enough. The waters shimmer like glass but taste as pure as water can be. The colors are vibrant and almost sing from the impressive gardens. The people who live there are so enchanting."

Luna appeared somewhat sad suddenly, her tone going flat. "Sometimes I like to think my mother went back there instead… and that she just couldn't take me back home with her."

Astoria wrapped her arms around Luna, kissing the top of her head. "It's a lovely thought."

It wasn't long before Luna redirected back to the vivid details of the land, of its lush greens and fertile soil, and everything grown there tasted like pure magic.

Astoria continued to listen as she sipped her own tea, taking great interest in the details. "Wait, these descriptions are quite intricate, and you speak about it all as if it wasn't a story."

Luna smiled mysteriously, finishing her tea. "The meteor shower should be starting soon. I'll tell you more then."

The couple moved to the large blanket laid outside, bringing their pillows for comfort. They watched in a comfortable, awe filled silence as the sky lit up with the silver-white tails of meteors. The island temporarily forgotten until they tucked in for the night.

"So wait, this island you spoke of, it sounds like something from a painting," Astoria said between yawns, "Your mother really came from it? It wasn't just a story you think?"

Luna shook her head. "I know it's real because I've been there only once when I was about five. I saw it with my own eyes. It was wonderful."

"Do you remember where it is?"

"All I know is it's off Crete somewhere, but it really is quite a lovely place. I hope to see it again soon," Luna said, stifling a yawn of her own. "Goodnight, love."

It wasn't until early morning, just before sunrise, did everything connect in Astoria's head. She shot up like a bullet, startling Luna from her own sleep.

"Is everything okay?"

"Luna! The island you described it's—" Astoria gulped down a breath, too excited to breathe, "it's known as the Secret Garden of the gods!"

"Is it?" Luna didn't sound very baffled by this, instead she tried to rub the sleep from her eyes to check the time. "I don't think my mum called it that."

"Yes! I remember seeing a painting that seems to fit your description, and in the countless stories I've heard over the years, my mother loved to tell me about the gods secret garden. It teemed with life, beauty, magic. But you're saying it's real? Like, your part of that places people!"

"Mmm, I suppose so," Luna murmured, "if I remember correctly you could only find it easiest by following the stars during—"

"— the time that they fall!" Astoria finished excitingly. "Luna! Do you want to visit your motherland? I bet we still have time. I've got my starmap and local map as well!"

Luna livened up some once the connection was made. "It would be lovely to see the island again."

They quickly dressed and exited the tent, scanning the horizon with their telescopes still sitting outside. Luna pointed straight ahead after a few moments before directing Astoria's telescope to follow. "It's there! Do you see it? The glowing haze?"

"Yes!" Astoria beamed, overjoyed at being able to just see it.

"The fog protects it, but I'm sure they won't mind a couple guests?" Luna suggested, seeming to know exactly what she was doing. "They don't make it an easy place to find despite it being in plain sight."

The two smiled, more awake now than ever. They had come for one Celestial event, only to be guided to seek out the Garden of the gods.