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Chapter Text

Blaise Zabini had always prided himself in his ability to not give a damn about anyone or what they thought about him.

While he was sure many would call him an arrogant sod, he could confidently say they wouldn’t be able to find a fault in him. He was a Pureblood. He had inherited his mother’s infamous good looks that had made her rich. He was great at Quidditch which kept him fit. He had received only Outstandings and Exceeds Expectations in all of his subjects. And he kept as far away as possible from any Death Eater related bullshit. As his mother had taught him early on, Zabini’s never got their hands dirty. Impassiveness and neutrality were the best defences you could have.

Blaise had taken this advice to heart and had over the past 5 years at Hogwarts made his armour impeccable. It hadn’t always been easy. The only negative comments that could come his way were the sly questioning remarks were about the demise of his father and 6 of his step-fathers. But they were always met with a stony and unimpressed silence. And so the questions had stopped coming and Blaise had gotten on with his life. Sharing a dormitory with Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle wasn’t a walk in the park. The latter two minions were both oafs and generally harmless to him. But with the rise of Lord Voldemort, the goons were steadily becoming more sure of themselves and bullies even within the Slytherin house. Malfoy’s status on the other hand seemed to be going in reverse. He had changed from an obnoxious peacock to a sneaky slithering snake. But instead of being an impressive cobra or even a Basilisk, he more resembled a haggard and scared rattlesnake, desperate to get away from whatever that was chasing him. Blaise found him pathetic.

But he wasn’t a fool, and would never air such opinions in front of his house mates. A little comment here and there would keep them on their toes but nothing to truly antagonise them. Neutrality and impassive. Qualities that had gotten him as only one of their dorm to be invited into Slughorn’s Circle, otherwise known as the Slug Club. And his mates were jealous, though they were far too proud to show it. Blaise couldn’t say if he really enjoyed his own membership. Most gatherings were rather dull. He didn’t find any of the members interesting in the slightest, not even Harry Potter, the Chosen One. Professor Slughorn was someone you never quite knew what to think about. Full of contradictions. An intelligent man that with enough wine and sugared pineapple could turn into a blithering idiot. Greedy yet extravagant in his dinners and favours. Welcoming yet unwavering in his rejection if there was a whiff of controversy in your family. That last one Blaise had found both surprising and amusing, especially coming from Death Eater families. He had heard that Slughorn had been on the run from Lord Voldemort and his followers which he couldn’t help but admire. Especially then coming to teach the Death Eater kids. But of course with Albus Dumbledore as Head Master, the Potion Master would feel protected.

Perhaps that too was a foolish thought, Blaise couldn’t help but mull over as he swirled a drink in his hand. Dressed in his best and striking black and emerald dress robes, he stood in the Slughorn’s elaborately decorated office for his exclusive Christmas party. His date, Daphne Greengrass had already abandoned him to get a closer look at Sanguini, the guest vampire with several other girls. He didn’t mind one bit. Although on paper Daphne would be an ideal girlfriend, beautiful with excellent Pureblood bloodlines, she could barely hold his interest. Which wasn’t necessarily a fault of her own… he simply had very high standards, just as his mother taught him. Although he would deny it to his grave, he almost found it a shame Ginny Weasley was a blood traitor because she checked all of his other boxes. But there was no way he would shame himself and his family name to marry a Weasley. No, if it came down to that, then even Daphne would be perfectly adequate.

With a sigh, Blaise took a healthy swing of punch that had been spiced with fire whiskey. They were only half an hour in and he was already so bored that he had been thinking about potential life partners. Merlin help him, it was ridiculous. There was no reason for him to be thinking about that. Neither would there be any need for desperation. Zabini’s always had excellent matches, without having to worry about inbreeding with cousins, money or social status. A loud voice caught his attention.

It was Slughorn announcing to everyone that Harry Potter, the Chosen One had arrived. Despite Blaise’ complete ambivalence towards his classmate at least it caused an interesting stir. From his vantage point he could see the overdramatic introductions towards Eldred Worple who was more or less Sanguini’s baby sitter. He had already spoken to the wizard who had made it perfectly clear that if his mother ever wanted to collaborate for a biography, she only needed to send an owl. There was no way in hell Blaise would tell his mother this. Despite her lessons in discretion, he knew she was becoming bored lately and despite her stunning beauty, aging was something she had always been insecure about. Although, she never admitted this outright of course. But he had been able to piece it together. Having a man interested in her story would not be good, he decided.

He then heard a muffled giggle from somewhere behind him.
“Is that… Loony Lovegood? Loony Lovegood is Harry Potter’s date? And what is she wearing?”

