FicWad

Chapter 8– Luna In The Daylight
. . .

My Dearest Harry,

The young witch stared at the words at the top of the parchment for a full minute before she crumpled it up and tossed it to the floor. After leaving Luna in the library Hermione had hurried to her room. It was a miracle that she managed to get there without being stopped once along the way. That has to be some sort of sign, she mused to herself as she selected anew piece of parchment. The Head Girl couldn't walk down a hallway without someone haling her for one reason or another. The irony of seeing that as a sign when such things were rubbish did not escape her.

My Dearest,

A bit too forward? she pondered as she regarded the latest choice of opening phrases. This would be her ninth, if she were keeping track of such things. Which I most certainly am not! It was all good and well to say you were going to write a guy a letter, but it was another thing entirely too actually do it. It was nothing like writing an essay after all.

It would have been so much easier if it had been. 'I expect you to write an essay on informing the gentleman you're smitten with the fact that you fancy him. Have it to me by Thursday of next week. No more than three feet of parchment, Miss Granger!' she heard Professor McGonagall's voice say in her head. Just how do you tell your best friend that you fancy him? Hermione stared at the paper for a moment more before it too found a new home upon the floor. Letter writing had never been this difficult before for the verbose young woman.

Harry Dear,

The young witch's cheeks blushed as she read over the words before her. That sounds like we're married already! As she balled up the parchment, tossing it aside and selected a new piece, she reflected on just what she was doing. I'm in love with Harry. With Harry! The girl's grin, when it came, made her cheeks hurt a little bit but she hardly noticed due to the rapid beating of her heart. I Love Harry Potter! Just as quickly as the smile had appeared it disappeared. What if he doesn't love me?

One thing Hermione Granger was not, was stupid. No one could ever accuse her of being that. I know Harry loves me, she reminded herself, a familiar warmth built within her chest at the very thought. The question I need to know the answer to rather is if he is in love with me. The two of them had been through far too much not to have come to care for one another. You couldn't have repeated near death experiences with a person and not form some type of bond with them.

I can do this, she reassured herself forcibly. I just have to approach it logically is all? Hermione sat and chewed the end of her quill in silent contemplation for several long moments. How exactly does one write logically about their emotions which are, as often as not, anything but logical? "Bloody hell," she growled under her breath and then hastily looked about guiltily to make certain no one had heard her. As often as she had called Harry and Ron on their use of foul language she would have been mortified if one of them had heard her just then. "Thank goodness," she heaved a sigh of relief when she realized she was alone in her room.

Hermione stared at the blank parchment before her when she suddenly realized what was preventing her from telling Harry. "This isn't something you put in a letter." The witch gave a slight nod of approval of her own words. "You can't tell Harry you love him this way. No, you have to do it face to face with him so there is no misunderstanding," she told herself. Taking up her quill and dipping it in her Ever-fill inkwell, the young woman began her letter the same way she always did.

Dear Harry,

I hope this finds you well. I'm ever so happy to hear that Professor Lupin named you as Teddy's Godfather! He couldn't have selected a more deserving person. I am certain that you will be brilliant at it. Sirius was a good teacher, I'm sure. No broomsticks till Teddy is older though!

As you are being rather enigmatic about your projects I really wasn't certain which runes you were referring to in your last letter. I have included (see the other parchment) a listing of a few books on runes that should help you decipher the ones you've run into. If you still have questions you could always just send me a copy of the runes themselves. Luna and I would be happy to figure them out for you.

Speaking of Luna, I fear that she is not doing well. She tries to hide it and keeps herself busy with classes as well as her Prefect responsibilities, however I can see it. She is not the Luna we knew before the war, Harry. There are issues at home which I can't really go into without her permissions. I think it would be sweet if you could take the time to write to her. I'm sure it would help her immensely.

I'm looking forward to the holidays, though it seems as if they cannot get here quick enough. I'm certain part of that is because I miss you and want to see you. When I do come and stay at your home, there is something rather important that I wish to speak to you about. It is nothing bad and certainly nothing that has to be done right away either. I just would prefer to discuss it face to face rather than through letters.

Anyways I'd best get back to my studies as it is my NEWTs year after all! I'm certain you're terribly busy now that there is a baby in the house as well as your cousin. I think it is great that she wants to continue her education and become a healer! Do take care of yourself Harry. I'm not there to look after you now so don't make me worry. Write back as time allows. I miss you!

Love Always,
Hermione

Reading the last part over again Hermione thought it sounded rather awkward, at least to her. The last I miss you sound particularly needy to the insecure witch. "No," Hermione told herself. "I have to start by laying the ground work. It is important that Harry knows that I care about him and love him after all. That way he'll be more accepting of my feelings," she paused and swallowed heavily as her cheeks heated into a blush, "when I finally tell him."

