Chapter 73. Heavenly Gift for Christmas
Luna Lovegood was one of the few Hogwarts students who decided to stay at school during the Christmas holidays. She didn't want to go back home to her father, who was in danger due to his publications in the magazine "The Quibbler". She also wanted to support her friends in Dumbledore's Army, who continued to train and prepare for the battle against Voldemort and his Death Eaters. She knew that the Second Wizarding War was escalating day by day and that they would soon have to confront the enemy face to face. However, Luna never lost her optimism and curiosity.
She continued to be interested in various magical creatures and phenomena described by her father in his magazine. She also loved making gifts for her friends using her creative abilities and unusual materials. She collected various things she found at school or in the surroundings and turned them into unique and original items. She made clay figurines, bead bracelets, woolen scarves, and much more. She wanted to delight her friends and show them how much she valued them.
On the eve of Christmas, Luna decided to go to Hogsmeade to buy some ingredients for her gifts. She also wanted to see the decorated village and feel the festive atmosphere. She dressed in her bright pink cloak with a hood adorned with colorful pom-poms and took a large box for the gifts. Luna arrived in Hogsmeade on a borrowed broomstick from Ginny Weasley.
She landed on Blind Alley and walked along it, admiring the various shops and stalls. She entered Honeydukes, where she bought some sweets for her friends. She also went into Zonko's Joke Shop and bought some prank items for her friends. She also visited Scrivenshaft's Quill Shop and bought some feathers and ink for her friends. Luna was very pleased with her purchases and decided to take a stroll around the village.
She walked along the street, enjoying the winter air and snowflakes. She smiled and hummed a little tune to herself. She paid no attention to the fact that some people looked at her strangely or mockingly. She didn't care that some people whispered behind her back or glared at her. She simply lived in her own world.
Luna Lovegood walked along Hogsmeade's Blind Alley, enjoying the winter air and snowflakes. In her hands, she held a large box of gifts for her friends in Dumbledore's Army. She smiled and hummed a little tune to herself.
Luna continued her walk through Hogsmeade. She entered Dervish and Banges, where she bought some magical artifacts for her friends. She also went into the Three Broomsticks and sipped on butterbeer. She also visited Flourish and Blotts, where she bought several books for her friends.
Luna was almost ready to head back to school when she noticed a small shop she hadn't seen before. The sign read "Antiques Shop". Luna decided to go in, hoping to find something interesting or unusual. She entered the shop and was amazed by its atmosphere. The shop was dark and dusty. Shelves were filled with various items: antique clocks, porcelain figurines, silver candlesticks, bronze medals, leather-bound books, and much more.
Luna felt that there was something mysterious and magical about the shop. She began examining different items, trying to guess their history or significance. She found several interesting things that she liked: an old world map with the inscription "Here be dragons", a beautiful locket with a swan design, a gold ring engraved with "Fidelity till the end". She thought these items could make good gifts for her friends. She decided to ask the shopkeeper how much they cost.
Luna approached the counter where an old man with a grey beard and glasses on a chain was sitting. He was reading a book and paying no attention to Luna.
— Hello, — Luna greeted. — I really like these items. Could you please tell me how much they cost?
The old man looked up and glanced at Luna. He smiled and closed the book.
— Hello, dear, — he replied kindly. — I'm glad to see you in my shop. These items? They aren't expensive. You can have them for fifty silver sickles.
— Thank you, — Luna said. — I'll take them. I have enough money.
Luna took out her wallet from her pocket and placed fifty silver sickles on the counter. The old man took the money and placed it in his cash box. Then he carefully wrapped the items in paper and put them in a box with Luna's gifts.
— Here you go, dear, — he said. — I hope you'll be happy with your purchases. These items hold special power and meaning. They can bring you happiness or misfortune, depending on how you use them.
— Oh, thank you, — Luna said. — I'm sure they'll bring me and my friends happiness. You're very kind.
Luna smiled at the old man and took her box of gifts. She thanked him once again and left the store. She didn't notice that the old man watched her leave with a cunning and sinister gaze. She didn't notice that there was an inscription on his book that read "The Holy Grail: History and Secrets". She didn't notice that one of the items she bought was an antique star-shaped pendant. She didn't notice that there was a strange rune engraved on the pendant, which started to glow with a blue light. But she really liked the pendant because it reminded her of one of the artifacts her father's magazine had reported on. According to the articles in The Quibbler, such an artifact was said to attract Wrackspurts.
Suddenly, she felt someone pushing her from behind. She turned around and saw a tall girl with silver hair and blue eyes, dressed in a sky-blue dress with floral patterns. Mysterious shields with golden details were attached to the girl's arms.
— Excuse me, did you want something? — Luna asked.
— Are you my Master? — the girl asked with a cold and contemptuous tone.
— Master? What do you mean Master? — Luna didn't understand.