Blaise didn’t bother to turn around to see who said it. Instead he slightly craned his neck. At well over 6 feet, he could always easily look over a crowd. Now with the added height, he could see Slughorn, Potter and a girl beside him more clearly. She instantly reminded him of a Christmas tree ornament but not necessarily in a bad way. No, she rather looked like a Christmas angels or pixie that his mother preferred to put in the trees at home. She wore silver spangled robes that shimmered with every movement. There were star earrings dangling from her ears and pale blonde hair spilled in waves down her back. Even her eyes, which were rather large in her pale face looked like silvery orbs. If ever there was someone that looked the complete opposite of him, he had found her. And he couldn’t fathom why, but he was intrigued. Which was ridiculous, because he was never intrigued. But before he could rack his brains as to who Loony Lovegood was, Potter had dragged her away into the crowd.

“Did you see that too?” Daphne’s voice was now beside him and he looked down and saw her gaze where Potter and the Lovegood girl had been.
“What did I see?”
“Potter and Lovegood. Merlin, they say the girl is demented.”
“I believe Loony is what I’ve heard.”
“Yes well, same thing. I can’t believe Potter brought her here.”
“Who is she exactly? Her name can’t really be Loony?” Daphne rolled her eyes at him.
“No of course not. It’s Luna I think. Ravenclaw. A year below us. Apparently she was at the Ministry with Potter and his friends this summer.”

Suddenly everything clicked in his mind. So that was her. How very interesting.
Of course everyone had heard about what happened at the Ministry. Although Malfoy refused to discuss it with him, there had been enough gossip going around the Slytherin Common Room. She had been part of the teenagers that had fought and essentially beaten the Death Eaters there. Which had of course been dreadfully embarrassing to those involved. And now Blaise thought about it, he was sure he had heard his dormitory mates discuss ‘the Loony girl’ that had been part of the DA last school year. Good for her, he thought. Although he always kept away from such dealings, he had admired the group for their dedication in learning how to fight and put theory into practice. Professor Umbridge had never bothered him of course, but if there was one thing Blaise Zabini abhorred it was incompetency. Even the idiot Lockhart had been able to teach him something. It was only by his uncle’s and cousin’s tutoring during the school holidays that he had managed to get an Exceeds Expectations for his Defence Against the Dark Arts last year. And Zabini’s never had to get their hands dirty, including schoolwork.

He wondered what his fellow classmates had learned together. He had heard about patronuses. Apparently Potter’s corporeal patronus had been so impressive, the examinator had wet himself and given Potter an Outstanding. Now that was something he wanted to learn.

“Her father is completely bonkers.” Daphne told him again, disgust filling her voice. “He’s head of that ghastly paper, The Quibbler.” Now that gave Zabini pause.
“The one with all that nonsense?”
“It’s lunatic. The only reason it’s still running is because of that article Potter did last year.”
“The one about Cedric Diggory and Who-Know-Who?” Daphne nodded and Blaise couldn’t help a grin. “Not complete nonsense then.” Daphne shot him a furious look.
“You know what I mean Zabini.”
“Yes of course. I am going to get another drink. Would you like one?” She waved him away, clearly still annoyed.
“No thank you. I’ll see you later.” She told him and walked over to the group of girls that had initially caught her attention.

Blaise deftly made his way through the crowd. Keeping his eyes focussed on the elaborate table decked out in glittering glasses, he deterred anyone from striking up a conversation. Anyone who knew him, knew he usually kept to himself. Unless he was with his Quidditch team. But unfortunately neither Vaisley nor Urquhart had been deemed good enough to join the Slug Club, and those were the only ones Blaise really cared about.

As he approached his destination, he started to regret his plan. He heard Slughorn before he could see him and smelled Professor Trelawney even sooner. But then there was Professor Snape along with Potter and the interesting Lovegood girl. Blaise heard Slughorn’s obvious and sickening praise of Potter’s newfound Potions abilities. Like his head of house, Blaise too had been surprised at Potter’s skill. He had never found him impressive before.
“Really?” He heard Snape say, doubt clear in his voice.
“Remind me what other subjects you’re taking, Harry?” Slughorn asked.
“Defence Against the Dark Arts, Charms, Transfiguration, Herbology…” Potter told him and Snape sneered at him.
“All the subjects required, in short, for an Auror.”
“Yeah, well, that’s what I’d like to be.” Potter said defiantly and Blaise resisted rolling his eyes. Of course that’s what the Chosen One wanted to be.
“And a great one you’ll make, too!” Slughorn boomed a great encouraging smile on his face.

And then the most unexpected thing happened. She started to speak, her voice calm and serene but Blaise didn’t miss the passion on her face as she did.
“I don’t think you should be an Auror, Harry.” Everyone went silent around her and Blaise found himself coming even closer. He sensed he didn’t want to miss this.
“The Aurors,” she continued, “are part of the Rotfang Conspiracy, I thought everyone knew that. They’re working from within to bring down the Ministry of Magic using a combination of Dark Magic and gum disease.”