Placing the letter in an envelope she hastily sealed it to prevent herself from removing the parchment and changing it. It wasn't long before she found herself at the foot of the owlery, having argued with herself all the way there, as well as turned about once or twice. In a few short minutes the missive was affixed to an owl's leg and off to Harry. All the way back to the school Hermione second guessed her decision, only relenting when a student stopped her to ask about the war and how it was to be friends with the Harry Potter.

-oOo-

Harry sighed wearily and set his quill down carefully so as not to mar any of the parchments that were spread all about his desk. The tired wizard removed his glasses and massaged the bridge of his nose between his eyes for a long moment. Slipping his glasses back on Harry eyed the stack of waiting papers, swearing that it had grown larger, even though he had spent the last three hours working to decrease its size.

"Who knew there would be so much paperwork?" he asked in disbelief. "It never ends."

When he had first envisioned his project it had all seemed so simple. Take an unused bit of land, put people on it, see they had what they required and that was it. The young man was quickly discovering that there were a million details that went into it. Looking at the next sheet of parchment he read, "Property tax." Make that a million and one. With another weary sigh, he signed where it was needed and set the paper into the finished stack. "Kreacher."

There was the usual small pop that announced the arrival of a house elf. "Master has called for Kreacher?"

"Yes, Kreacher," Harry replied as he regarded the Black family elf. "Where is my godson?" Harry had spent the morning playing with the small boy who was off and running these days. So by playing it meant that Harry gave chase while Teddy laughed and thought it was all good fun to run away from his pursuer. He couldn't take his eyes off the toddler for a second without Teddy getting into something!

It was one of the things Harry loved best about his life currently, he could make all the time he wanted for Teddy as well as Andi. Family is the most important thing there is, he thought to himself as he recalled the peals of laughter, both Teddy's as well as his own, that had echoed through the halls of the house that morning. At least when I'm not stuck in here doing paperwork, he groused silently.

"Winky has put the young tike down for a bit of a kip," Kreacher replied."It seems that he was rather worn out after this morning's entertainment. Kreacher believes he still slumbers, Master." The house elf's word dashed the wizard's hopes of using the child as an excuse to keep from doing further paperwork.

Harry had to grin at the almost reproachful tone in Kreacher's voice. "Well, then I am certain he will sleep long and well." In the short time that Teddy had been living at Westfield Manor the elves had come to love and care for the boy, even Kreacher who had come to refer to Teddy as Tike. In Winky's case, you'd almost think the boy were her own she was so protective of him.

Harry suspected that the elves rather enjoyed the fact that Teddy was still trying to morph himself to look like a house elf, though he had thankfully as yet to succeed. Certainly not from lack of trying."Do I have any other work for today?" Harry enquired with a dissatisfied look at the mountains, as he saw it, of paperwork upon his desk.

"Master has enough work already," Kreacher quipped back, eyeing the large pile of documents that his master hadn't gotten to as yet. "Perhaps Master would like Kreacher to bring him some strong tea or some expresso?"

Harry stared at Kreacher for a long moment trying to decide if the house elf had just implied that he might need some caffeine to get the work done. "Yes, that would be exceptionally nice," he finally replied, agreeing that he was certainly going to need tea or a Pepper-Up potion to see it all done before diner time.

Kreacher disappeared with a small pop just as two brown owls flew in through the open window. Harry removed the letters from each owl before giving them both a treat. The greedy owls snatched the food from his hands and quickly flew back out the window as they hadn't been told to wait for a reply. Harry, recognizing the handwriting on the outside of one envelope as Hermione's, quickly snatched it up and tore it open.

Harry paused in his reading to eye the two foot long parchment that had been included. "A short list," he snorted after seeing the thirty to forty book titles on the list. Picking up where he had left off, Harry read over Hermione's concerns about Luna. "I should have written her during the summer," he chastised himself, feeling guilty.

Harry's summer had not been all fun and games. There had been the trip to Australia as well as his fight with Ginny which brought about their engagement. At the time he was certain had he written another girl and Ginny had discovered the fact, the results wouldn't have been pretty. Luna if my friend. I should have written her regardless," he scolded himself.

The young man's brow creased as he read the rest of the letter. It made him feel good to know that apparently Hermione was missing him just as much as he was missing her. The fact that she had something important to discuss made him feel a bit apprehensive though. "I wonder what it could be about."

No sooner had the words left his mouth than understanding dawned on Harry. "So, this is her way of getting back at me," he chuckled. "Her tit for tat, because I won't tell her what my projects are" Harry said knowingly, seeing through Hermione's plans. "Nice try Miss Granger but you'll have to do better than that if you want to ruffle me," he said, congratulating himself for not being fooled by the witch's devious ploy.