— Don't play dumb. You summoned me with this artifact. — the girl pointed at the star-shaped pendant hanging around Luna's neck. — I am your Servant. My name is Melusine. I am a Lancer.
— Oh, how interesting! — Luna exclaimed. — I read about this in The Quibbler magazine. It said it's a game where wizards fight for the Holy Grail with summoned heroes from different eras and cultures. Are you one of those heroes?
— Yes, I'm one of those heroes. But it's not a game, it's a war. A war for a desire that the Holy Grail can fulfill. And you, my Master, are the one who must command me and lead me to victory. — the figure replied with a cold and arrogant tone. Her voice was pleasant and melodic, but it lacked any emotions. Her face was pale and flawless, but her eyes had no sparkle. She looked down at Luna, as if she were a lower being.
— Why me specifically? — Luna asked, ignoring the girl's contemptuous gaze. She was certain that this figure was not a real person, but merely a projection of some ancient hero who lived in a different time and place. She had no fear of her and felt no respect towards her.
"I don't know. Maybe you found this artifact accidentally or someone planted it on you. But it doesn't matter. You're my Master, and I must obey you. But don't think that I'll do everything you want. I'm not your servant or a toy. I'm a proud and independent Servant who values her freedom and individuality," the figure continued, emphasizing each word. She clenched Luna's hand into a fist and pointed to her left wrist, where a red symbol in the shape of three lines was visible.
"Well, that's good. I don't like it when someone orders me around or restricts me either. I think we'll get along," Luna said with a smile. She didn't understand the meaning of the symbol, but decided not to ask about it. She was glad that her Servant was showing some personality.
"Get along? Why do we need to get along? We're not friends or partners. We're allies out of necessity. Our goal is one: to obtain the Holy Grail and fulfill our wish," Melusine objected, frowning. She couldn't understand why Luna was so kind and naive. She didn't believe that such people existed at all.
"And what is your wish?" Luna asked, genuinely interested. She wanted to know more about Melusine, her past, and motivations.
"That's none of your business," snapped Melusine, immediately turning away. She didn't want to talk about her wish. It was too personal and painful for her.
"And I don't have a wish," Luna said, shrugging. She didn't see the point in this war. She didn't need the Holy Grail.
"What do you mean you don't? Everyone has a wish. Are you so satisfied with your life?" Melusine asked in surprise, turning back to Luna. She couldn't believe that someone could be so indifferent to their own fate.
"Yes, I am satisfied with my life. I have a father who loves me and supports me in everything. I have friends who appreciate me for who I am. I have interests and hobbies that make me happy," Luna proudly replied, raising her head. She was happy with her life and didn't want to change anything.
"You're strange. You don't want to change anything in your life? Don't you want to become richer, stronger, more beautiful, smarter?" Melusine asked, bewildered. She couldn't understand how someone could be so modest and dull.
"No, I don't want to. I want to be myself," Luna said, smiling. She was confident in herself and her values.
"Then you're foolish. You don't understand the meaning of this war. You don't understand the power of the Holy Grail," Melusine declared, disdainfully snorting. She was annoyed by Luna and her attitude towards the war.
"And do you understand?" Luna asked, still smiling. She wasn't offended by the figure and her insults. Her curiosity was tearing her apart to know Melusine's opinion.
"Of course, I do. I know that the Holy Grail can give me what I want the most," Melusine replied, proudly straightening up. She was confident in her right to the Holy Grail and her wish.
"And what is that?" Luna asked, tilting her head. She wanted to know what was so important to her Servant.
"That's none of your business!" Melusine shouted, abruptly turning and walking away from Luna. She didn't want Luna to know her wish.
Melusine turned and walked away from Luna. She was annoyed and offended by Luna's persistence and lack of tact. She didn't want to share her thoughts and feelings with her. She wanted to be alone.
Luna watched her go and smiled. She wasn't offended by her rudeness and aloofness. She understood that Melusine was not just a simple hero, but a complex individual with her own history and emotions. She wanted to befriend her and help her fulfill her desire.
"Wait!" Luna called out, rushing after Melusine. She held the box of gifts in her hands. She wanted to surprise her and make her happy. "Wait, please! I want to talk to you!"
"What do you want to talk to me about?" Melusine asked, pausing and turning to Luna attentively. Her voice sounded cold, like the wind on a winter night, and sharp, like a nail driven into wood. Her face displayed an expression of impenetrability and seriousness, as if it were a mask concealing the deepest emotions. Melusine's eyes sparkled with a mixture of distrust and alienation.
Luna blushed slightly at the cold reception and the uncertainty she felt from Melusine. She took a step forward, standing up straight in front of her Servant, studying her face and gestures carefully. Despite Melusine's obvious animosity, Luna remained composed.