Blaise’ own surprising burst of laughter was disguised by Potter’s, who chocked on his goblet of mead, as he both coughed and laughed, giving Lovegood a brilliant grin. It was that grin that made Blaise’ stomach do something it had never done before. It turned and he felt a pang of… something… he couldn’t place it. But he felt something and that was new to him to. The whole thing had him so stunned, that he hardly noticed Flinch dragging in Malfoy, who had pathetically been trying to crash the party. Nor did he register that Potter too seemed to have left. It was only when suddenly he heard her dreamy voice beside him that he came back to himself.

“Oh dear. Have the Nargles taken hold of you?”
“Wh… what?”
“The Nargles. They can be quite nasty. Once they’re in your head you lose track of your thoughts.” She told him seriously and he looked down into her large moonlike eyes. In fact, with her dreamy aura, she reminded him of Mooncalves he had read about in ‘Fantastic Beasts and where to find them.’
“I have never heard of Nargles before.” He said simply and she apparently found this amusing.
“Well, that’s silly. I can lend you a copy of The Quibbler if you like?”
“Oh I am not sure…” He began as Daphne’s words started to ring in his mind.
“It’s no problem. I’ll owl it. What’s your name? I don’t believe we have met. I am Luna Lovegood.” And she held out a dainty hand. He stared at it, unsure how to proceed. This was ridiculous.

She, for all accounts was crazy and ridiculous. Someone he would never be introduced to. But here she was, bold and unmoving and… damn him… she was nice and damn it even more, interesting. And so, he took her small cool hand into his own large warm one, unable to look away at the contrast of his rich brown skin against her moonlit pale one.
“Zabini, Blaise Zabini.” He said, finding his voice rough. She simply smiled.
“Blaise, that’s a lovely name.” He suddenly felt as if someone had pulled a rug out from under him. He was completely off balance. As if he had accidently miss stepped onto one of those blasted stairs that caved in on itself, trapping your foot and generally making you land straight on your face. They had been right, she was loony. No one in their right mind would introduce themselves to him, especially not in such a candid way. And no one would then simply disregard his infamous Zabini family name and tell him Blaise was a nice name, which it bloody wasn’t. It either meant ‘flame’ in Old English, which his mother had liked. Or it was linked to some stupid Saint Blaise, who was associated with lisps and stammering, which of course had been the favourite definition of other children learning how to use a dictionary. That admittedly had been another weakness his armour had had to defend against. And she had called him silly!

But instead of doing what any normal sane person would do and run away, he replied with a stupid smile of his own.
“Thank you. Luna is a nice name too.” And she beamed brighter than another Christmas tree ever could.

Well, fuck.

Chapter Text

Blaise couldn’t shake away the feeling of utter dread as he sat in the Great Hall the next morning. There was an early breakfast before practically the whole school would depart home for the Christmas holidays. He had replayed his conversation with Lovegood last night over and over in his mind and he kept coming to the same conclusion. She had told him she would owl him a Quibbler, and that just couldn’t happen. How would he be able to explain to anyone around him why an owl would drop a sickening rainbow pastel lunatic magazine on his breakfast? He wouldn’t be able to and so he eyed every owl flying through the Great Hall with suspicion. The nerves kept knotting in his stomach and he had made the mistake of downing his black coffee immediately. Now the liquid kept churning in his stomach and the whiff of food made him want to retch. Thankfully his house mates had written off his odd behaviour to a hangover from the spiked Christmas punch. If only.

He let his obsidian eyes roam over the Ravenclaw table once again. She still wasn’t there and breakfast was nearly over. And that did nothing to settle him. If she had been there he could have at least been able to judge if he had to be afraid or not. Or he was sure that one glare would have been enough to tell her to abort the mission. But no, the admittedly pretty blonde was no where in sight. And by Merlin it bothered him.

He eyed the ceiling once more, but as the Hall started to empty, he was quite sure nothing would come his way. Which did nothing to lift his mood. Because had he known this, at least he could have enjoyed his breakfast. And so he decided to lay all the blame at her feet, where ever she was. This is what he got for being a sociable idiot at Slughorn’s party.

Wordlessly, Blaise joined his dorm mates in one of the Hogwarts Express compartments and folded himself stoically into one of the places by the window. Hungry and irritated he gazed outside, blocking out the bickering between Malfoy and Nott. It had started to snow. Not the majestic magical kind, covering the world in a white blanket. No, the drizzling muddy kind that instantly turned to sludge, making everything appear gloomy and grey. The carriages that had brought them to the station had been lined up by the platform. He couldn’t stop looking at the Thestrals pulling them.