Setting the letter aside to reply to later, Harry opened the second missive and was surprised to see that it was from Luna. "Nargles," he mumbled with a grin as he read what she had written. After completing the letter Harry sat back and pondered what to do. He knew that there was only really one possible answer, especially given what Hermione had written to him regarding Luna. Taking a clean piece of parchment from a desk drawer, Harry wrote a reply.

Kreacher returned and served Harry tea while the young man wrote. "Don't go just yet, Kreacher. I would like for you to deliver this for me once I am done."

"Of course, Master," Kreacher replied as he stood waiting at the side of the desk.

Harry finally finished and sat back to allow a few minutes for the ink to dry."How are you, Kreacher?" he asked as he took a sip of his tea.

"Kreacher is well, Master," the house elf dutifully replied.

"I'd imagine you and Andi have spent some time catching up?" Harry enquired.

"Kreacher lives to serve the noble House of Black," the small creature replied."It is well to have a true Lady of the House to serve once again."

"Yes…well," Harry stammered, the elves word sounding a great deal like the Pure-blood dogma he had heard enough of while at Hogwarts. The young wizard distracted himself by folding the letter and slipped it into an envelope before sealing it with the Potter family ring. "Please deliver this personally to Luna Lovegood at Hogwarts. Make certain no one else see's you giving it to her," Harry instructed as he handed the letter over.

"Kreacher lives to serve, Master," the house elf replied after accepting the letter and just before disappearing.

Harry sat for a good bit as he enjoyed his tea, Kreacher's parting words echoing in his thoughts. "To bad house elves are absolutely rubbish at paperwork," he stated as he eyed the seemingly never ending pile of documents awaiting his review. The longer he thought about it a plan slowly began to make its presence known. Slipping another parchment from his desk, Harry once more began to write.

Bob,

I am becoming somewhat overwhelmed by the deluge of paperwork that I am ill prepared for. I would like to hire an assistant or two for my project. One of them must be able to handle the day to day paperwork while the others should be responsible with seeing to the needs of my guests. I know that there are already three house elves there but even they are having difficulties in keeping up. Please find people that I can trust to do a good job.

Harry regarded the letter, uncertain just how to sign it. 'Yours in Profitability' was how Bob had signed the letter to me, Harry recalled. The young wizard's brow creased in thought as 'Yours in Gold' just didn't seem appropriate and lacked a certain flare. It also reminded him far too much of the moniker he used to be called by, 'The Golden Boy'. You're not a boy any longer, he reminded himself. In the end Harry simply signed his name, Harry James Potter. "That'll do I guess."

The remainder of the afternoon was devoted, abet reluctantly, do the processing of the paperwork which Harry had allowed to pile up through the course of the week. As dusk made its presence known outside his window Harry finally set his quill aside and made his way downstairs for diner, where he found Andi waiting for him.

"What did you do, Harry!" Andi demanded, standing near Daphne's chair at the table, with her hands on her hips while Tracey and the blonde witch watched the exchange with interest.

Harry, caught completely off-guard and not really certain if the witch was truly angry or not, answered with the first thing that came to mind. "Paperwork?" he offered with a bewildered look. They had not yet been living together long enough for Harry to be able to tell exactly what mood Andi was in. It had taken him several years to learn the clues that Hermione broadcast when she was in a bit of a temper.

"Then perhaps you can explain what this is!" said the older witch as she held forth a piece of folded paper. "I came home today to find this waiting for me."

Harry forced a smile even though he was on uncertain ground and tried for a bit of humor. "I haven't mastered the art of mind reading as yet but I suspect that's a bit of parchment." The witch's answering glare told him that Andi hadn't found his comment particularly humorous.

During the exchange Daphne slipped the parchment from Andi's hand and opened it, reading it over rather quickly. "It says here that you've been accepted into an Internship at St. Mungo's as well as offered a scholarship to the London Academy of Hospice and Healing," she announced with a low whistle."Nicely done, Andi!" Daphne congratulated the older witch.

"I didn't do anything!" Andi corrected, never taking her eyes off the wizard before her who had started to squirm a bit."He did something. What did you do, Harry?" she asked again in a more even tone of voice.

"Nothing," Harry was quick to reply. Seeing the disbelieving expression on his cousin's face he added, "Really, it was nothing."

"That nothing sure sounds like something," Tracey quipped from her place at the table, ignoring the look Harry gave her at her words.

"Look," Harry backpedaled a bit defensively, "all I did was write them a letter and ask if there was any way they could help with your situation," he confessed.

"Did it ever occur to you that upon receiving a letter from Harry Potter, the man who killed the Dark Lord, that they would bend over backwards to help you?" Andi enquired in an exasperated tone of voice.