"Well... about many things. About you, about the world of Servants, about the Holy Grail, about my world..." Luna began, still catching her breath from running. Her voice sounded friendly and warm, like the tinkling of bells.
"Your world? You mean this one?" Melusine gestured to the reality surrounding them. They stood on the streets of Hogsmeade, which were adorned with Christmas garlands and lanterns. People bustled around them, enjoying the festive atmosphere, delighting in their winter purchases, and simply strolling down the street. The air was filled with the scent of cinnamon and ginger, creating an atmosphere of warmth and cozy Christmas spirit. Pleasant music and joyful laughter emanated from shop windows. "This is your world. The world where witches and wizards live, along with other creatures and phenomena. This is a world I do not know nor understand."
Luna, despite feeling a slight disappointment, refused to be disheartened. She firmly took Melusine's hand and turned to face her, radiating kindness and warmth.
"Well, I could tell you about it. It's a very interesting and amazing world. There's a school for magical education called Hogwarts. There's a Ministry of Magic that regulates and controls everything related to magic. There are different houses, clubs, and Quidditch, a sport played on flying brooms. There are..." Luna gestured with her hands, as if trying to draw all those scenes in the air — she was so enthusiastic about her storytelling. She wanted to show Melusine the beauty and diversity of her world. She wanted to share her knowledge and experiences.
"Stop, stop, stop!" Melusine interrupted her. She raised her hand and made a gesture meaning "silence". She was annoyed and tired of Luna's words. She didn't want to hear her dull lectures. She wanted action, not talk. "What, you want to tell me the whole history and culture of your world? Do you think I'm interested in that? Do you think I want to listen to your endless babble?"
"Well... yes. I thought you liked adventures and discovering new worlds." Luna replied, lowering her head and blushing. She felt disappointed and embarrassed by Melusine's rejection. Luna couldn't understand why Melusine was not interested in learning more about her world. She didn't understand why her Servant was so closed off and unfriendly.
"I do like adventures and discovering new worlds, but not this way. I don't want to listen to your dull lectures. I want to see with my own eyes. I want to feel with my own senses. I want to act with my own hands." Melusine said. She turned again on her heels and walked away from Luna. She was determined and independent. She didn't need Luna's help or advice. She only needed the Holy Grail.
"And what do you want to do?" Luna asked, keeping up with Melusine. She was persistent and kind. She wanted to help Melusine or at least understand her. She wanted to be her friend. She held the box of gifts she had bought for her friends at the Christmas bazaar. She wanted to surprise Melusine and make her happy. The box contained various items, and Luna hoped that at least one of them would be to Melusine's liking.
"I want to fight. I want to win. I want to prove my strength and worthiness." Melusine replied, without turning to Luna. Her voice was firm and sharp. Her face maintained its impenetrability and seriousness. Her eyes were filled with determination and a sea of ambitions.
"Who do you want to fight? Other Servants?" Luna continued to ask, trying to engage Melusine in conversation.
"Yes, other Servants. And other Masters. And anyone who gets in my way." Melusine grew more enraged, increasing her pace in a nervous attempt to distance herself from Luna. She felt irritated and weary of Luna's words. She could no longer bear this endless string of mundane questions. It was high time to act and not waste time on empty chatter.
Luna, slowing her steps, finally stopped in front of a toy store window. The answers she had heard from Melusine filled her with sadness and discouragement. Deep down, she couldn't understand what made this Servant so cruel and ruthless. And what drove her to attack and kill others. Why, why was she so lonely and unhappy?
"But why? Why do you need to kill others?" Luna asked, addressing Melusine with a slightly lowered head, her hand gently touching her heart. She wanted Melusine to feel her sincere sympathy and support. Luna wanted to convey to her that she wasn't alone, that she could rely on her understanding and be happy.
"Because it's my destiny. Because it's my choice. Because it's my desire." Melusine replied, turning to Luna with anger and disdain, once again surveying her figure with a gaze. She was upset by Luna's questions, offended and hardened towards her. Melusine did not want Luna to judge or pity her. She wanted Luna to either respect her or fear her.
Luna looked at Melusine with sadness and genuine compassion. She raised her hand and tilted her head slightly, expressing quiet support and care. She wanted to convey to her Servant that she understood her pain and suffering, that they were not alone. Luna wished to instill hope and solace in her.
"You know, I don't think that's your true desire. I think you're just afraid to open up to others. I think you're lonely and unhappy." Luna said with a soft and warm voice. She wanted to let Melusine know that she understood her pain and suffering. She wanted to give her hope and solace.
Melusine frowned, her eyes blazing. She stood upright, like an unbreakable fortress, and sent fierce glances at Luna. Her fists clenched so tightly that her knuckles turned white, and her chin rose high, proudly jutting out. She didn't want any pity or favor. She wanted to convey to Luna that she didn't need her advice or attempts at comfort.