He had never told anyone that he had been able to see the creatures since his 4th year. It had been the year his 6th stepfather had died and he had been unfortunate enough to be in his room as the man drew out his last breath. There had been nothing the Healer had been able to do. Blaise had learned long ago not to attach himself to any of the men in his mother’s life. Whether they left themselves or died, it was safer just to keep his distance. He hadn’t felt much looking into the empty face of the older man. Being at Hogwarts for most of the year, they hadn’t been able to bond much. It had just felt like a fact of life to him. He still felt a morbid sense of pride for not screaming in surprise the following summer as he descended from the train and stood eye to eye with the horses at looked like they came straight from hell. Every time since then, he had watched the creatures from afar, not being able to help his fascination. After the initial shock, he couldn’t deny that they looked… cool.

So far he hadn’t spoken to anyone else who could see them. He thought Theodore Nott could, but they never discussed it, neither quite willing to open a subject that would lead to exposing themselves. He silently started at the steam coming from the reptilian snouts, as the last stragglers slid across the Hogsmeade Platform towards the train. It was then that he saw her.

Surrounded by the grey and gloomy environment, she stood out like a sore thumb, clad in essentially every shade of purple imaginable. A roughly knitted lavender hat sat perched on her head, utterly useless in keeping the mass of pale blonde waves in control. Her large plum coloured coat billowed around her as she helped a haggard looking first-year from the carriage. It wasn’t even buttoned up, but merely held together with a leather cross body bag, covered in ludicrous patches and pins. Her Ravenclaw scarf hung unevenly around her neck, one end inching towards her knees, that were covered by purple striped stockings. Despite the ridiculousness of her outfit, he was surprised by the feeling of anxiousness that filled him as he hoped she won’t trip on anything dangling from her. It was only then that he saw her mismatched boots. What the hell was wrong with this girl? His mother would surely have a heart attack seeing such a fashion monstrosity. Even his younger sister had been able to dress better ever since she was 5 years old.

He gave a slight shake of his head, determined to look elsewhere, at anything but her. But then she turned towards the Thestrals as she passed them and Blaise couldn’t help but hold his breathe as she reached out her hand and fucking patted one of the skeletal heads. He blinked. Surely he had made a mistake. But as he focused back on her, her smile was clear from here as she let her hand glide over the Thestral’s brow. And then the beast leaned into her touch and Blaise, having grown up around purebred horses recognized the gesture and knew it just snorted at her in pleasure. Merlin’s balls! With one final pet, Lovegood turned and skipped towards the train doors, disappearing from his sight. His breath seemed caught in his throat. The annoyance and anger he had felt just seconds ago had disappeared. Instead he felt the same tripping sensation from last night, a weird buzzing in his ears.

“You alright Zabini? You look as if the Bloody Baron just passed through you.” Dazed Blaise turned to look back into the compartment. The question had come from Nott but the other boys looked at him with thinly veiled curiosity. Taken a final glance at the Thestrals, Blaise let out a breath and tried to nonchalantly cross his arms as he schooled his face into an impassive expression.
“Yeah, all good. Just knackered.” That seemed to mollify Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle. But Nott’s hazel eyes caught his, as he too gave the Thestrals a quick glance. Something unsaid passed them, a look at was sickeningly close to something resembling sympathy. As if Nott tried to reassure him in saying ‘Yeah, I think they’re scary as hell too.’ Which was fine, Blaise decided. Better for him to think that then realise that Loony Lovegood unsettled Blaise far more than any Thestral ever could.

The rest of the journey was thankfully uneventful and within hours he found himself back on the familiar Zabini estate in the heart of Hampshire. As soon he exited the sleek car with family driver, an excited squeal greeted him. With a true and genuine grin Blaise extended his arms just in time for his younger sister to launch herself in them. Giggling madly as he spun her around she wrapped her arms around his neck. He held onto her savouring the way she clung to him. She was one of two people on this earth he could truly say he loved. She and his mother were his entire world.

Carefully setting her back to the ground, Blaise looked down into the sparkling dark eyes of Magdalena Zabini, his 10-year-old sister. She had grown these past few months as was expected. Her large eyes were framed by thick lashes, and her cheeks, a shade lighter than his own, were pink. A cascade of black ringlets fell down her back, only held together by a sage coloured bow. She was the splitting image of their mother, and not for the first time he felt nervous about what her time at Hogwarts would bring. He took his big brother responsibilities very seriously.

“I am so happy you’re back Blaise! You must tell me everything! Mother’s waiting for you!” Without further preamble, she took his hand in her own and dragged him inside, chatting excitedly about everything and anything she experienced these past few months. Merlin, he had missed her.

As Magdalena had promised, his mother sat in the elegant drawing room, tea all setup for the three of them. Adaline Zabini was the epitome of elegance. Tall with long slim limbs and smooth gleaming skin. Her midnight hair was coiled into an elaborate twist, leaving her swan neck bare for her extravagant necklaces. Recently she had been drawn to pearls that shimmered all along her throat. For Adaline, appearances were everything and usually that was the only thing people thought mattered to her. And in essence, they were right. She followed the new fashions religiously, having numerous friends and contacts within the fashion world that used her as model and muse. That took up most of her time and her attention. But her heart was for her two children, and she always made sure they knew.