"No," Harry answered a bit sheepishly. The thought had never really crossed his mind. While he was famous, and was often reminded of the fact, he did his best to ignore it. "I never really thought about it. I mean why should they?"

"I was very capable of accomplishing this on my own," Andi told him as she took the parchment back from Daphne and held it out to indicate it. "I didn't need your help with it, Harry! I'm a grown woman for Merlin's sake!"

Harry's face clouded up as her words stung more than he thought they would have."I'm sorry, but you're part of my family now. You and Teddy both are! You wanted to become a healer and all I wanted to do was help you. All my life I have wanted nothing to do with my fame. When I first learned of the Wizarding world it seemed everyone knew far more about me than even I did. I've hated my fame, but if it will see to it that you get to accomplish your dreams, even accidentally, then I'll use it if I have you. I would move mountains for my family!" Harry stated, a bit angrier than he had intended.

The three witches stared in astonishment, never having seen or heard Harry angry before. There was little doubt that Harry would do just as he said when it came to his family. The two younger witches couldn't help but wonder just what it would be like to be a part of his family and have Harry wanting to make them happy as he had apparently tried to do for Andi.

Andromeda crossed the distance to Harry and before the wizard could step back she engulfed him in a hug. "No, I'm sorry, Harry," Andi apologized to the wizard she held to her bosom. "We Blacks are a prideful lot," she offered. "Thank you, Harry."

"You're family. Teddy and you are all I've got," Harry told her as he slipped his arms around her and returned the hug tightly. "It is important to me that both of you are happy. I really will do whatever it takes to see to that," he assured her.

"Yes, well, don't go moving any mountains just yet, alright?" she asked with a chuckle, causing Harry to blush slightly as the woman's chest bounced rather nicely where it was pressing up against him. "You're a very sweet man, Harry Potter," Andi told him and she leaned away, but not before leaving a kiss on his cheek which brought a blush to his face.

At the table Daphne watched the two of them. Andi's arms were still around Harry's neck while his arms were still around the older woman's waist. A pain of jealousy shot through the young woman at the closeness the two obviously shared. Such affection and carrying were seldom seen within the Greengrass household. Daphne found that she wished it was her in Harry arms at that moment.

Beside the blonde witch Tracey's face darkened into a scowl as she noted the open look of longing that Daphne currently wore as she stared at Harry.

-oOo-

Luna Lovegood was an attractive witch, at least she was when she took the time to care about such things, which wasn't often. Today was one of those rare days though. The Ravenclaw Prefect stood in line near the main doors to the castle and watched as others climbed into the carriages that would whisk them away to Hogsmeade. When it was her turn she stepped forward and smiled brightly at Hermione who was checking names off a list. "Hello, Hermione."

"Luna?" Hermione replied in surprise at seeing her friend not only there but all dressed up as well. Is that cosmetics she's wearing? "Going to Hogsmeade?" the Head Girl enquired dutifully as it was her task to list everyone leaving the castle for the hamlet today.

Luna's smile widened just a bit as her pale grey eyes sparkled with happiness as she nodded. "I have a date!" the excited girl confessed even as a pink tinge appeared upon her alabaster cheeks.

"Oh?Who's the lucky gentleman?" Hermione asked, more than a little curious. She hadn't seen Luna this happy since Harry had asked to escort the younger Ravenclaw to Professor Slughorn's party. While that night had turned out rather poorly, it had all started off very well.  Whoever it is I'm glad she's so happy about it! She could do with a generous helping of happiness in her life right about now.

Luna blushed further as she leaned in and replied discreetly, "It's a secret."

Hermione thought Luna looked very cute when she blushed in that manner. "Well, just be certain you have fun, Luna. Looking like that," the slightly older woman stated as she gave Luna the once over, approving of the apparent effort the young witch had put into her appearance, "I'm certain he won't be able to take his eyes off of you," she offered as the next carriage stopped before them.

"That is the plan," Luna confessed with a small giggle, the smile never leaving her face as she climbed into the carriage.

Hermione closed the carriage door, deciding that Luna could ride alone to Hogsmeade. It wouldn't do for someone to make fun of Luna or let slip some comment about being loony and have it spoil her friend's big day, Hermione reasoned."Well, make certain you behave yourself," Hermione teased.

Luna stared at Hermione in a very serious manner for a long moment. "Now where is the fun in that?" she asked before allowing a playfully grin to appear just as the carriage started to move. Behind her, Luna could hear Hermione chuckle at her parting remark. It's good to hear her laugh. She doesn't do that often enough these days, Luna thought. As the carriage rolled along, the young girl removed an envelope from her handbag. She had read the letter several times already, however that didn't prevent her from reading it once again.