"Do you pity me? Do you want to comfort me? Do you think you know me better than I do?" Melusine addressed Luna with cold determination, her voice sharp and piercing. Her intention was clear: to toss Luna out of her life and reject her interference. She stood proudly, guarding her pride and independence.
Luna smiled, as if a ray of sunshine had pierced through dark clouds. She opened her arms in an inviting gesture, seeking to approach Melusine with kindness and friendliness.
"No, I don't pity you. I don't want to comfort you. I just want to help you. I just want to be your friend." Luna spoke with a soft but confident voice. Her face radiated sincerity and readiness to support Melusine. She tried to reach into her heart, offer her friendship and assistance. She opened her arms, as if wanting to embrace Melusine.
The locals paused in passing encounters and watched this unusual scene. Captivated by the beauty of magical Hogsmeade, they observed as courage and tenderness vied for Melusine's attention. They exchanged glances and whispered, joyfully sympathizing with this strange alliance.
"A friend? You want to be my friend? How dare you suggest that?" Melusine protested, pushing Luna's hands away from her. She wanted to shake off Luna and her persistent smiles. She considered friendship to be an unfair weapon, something undesirable and unnecessary. She wanted to tell her that she didn't believe in friendship and didn't need it.
Luna didn't give up. She continued to stand her ground, despite Melusine's anger and rejection. Her eyes radiated a firm determination, as she wanted to prove that her intentions were sincere.
"Yes, I want to be your friend. I'm not laughing. I'm serious," Luna insisted, refusing to back down from Melusine. She wanted to convince Melusine that she wasn't joking or lying. Luna looked directly into Melusine's eyes, never breaking eye contact. She pleaded with the gods for Melusine to see her sincerity and open her heart to a new connection. Her face showed a strong resolve to be Melusine's friend and ally.
"Well, then you're even stupider than I thought. You don't understand what friendship means. You don't understand what war is. You don't understand what the Holy Grail is," Melusine declared, turning away from Luna once again. She was disappointed and upset with Luna's lack of understanding. She wanted to leave Luna alone and continue on her path to the Holy Grail. Luna, as the Master, seemed to be the biggest disappointment in Melusine's life as a Servant. Melusine walked away with quick, determined steps. Her shoulders tense and raised, her reflective gaze cold and distant.
"And do you understand?" Luna asked, not falling behind Melusine. Her steps were light and cheerful, her shoulders relaxed and lowered, and her eyes sparkled with interest and warmth.
"Yes, I understand. And I will tell you one thing: you will never be my friend. You are my Master, and I am your Servant. That's our relationship, and it won't change. And if you try to change it, I will kill you," Melusine replied, turning away from Luna once again. After saying those words, Melusine turned and walked away from Luna again. Her lips were compressed with disdain, and her eyes filled with merciless anger.
Luna watched her go and smiled.
"Wait!" she called out. "I want to give you something!" Luna reached into a box and pulled out a small figurine of a snake with wings, then caught up to Melusine and handed it to her. "This is for you. It's Melusine."
Melusine stopped and turned to Luna with confusion. She was surprised and embarrassed by Luna's gift. She didn't understand why Luna wanted to give her presents and wish her happiness. She didn't understand what Luna felt for her. Now, she didn't even understand her own feelings towards Luna. She furrowed her brow, unable to find a clear answer. Her cheeks turned red with shame and bewilderment, and her hands trembled slightly, revealing her excitement and uncertainty.
"To give? What do you want to give me?" she asked, taking the figurine from Luna. "This... This is me?"
Her words sounded timid and uncertain, her lips automatically tensed and twitched. Melusine's eyes reflected both fear and a quiet joy. There was wariness and modest hope in her pupils. Looking at the figurine, Melusine momentarily pondered, stunned by this strange gesture.
"Yes, it's you, Melusine," Luna confirmed with joy, her smile lighting up her face like the sun. She took the gift back into her hands and showed it to Melusine. "I made this figurine myself out of clay and hand-painted it. Initially, I intended to give this gift to my friend for Christmas, but I decided to give it to you. It's Melusine."
"And you want to give me gifts and wish me happiness?" Melusine asked with some confusion. She was overwhelmed by the primitiveness of these emotions and the infinite interest Luna showed in her. She couldn't read what was happening in Luna's soul. She doubted her own feelings towards her newly appointed Master. Her eyebrows furrowed, expressing doubt and questions, and her hands unexpectedly tightened their grip on the small figurine.
"Yes, I do. Because I like you. Because you are my Servant. Because you are my friend," Luna said, smiling as she held the figurine up to Melusine.
Melusine looked at the figurine, then at Luna, and then back at the figurine.
She didn't know what to do.
She didn't know what to feel.
She didn't know what to say.
She just stood there, holding the figurine of Melusine in her hand.