“Darling! How marvellous to see you again! Come here and let mummy see you.” And with that she enfolded him into a hug, pressing a kiss to his cheek. Then in true Adaline fashion she tilted his face left and right, assessing. He had finally grown taller than her last summer, which still took some time to get used to. He grinned as she ran a finger along his cheekbone.
“Are they not feeding you enough at Hogwarts? There’s always something, isn’t there?”
“Don’t worry mother, I am eating just fine, and the food is alright. I am just turning into you.” She flashed a bright smile at him and patted him shoulder.
“You are far too charming for your own good. Come. Let’s not let the tea get cold.”

And so they sat together comfortably as he retailed the past few months at Hogwarts. His mother as especially proud of his membership at the Slug Club.
“Ah Horace…” she said in a soft reminiscing voice, “peculiar but kind man. Also very good for your contacts my dear. I know you are still unsure what you would like to do after Hogwarts, but whatever you choose, knowing Horace opens doors.”
“He’s an interesting professor, admittedly more interesting than Snape anyway.” His mother waved a bejewelled hand impatiently.
“Oh please, while I am sure Severus Snape is an excellent potions master, there is nothing else to him is there.”
“He’s supposed to be close to Albus Dumbledore.” Blaise told his mother to which she raised an eyebrow.
“The same is whispered about You-Know-Who. Just stay away from any… trouble son.”
“I guess. Snape has been trailing around Malfoy, more than usual that is.” A shiver passed over his mother.
“Again, all the more reason to stay away. You know Narcissa and I were well acquainted but ever since… well… I am sure she understands my absence.” She didn’t have to explain. Ever since her husband Lucius Malfoy had ended up in Azkaban, the Malfoy’s had received plenty of cold-shoulders from the respectable wizarding families. Or the ones that hadn’t been scared shitless. Blaise always marvelled at his mother’s strength to move through high society without being dragged into anything, and no one seemed to blame her attitude either. He hoped they would able to continue their elitist isolation.

The topic changed and his mother outlined the Christmas evening plans. His uncle and cousins would be joining them this year. For New Years she had accepted the exclusive invitation to the Greengrass Estate. He rolled his eyes at this surprising his mother.
“I thought you got along with the Greengrass girls? Wasn’t Daphne your date?”
“Yes, but there is nothing more between us mother.” There was a slight look of disappointment in his mother’s amber eyes. But it passed quickly and she gave an unladylike shrug.
“Oh well, I should have anticipated. Their personalities are far too docile, like their mother, if you ask me.” Blaise couldn’t help but chuckle at this.
“Don’t worry mother, I’ll behave myself. Will Nott be there too? He’s alright.” Adaline frowned sceptically.
“You told me Slughorn shunned him due to his father’s Death Eater connections.”
“Yeah Slughorn did but honestly of all the idiots in my year, Theo is the best.”
“Alright then. Yes, I believe they will attend. But you know…”
“Yes, yes. I know. We will never be anything more than mates mother. And I’ll run whenever necessary.”
“You shouldn’t be the one to run. That show’s weakness. No, just make sure to establish your place. You’re tall enough for it.” That made him grin.
“I can look down my nose at practically everyone at Hogwarts mother.” A sly smile swam across his mother’s face.
“Just like your father.” She said simply and Blaise braced himself against the harsh lurch of his heart. She rarely mentioned his father, Dante Zabini, her first husband. But whenever she did, he couldn’t help a stab of pain effecting him.

His father had been several years older than his mother, but the match hadn’t been scandalous. Dante Zabini was well respected and wealthy bachelor wizard. A handsome man too, even as he entered middle age and wed the young and beautiful witch. He held the Hampshire estate as well as several more in Italy from where his family line originated. Blaise had been 3 years-old when his father passed away suddenly during the family holiday to one of those Italian estates. His mother had initially been inconsolable before finding comfort in the arms of the man who would later become her second husband. Blaise hardly remembered the man, apart from the fact that he hated him. The only person he had wanted was his father, but that of course was impossible. And so he had let the wound in his heart scab over. But during brief moments such as today, he would be reminded that the wound had never truly healed. Perhaps it would… one day.

He gratefully settled back into his bedroom, enjoyed the complete privacy in the elegantly furnished room with adjoining bathroom. If there was one thing of Draco Malfoy he could be jealous about, it was the boy’s access to the Prefects bathrooms, which were rumoured to be the height of anything luxurious that Hogwarts could provide. Eclipsed perhaps by the Head Boy and Girl private rooms. That was another reasons he aimed to beat Malfoy as much as he could. There was still a chance to get that position, even if very slim. And Blaise was realistic enough to know that the name Malfoy still carried enough fear and weight to it. Perhaps not with Dumbledore, but definitely the rest of the school governors.