Dear Luna,

I have been very remiss in my friendship and can only beg your forgiveness. I should have written much sooner than this. Though it is certainly no excuse, there were a great many things going on in my life at the time that made it somewhat difficult to stay in touch. I hope you will not hold that against me as I very much wish to make certain that you remain a part of my life. A wonderful woman such as yourself is very hard to find these days. Again, I can but beg your forgiveness and gladly will do so, over and over again, if that is what it takes to receive it.

To answer your questions, at least the first two, no and yes. No, I do not mind you writing me and would sincerely hope that you continue to do so, whenever the mood strikes you. Yes, I am well. Even better now that I have heard from you. Though I have a poor way of showing it, I missed you over the summer as well. Nargle protection…brilliant! I'll get right on it!

Now, as for Hogsmeade weekend. I can only imagine what my presence at Hogsmeade would bring. The chaos would certainly not be as great as the discovery of the Crumpled-horned Snorkack, but I'm sure it would at least make the front page of the Prophet, something I try and avoid these days. Regretfully, I do have a previous engagement for that Saturday.

Having said that, I may have a solution. I would like to very much make amends for my horrendous treatment of you on our last date. Though I have no right to ask it, I would like very much the pleasure of your company this Hogsmeade weekend, on Sunday. If you are so inclined to give this undeserving bloke another try, please meet me behind the Hogsmeade station rather than where the carriages arrive.

Hopeful,
Harry

The smile on Luna's face had been in place since awaking earlier that morning. It was almost as if someone had used a Sticking Charm to affix it to her face. When she had written Harry she really hadn't expected him to reply and ask her out. The smart Ravenclaw could well understand why the young man wouldn't want to be near Hogwarts. The fact that Harry had used his house elf to deliver the message rather than send it by owl added a personal touch to everything that had Luna feeling a bit special.

When the carriage came to a stop upon reaching its destination, Luna disembarked. Reaching into her handbag she pulled forth a rather large item wrapped in brown paper. The young witch walked to the Thestral which had been pulling her carriage and unwrapped the large piece of raw meat, offering it to the creature. "Thank you very much for bringing me to see Harry," she told the animal who gladly accepted the treat.

Luna vanished the now empty piece of butcher's paper before turning away to make her way to the back of the train station. It was a bit odd to be meeting there but she figured that Harry wanted to avoid the crowds as well as the attention his presence would cause. Rounding the corner of the building she spied her friend standing in the distance looking towards Black lake. Walking up behind the wizard she made her presence known. "Hello, Hopeful Harry," she teased good naturedly.

"I think you can change that to 'Delighted Harry' as you are here," Harry responded with as he turned about with a warm and welcoming smile. Upon seeing Luna, and taking in her clothes, how her makeup and hair were fixed, the words he was thinking just sort of slipped out of his mouth before he could stop them, "and you look absolutely stunning!"

"Why thank you, Mister Potter. I wanted to make an impression," Luna replied with a shy smile to compliment the blush on her cheeks.

"I'd say you've done a rather smashing job of it," Harry stammered in reply, blushing a bit himself at having let his thoughts slip out the way they had. He was just glad that he hadn't offended her with his actions as they might have seemed like he was implying that she didn't normally look beautiful.

"Yes, well, girls like to be told they look nice," Luna informed him. "I know I don't often dress up but this is a special occasion, being my second date and all."

"Your second date?" Harry asked a bit puzzled. Luna was a great person as well as rather cute. She didn't have Daphne's stunning beauty or Hermione's emerging classic elegance, but there was something there, something like what one would expect of the Fay. Magical, Harry suddenly thought, realizing it was perhaps the best term to describe the young woman. Due to this he couldn't believe that this was only Luna's second date ever.

"Yes, well…my first date was so terrible," Luna started with only to witness Harry cringe as he realized that he was her first date. "Relax, Harry. I'm just having a bit of a go at you," she quickly told him with an apologetic smile. "I understand that you had more important things to deal with back then," she assured the poor wizard.

Harry gave a small smile of appreciation before replying, "That's not to say that you aren't important to me as well, Luna." Harry didn't have many people who were his friends, no really. The list of good friends who were also beautiful was even a smaller list, one which Luna was certainly on.

"That is wonderful to know, Harry," Luna answered, her original smile returning once again. "It would have felt rather odd if I wasn't important to you as you are so very important to me," she told him rather frankly.

Harry got that familiar strange feeling in his chest, the one that was caused only by asmall group of girls in his life. "Well we can't have that now can we?" he asked as he ran a nervous hand through his hair.

"It would be rather sad, wouldn't it?" Luna asked, giving Harry a long serious look. "So," she finally said, breaking the silence that had stretched as the two teenagers gazed at each other, "I am assuming you have something planned for today?"

