Prologue – Letters in the Dark
August 1, 1995
Dear Harry,
I don't know if you want to receive letters right now, but I thought you might like to know that there's a family of Nargles nesting outside my window. I haven't seen them, of course, but the garden fairies seem restless, which is usually a sign.
I suppose Hogwarts feels far away now. It does to me, too. My father and I have been travelling around the country, looking for traces of the Crumple-Horned Snorkack. We haven't found any yet, but that doesn't mean they aren't there.
Sometimes, the truth lurks just out of sight.
I hope you're well.
Moon.
Harry read the letter three times before folding it carefully.
It didn't mention Voldemort. It didn't mention the Ministry, the Order of the Phoenix, or the fact that the entire wizarding world considered him a lunatic.
It was the only letter that didn't try to tell him how to feel.
He ran a hand through his hair and sighed.
He hesitated before picking up a piece of parchment and a quill.
August 3, 1995
Luna,
Thank you for writing. I really didn't expect to get a letter from you, but I'm glad.
I don't know what to say about the Nargles. I guess there's no way to know if they're really there, but that doesn't mean they're not, does it?
Hogwarts feels far away, yes. I don't know what it's like to go back. I don't know if I want to go back.
I guess I hope the time goes by quickly.
Harry.
The letters continued. Not often, and not with words too deep. But Luna kept writing.
And Harry kept writing back.
August 20, 1995
Dear Harry,
Today I saw the moon reflected in the water and thought of you.
Luna.
August 21, 1995
Luna,
Thank you.
Harry.
The last letter lay on his desk, along with the others.
They were just words. Just ink on parchment.
But each one had made him feel less alone.
And for the first time in a long time, that meant something.