But hell, what wouldn’t he give to have a pampering bath at school, like the ones he was used to at home. Possibly none of his dorm or Quidditch mates could understand, but Blaise appreciated cleanliness and looking ones best. And honestly did one ever out grow the fun of soap bubbles? As he contemplated this in his own bathtub he was suddenly confronted with the image of her. She would enjoy soap bubbles; he was sure of it. And then he felt both flashes of hot desire imagining it, as well as ice cold dread because he was imagining that. Fuck.

He wasn’t sure whether to weep of joy or cry in frustration as one of the house elves choose that time to check if he needed anything.
“I… I am fine Liffy. You can go. Tell mother I’ll be down soon.” He rasped, eyeing the state of the bubbles along the waters surface carefully. Nothing to be seen.
But there was no way he could continue enjoying the bath now. He clenched his teeth as he rinsed the soap from his body with cold water until he felt back in control. Damn her!

If his mother noticed his sudden silence at dinner, she didn’t mention anything, for which he was grateful. Tomorrow he would enjoy Christmas with his family without any thoughts about the weird girl he had had the misfortune of meeting.

His prayers however went unanswered. Instead, he was awoken the next morning by a rattling pecking noise. Dazed, Blaise stumbled towards his window, cursing which ever idiot had decided to send an owl at this hour. A small unknown owl sat huddled in his window seal, a rather large looking roll attached to its feet. Snow covered both the outside landscape as well as the poor bird’s wings. Quickly he unlatched the window and let the owl inside. It hooted gratefully, immediately shaking out its feathers, splattered his with icy water. That didn’t help his mood in the slightest. He nimbly untied the rolls and free of its package, the owl flew towards the fireplace that must have been lit recently by the house elves. It settled on his favourite chair and started preening, leaving water and feathers everywhere. Merlin’s beard.

He looked curiously at the package, a strange feeling settling in his gut. A small letter was wedged between the string and roll. The neat, curving handwriting spelled out his name. A female handwriting something told him and he hated that his fingers slightly trembled as he opened the note.

Dear Blaise Zabini,

As promised, here is a copy of The Quibbler with an insightful piece on Nargles.
I hope you will find it as enlightening as I did. I wanted to give it sooner but Nargles had hidden my favourite boots and I lost track trying to find them.

A word of warning, Nargles like to take useful items and hide them, preferably some place too high to reach. I’ve never been very good at flying so that makes it hard to retrieve them. But Zacharias Smith mentioned you were a Chaser too. So that won’t be a problem. Smith is rather insightful, when he is not suffering from Loser’s Lurgy that is. There is an article about that too in this edition. As a Quidditch player I think you must be extra vigilant.

I hope you have a Happy Christmas!

Love, Luna Lovegood

He blinked and read and re read the letter over and over. He still had no clue what a Nargle was but apparently it stole personal items… which seemed… unbelievable? And what was Loser’s Lurgy? And why would she mention Smith of all people? The fact that the arrogant Smith even breathed the same air as them was insulting. But his throat seemed unbelievably tight reading her signature. Love… love…? Who in their right mind would sign off a letter like that? Especially when your name was Lovegood. It was like adding sparkles over a sickening rainbow. She didn’t know him. He didn’t even sign off his letters like that to his sister. Magdalena didn’t even sign her letters like that! Merlin’s beard! Loony, completely and utterly loony and he hadn’t even opened the magazine.

Throwing the letter down on his desk he unwrapped the roll. As expected a pink and purple pastel monstrosity unfurled itself and he was greeted by eye watering bold fonts and dizzying images flitting across the front page. Well, that was it then, he doubted he could sink any lower in life than holding the fucking Quibbler in his hands. He threw himself into the armchair, almost accidently squashing the owl. Thankfully the bird had been able to get away just in time. Apologetically Blaise fished around for an owl treat which was accepted and nibbled on gratefully. He flipped through the achingly sweet magazine and despite himself read the article on Nargles. It was, he decided, utter bullshit. Which he had expected of course, but it also made him pause. Because as completely weird as she was, Lovegood didn’t deserve for people to hide her stuff. He was felt a pang of something… was it shame… as he now pieced together why she had worn different boots on the journey home. At least he furiously hoped that was the reason, as sad as it would be. It also meant her house mates were nicking her stuff and that made him… angry? Yes, angry. What the fuck ever happened to loyalty? Sure they didn’t all have to be like the damn Hufflepuffs and some teasing was expected, but not like this!

Frustrated at feeling frustrated, Blaise let the Quibbler drop beside him and rubbed his face. Looking back at the paper, he saw something coming out from between the pages. Hesitantly he picked it up. It was a pair of glasses, which looked exactly like what he would have imagined Lovegood glasses to look like. Far to large with a thick pink frame. Two different coloured swirling lenses and covered in stars and glitter. There was no way they would actually work. But he would be dead before he ever lifted them to try.