"I do," Harry assured her. "If you'll do me the honor of allowing me to escort you, Miss Lovegood?" he asked as he turned and offered her an elbow.

"Most certainly, Mister Potter," Luna readily agreed, slipping her hand into the crook of his offered arm. To Luna's surprise Harry did not lead her into town but rather into the woods behind it. There was a small path, just barely wide enough for the two of them to walk side by side which he directed them to. The trail led them up a rather tall hill and eventually brought them to the opening of a small cave. "I don't think I am properly dressed to go cave exploring, Harry," Luna said, glancing down at her skirt and blouse.

Harry gave her a roguish grin. "Wait here a tic, my Lady," he stated before disappearing into the cave, causing Luna to wonder just what he was up to. She didn't have long to wait as Harry soon returned with a folded plaid blanket over one arm and a basket in hand.

"A picnic!" Luna exclaimed, clasping her hands together before her chest in excitement. The young witch loved to be outdoors and under the open sky. The day was rather warm for the middle of October in the Scottish Highlands which made it a perfect day for a picnic to her way of thinking. Luna turned a bit and looked out from the hilltop over the woods below. It was a spectacular view. "It's beautiful!" she stated, appreciating the beauty of nature.

Harry paused from arranging the blanket and looked up at her words. The young man regarded the young woman, her radiant smile and her fairy cuteness and had to agree. "It certainly is," he breathed, once again allowing his thoughts to escape through his lips just as Luna turned to look in his direction. At first he made to indicate the view but the words died on his lips upon noticing the rather red blush to Luna's cheeks. Well it is the truth, he told himself, deciding to leave it as it was. After all it was in his nature to appreciate her beauty.

Luna gave a small curtsy with a demure smile. "Why thank you, Mister Potter. That is perhaps the sweetest thing anyone has ever said to me. Twice now you've complimented me on my looks. I may just have to start believing you."

"You should," Harry told her as he ran a hand over the blankets surface to remove those pesky nonexistent wrinkles. The young wizard was still a bit embarrassed due to having allowed his thoughts to slip out once again. There was something about Luna which put Harry at ease. He didn't have to be someone else when with her. This tended to see him drop his guard a bit further than he would have normally liked to, but he really couldn't help it. Luna made him feel normal, which to Harry was well worth the occasional slip of the tongue.

Luna walked over and seated herself upon the blanket, still blushing a bit. Harry, yet again, had shown her that he was not like other men. All through her time at Hogwarts other students had made fun of her because she was a bit different. She knew that she was odd but as she enjoyed the way she was she saw no reason to change. Then Harry had come into her life. Not only had he not made fun of her but he had also befriended her. Through Harry she had come to know Hermione who was now a true and dear friend as well.

The seventh year Ravenclaw watched as Harry set out their lunch, ensuring that everything was perfect just for her benefit, or so she assumed. A girl can dream right? Her grey eyes watched entranced as her heart did backflips within her chest. He makes me feel special, the young woman realized. Perhaps that is why I want to see Harry happy, she mused to herself. Especially if I'm the one that gets to make him happy!

Harry finished setting out the last of the items. He had wanted everything to be special for their date and so had made the lunch himself. I owe it to her after our last date. Harry still felt bad that it had been Luna's first date and he had left her at the party to go chase after Malfoy of all people. She never complained about it either, Harry recalled. She deserves better than that, he told himself, determined to make certain she received it too.

Luna always seemed to understand Harry and the emotional turmoil his life was in during the war. Often he had sought her out just to talk as she would offer some insight into what was troubling him. Like the time that she said Voldemort wanted him to feel alone. He had felt very alone at the time, at least until he had spoken to her. She gets me in ways that Hermione doesn't, he thought is sudden comprehension. No wonder she has always been special to me.

"So how are your projects going, Harry?" Luna asked, drawing the wizard's thoughts back to the girl beside him on the blanket.

"Well enough," Harry replied a bit evasively. "I really can't say more than that," he added with a small smile.

"That's alright. This way if Hermione asks I can honestly tell her that you wouldn't tell me about them," Luna replied with a grin. "Her not knowing is really driving her a bit barmy, Harry."

"You don't say?" Harry asked, the picture of perfect innocence.

"Yes. I think it is a bit good for her though as it is distracting her from her NEWTs," Luna confided. "If it wasn't for your secrets I am certain she would have driven herself completely around the bend revising and all by now."

"I thought she might," Harry agreed with a concerned look. In part he had kept the secret of his projects so that he could surprise Hermione but the other fact was that it offered a good distraction. The young witch had been insufferable for their OWLs so he could just imagine how she would be for her NEWTs.