It was at this moment that there was a small knock on his door, followed without hesitation by the opening of his door. Magdalena stepped in, already dressed for Christmas, wearing a pretty red dress with white lace and a staggering amount of bows and ruffles. She grinned brilliantly at him.
“Good morning Blaise! It’s Christmas!” She exclaimed, but before he could even respond, her dark eyes grew to the size of saucers, seeing the hideous glasses in his hand. His mind immediately started to come up with something, anything, to explain it. But as he stuttered, she leaped towards him and took the glasses from him.
“They are BEAUTIFUL!” She beamed, turning them first this way than that. “Are they for me?”
“I… what?” She turned her best pleading puppy eyes at him.
“Oh please Blaise! They are so beauti...”
“Sure sure, they are yours. An extra Christmas present. Sorry it’s not wrapped.” But Magdalena didn’t seem to hear him. Instead she gave him an intense hug before giggling on the spot, twirling as she placed the glasses on her delicate face.

Blaise couldn’t stop the laugh as her eyes where magnified in the swirling red and blue lenses, making her look like a heavy bedazzled owl. But his sister didn’t seem to care, far to excited by her new toy. Giddy beyond anything he ever saw her, she bounded from the room, dashing to show their mother. At this point the apprehension returned into his stomach. How would he explain this to his mother?

He scooped up the magazine and deposited it into one of his desk drawers. He could always say it was a silly souvenir from Zonko’s. His mother wouldn’t care about that. And if it made her little princess happy, well that was the most important thing. And he did feel a surge of gratitude towards the Lovegood girl for inadvertently making his sister so happy.

As he dressed into a sleek dress shirt and new trousers, his eyes fell back to the note. For a second he contemplated throwing it into the fire. But within the same second, he knew he couldn’t do that. He wasn’t sure if he could answer it, but at least he would be respectful to her gift and note. He just had to make sure that no one ever found it, not even Liffy, the house elf. Rummaging through his bag, he pulled out the book he had brought along with him. Fantastic Beasts, it turned out, made no mention of the existence of Nargles either. It did mention Thestrals, and without analysing himself too deeply, Blaise placed the note there, marking the page. If he had time, he would go back to it and see if Thestrals really snorted in pleasure like horses did.

Christmas as always was a merry and dignified affair. Although that last was a bit less pristine then other years as Magdalena spent the entire day, and days after, with the hideous glasses either on her face or on top of her head. His mother merely shook her head in amusement, sharing a look with her son after he tried once again to persuade his sister otherwise.
“Fine,” he said sternly, “but then I’ll call you owlet from now on.”
Magdalena merely shrugged, completely unfazed as she devoured her waffles. It still remained her favourite gift. Which was, of course, ridiculous. But then Blaise had a sneaky suspicion he was going to encounter many more ridiculous things now that Luna Lovegood had decided to start orbiting his life.

Merlin help him…

Chapter Text

Luna’s heart always made an excited flutter whenever the Hogwarts Express pulled into Hogsmeade Station. Hogwarts was her home away from home. She felt truly in her element there. Feeling the magic and all the possibilities to tap into made her feel as close to her mother as she believed possible. Her mother, Pandora, had adored magic. Of course any wizard or witch appreciated their own abilities but to her mother, and Luna herself, it felt like an entirely new realm that you could explore at will. It fuelled her. Being home with father, with the underage restrictions in place, seemed to dull something inside her. She couldn’t wait until she turned 17 and could truly be magically free.

But the downside to Hogwarts was of course the separation with her father, whom she loved dearly. In an ideal world, Xenophilius Lovegood would be here with her. Perhaps as a professor. She knew he would be a wonderful teacher. But his heart lay with The Quibbler and she couldn’t be prouder of him.

She let the throng of students guide her towards the carriages, where some of her favourite magical creatures stood waiting. Majestic in their shining black fur and long manes, the herd of Thestrals had always been a comfort to her. Especially at times when she had felt lonely. It was odd to think back to her first years at Hogwarts and realise how much she had depended on them.

She had always been aware that she went through life on a tune rather different then her classmates. While she thrived on her creative soul and unpredictability, it quickly became apparent that there were few who found satisfaction in that too. Only Professor Trelawny had sensed early on what went on in her mind and had taken her under her wing, even before she started Divination. She had even helped her retrieve her belongings at the end of her first year, when the Nargles had hidden everything. That had been the only time Luna had truly been upset about the situation. But thankfully as the years went on, less of her stuff disappeared and even her dorm mates had stopped helping the Nargles as often.