"There aren't any runes are there?" Luna asked, startling the young wizard with her.

Harry chuckled sheepishly as he ran a hand through his hair. "No, not really," he admitted. Seeing the witch's questioning look the young man made a snap decision. In part it was because he knew he could trust Luna but also it was because he really wanted to share the secret with someone else."If I tell you what they are for you absolutely can't tell Hermione."

"Of course not, Harry," Luna assured him. "It is far more fun to watch her try and figure it out on her own," she added.

Harry shared her smile for a brief moment before telling her. "I moved into anew house in Essex and it has a rather large library that is in need of books. I've already moved the entire Black family library from Grimmauld Place over as well as any books I could find in my vaults," he explained. "Sadly that didn't even fill the bottom floor."

"So you thought you could, in a rather round about manner, ask Hermione for book suggestions," the bright witch sussed out rather quickly. The fact that Harry was doing all this for another girl did not make Luna jealous in the least, rather it just further confirmed what she already knew. Harry was a very compassionate and caring man who went out of his way for those he cared about.

The Lovegood's had a rather open opinion when it came to love. They well understood that a person could, and often did, love more than one person at the same time. Tis was an understanding they had passed down to their daughter as she grew up. It was alright with Luna if Harry loved another woman just so long as he came to love her as well. "I could help you," Luna offered.

"Really?" Harry asked in disbelief. He hadn't really considered enlisting the help of others to fill the near empty library but it made sense now that he thought about it. I wonder if Daphne and Tracey could offer some suggestions as well, he wondered. I bet Andi would know loads of good books concerning healing, he speculated, rather glad that he had confided in Luna.

"I'd be happy to," Luna assured him. "Hermione is my friend after all. Ihave to admit that it will be rather fun to be in on the secret." In truth it made her once again feel rather special that Harry would trust this secret to her. "I'll gather a list and send it to you though I imagine it will be rather lengthy."

"That's fine. It beats walking into Flourish and Blotts and asking them for one of everything they have," Harry told Luna with a grin. "I wonder if I would have room for everything if I did that?" he pondered aloud though he was fairly certain that he would have.

"From the sound of it I may just have to come and see this library for myself," Luna teased him. Though she loved being outside, the brainy witch in her also was no stranger to the allure of a good book and a comfy chair next to a fire."It sounds quite remarkable."

"Hermione will be staying with me over the holidays. I plan to show her it then," Harry stated. "You're more than welcome to come over, Lune. I have plenty of room even with everyone there," Harry told her. It was true, even with Andi, Daphne, Tracey and Hermione being there, he had rooms to spare. "Why don't you come stay with us for a few days?"

Luna's eyes lit up till she recalled her father. "I can't," she sadly replied. "Daddy isn't doing well and I wouldn't want to leave him all alone," she explained as her face took on a rather sad expression.

"Nothing serious I hope?" Harry enquired. Though he didn't wish to pry, Hermione's letter had worried him. Both for Luna as well as Mr. Lovegood's sake. If there was something he could do to help then he wanted to do it.

With visible effort the young witch forced a smile upon her face. "The best Healers at St. Mungo's are looking after him so I'm certain they'll have his sorted soon," she lied, not wishing to put a damper on their date."Hopefully he'll be home by the holidays." Luna knew that wasn't possible unless she and Hermione managed to find something to cure the ailing wizard. So far their search had turned up any number of Muggle drugs that were said to alleviate the effect of deep depression but none that would cure it. The Wizarding world's answer for depression appeared to be a Cheering Charm, which was also only temporary relief at best.

"Well, if there is anything I can do to help just let me know," Harry offered sincerely, making the young woman once again feel very special. "Let's eat! I'm rather famished," Harry declared, thinking that a change of topic was in order. It pained him to see Luna so distraught and not be able to do anything about it.

The two sat and talked about inconsequential things as teenagers were apt to do when in the company of those they trust and care about. It wasn't long before their meal was consumed. Before them stretched an errant arm of the Forbidden forest where it came closest to the town of Hogsmeade which was just visible through the trees in the distance. Beyond the town itself lay Black lake, while off to one side, raised high above the water on the bluff sat Hogwarts castle.

"Do you miss it?" Luna asked, noting where the young man's eyes were trained during a lapse in conversation. More than once she had caught Harry looking towards the ancient castle.

"Somewhat," Harry admitted, not needing to be told what she was referring to. Harry turned and looked at Luna a bit intently. "I certainly miss some of the people there," he added, causing the girl to blush yet again. She is terribly cute when she does that, the young wizard thought to himself. Harry decided he rather liked making Luna blush and made a pledge to be the cause of it more often.

"Some of us miss you too, Harry," Luna confessed, slipping her hand along the blanket till it encountered his. "We wouldn't mind seeing a great deal more of you."

Harry swallowed rather heavily, suddenly feeling a bit nervous as Luna's fingers entwined with his own. She couldn't possibly have meant that the way is sounded. Right? "I…I wouldn't mind seeing you again either, Luna," he stammered, deciding to go with the safer possibility rather than what his overactive teenage mind was implying.

Luna leaned in closer towards Harry. "The next Hogsmeade weekend is in the middle of November," she informed him in a slightly husky tone. "I'm free if you are, Harry," Luna said as she slowly closed the distance between their lips.

Harry sat transfixed as the large grey eyes before him drew closer. "S…sure," he replied, not even certain what he was agreeing to at this point. All he could think about was that Luna Lovegood was about to kiss him. Wait, shouldn't I be the one to kiss her? a small voice in the back of his head asked only to be jumped and beat into submission by Harry's raging hormones.

Not really listening to the voices in his head anyways, Harry leaned forward as well, his eyes drooping closed in anticipation of what he was certain would be a wonderful kiss. When the anticipated kiss arrived, the feeling of Luna's lips was far softer than expected as their warmth permeated his cheek.

"What was that for?" Harry asked, sitting back. He was a little disappointed that it had only been a kiss on the cheek but he was also a little relieved. His feelings only served to confuse him even more though. Luna was his friend after all and yet he had been more than ready to kiss her in an 'other than friend' manner. First Hermione and now Luna, he chastised himself. At least Hermione fancies Ron. I wonder if Luna fancies anyone, he absently wondered. Even Daphne has someone she loves, he realized, beginning to wonder if he was fated to only meet women who were already interested in other blokes.

"Because you're sweet, Harry, and have gone through all this trouble just for me," she told him with a gesture down at the remains of their meal and the blanket they were seated upon. "Also, Mummy told me to never kiss on the first date," she added, once again sporting pink cheeks as she looked bashfully away.

But this is our second date! Harry's raging hormones screamed suggestively. Luckily sensibility spoke up and reminded the young man, as well as his hormones, that he had in fact promised to come see Luna for the following Hogsmeade weekend. "What about second dates?" he asked a bit cheekily.

Luna's face reddened even further. "I guess we'll have to see how things go," she replied unable to fully hide the hopeful note in her voice. The fact that Harry's smile grew larger upon hearing her answer let her know that he was perhaps just as hopeful as she was.

The two teens packed everything up before Harry took the basket and blanket back to the cave for Winky to retrieve later. Upon returning he offered Luna his arm and escorted the young witch back to Hogsmeade where they parted after a hug that was perhaps just a bit longer than was strictly required between friends. The ride back to the castle passed in a blur as Luna wasn't even aware of the others in the carriage who kept giving her unusual looks due to the silly grin she was wearing.

"So? How was it?" Hermione asked as soon as she saw Luna step from the carriage.

"It was…beautiful," Luna replied ethereally with a dreamy look upon her features that reminded Hermione of the old Luna back before the war had turned so ugly.

Hermione was happy for her friend. It was readily apparent that Luna had a good time as the witch was obviously walking on clouds judging be her expression and behavior. "Well, we can go to my rooms where you simply must tell me everything!" There was a small twinge of jealousy, not that Luna was happy or had a good time but rather that she herself would have to wait till the holidays to hopefully have such a date with Harry.

Luna seemed to gather her senses about her and turned to look at Hermione, "A woman never kisses and tells," she said straight-faced, before breaking out into giggles that were so unlike Luna that it left Hermione a bit concerned.

She must have had a really good time, the Gryffindor witch thought just before what Luna had let slip sunk in. "You kissed him?" Hermione asked, still having no clue as to just who the mysterious him in Luna's life was as yet.

"No!" Luna exclaimed, blushing brightly at the very thought, "But I so very much wanted to!" she nearly squealed in recollection. "I gave him a peek on the cheek instead as Mummy said to never kiss on the first date." For amoment there, when Harry had leaned in and his eyes had closed she had almost kissed him, only at the last moment had she turned her head and kissed his cheek instead. Looking back now she regretted her split second decision and wished she had gone for it. Perhaps that's why I'm not a Gryffindor, she mused absently to herself.

"He must be someone really special," Hermione offered with a smile, happy that her friend had found someone who apparently made Luna as happy as thoughts of Harry made her.

"He is," Luna was quick to agree. "I think I might be rather enamored with him even," she added as if only just realizing the fact herself. Given everything that was going on in her own life, Harry was the only thing that brought her any happiness. Coupled with the fact that he always made her smile and blush as well as had the ability to make her feel special, Luna realized that she was falling hopelessly in love with Harry Potter.