Last year had changed her, she sensed it deeply. Learning so much new magic and meeting new friends in the DA was something she had never predicted. She would always be grateful to Ginny Weasley for being such a kind friend and introducing her. And despite her initial expectation that her new friends would all go their own separate ways, Harry Potter had surprised her by unequivocally stating she was his friend and even inviting her to a party. She had loved it! Meeting so many interesting people and sharing knowledge was something she loved to do best. Even the reserved yet polite boy Blaise had seemed interested in her story. She hoped he enjoyed the Quibbler edition she’d sent. Although there had been no reply, he had taken very good care of her owl Diana, and that told Luna everything she needed to know. You could always tell whether people were good or not by how they treated animals.

There was no chance this time to give the Thestrals some extra attention and so she decided to slip out this afternoon, before dinner, to give them some treats. It had been Christmas after all. To her glee, both her missing boots now stood by her bedside when she arrived in her dormitory. Two of the other dormitories girls had arrived by train too, excitedly catching up. The other two would arrive via Floo powder in Professor Flitwicks office. Many more students had chosen that way of travel for safety. Neither she or her father believed it would make any difference. The Ministry, who had organised the unconventional travel method, couldn’t be trusted anyway.

Luna quickly exchanged pleasantries before slipping into some clean warm clothes. Gleefully she pulled up her newly knitted stockings, covered with little silver stars and slipped on her boots. She twisted the top part of her hair into a messy bun, securing it with her wand before skipping down towards the kitchens. The Head House Elf, in charge of the kitchens called Pitts, always let her take some scraps to feed a variety of creatures. The corridors were still sparsely populated as students were trickling back into Hogwarts. Apart from two Hufflepuff and Slytherin first-years, she met no one through the dungeons hallway, as she walked towards the fruit portrait. She grinned as she tickled the pear fruit softly and entered the kitchens.

She was met by a multitude of smells and sounds. The house elves were obviously busy in their preparation for the dinner tonight. A few looked up and gave her genuine smiles. Not wanting to distract them, Luna waved happily and deftly made her way through the space until she found Pitts, who gravely stirred a monstrous pan of stew.
“Hello Pitts! It’s wonderful to see you. I am sorry to bother you when you’re busy, but I wanted to go see the Thestrals before dinner. Are there any scraps I can bring?” The older house elf looked up from his work. He had a heavy brow and different shaped ears. He always looked a bit grumpy, but Luna knew he was very kind. He straightened as he saw her.
“Miss Luna, good to see you. Pitts hopes you had a good holiday. Pitts is very busy, but Tammy has some scraps you can take. We are making rabbit stew.” Luna smiled back gratefully.
“That would be perfect, thank you Pitts.”
“No thank you Miss Luna. Would you like something to drink or eat?”
“Thank you Pitts but not this time. I look forward to tasting your stew. Everything smells delicious.” At that Pitts chest puffed out in pride and he gave a little bow.

Tammy helped her gather the meat scraps into her bag and also slipped a package of cookies into her coat pocket.
“Thank you, Tammy. You always make the best!” And with some final pleasantries Luna thanked them all and made her way back through the dungeons and out the front door. The grounds were still lightly covered with snow and she gratefully stepped through it in her boots.

It didn’t take her very long to reach the Thestral herd. After 5 years, she knew what to look out for. She could tell some of the older in the herd apart from each other. They all had little markings that they were either born with or simply from living in the Forbidden Forest. Only the foals were still skittish, ducking between their parent’s skeletal legs as she approached. She quickly took her wand from her hair and cleared a little patch on the ground. Then she reached in her bag and took out a quilt she usually carried with her to the forest to sit on if the ground was too cold. Then she carefully laid out a few of the meat scraps and sat back, patiently waiting for the foals to brave coming closer. Meanwhile an adolescent Thestral that she recognised from markings on its bat-like wings, nuzzled her head softly, coming to settle beside her, folding its spindly body around her. She softly stroked its head, as always marvelling at the soft texture of its fur.
“Hello you, it’s lovely to see you again. Are you happy to see me too, or are you just here for the treats?” The Thestral let out a whinny as it nudged her hand. She laughed and fished another scrap from her bag, presenting it. It wasted no time to happily munch the red meat.
“Perhaps a bit of both.” She mused softly and gave it another pet.

It was then that she sensed movement behind her, something that didn’t sound like an approaching Thestral but rather human footsteps. Curiously she turned her head. The animal beside her tensed, but she soothed it as she made out the figure within the darkening forest.
“Don’t worry, it’s only Blaise. He’s good with animals.” The tall boy with upturned obsidian eyes looked at her with an expression she reckoned to be shock. He probably needed some encouragement too. She knew from his roaming eyes that he could see them too. She quickly assessed the herd. Her own lack of alarm seemed to tell the elders there was nothing to worry about, but the foals had retreated back. She sensed she couldn’t move or scare them further. Instead she softly turned her head back to the interesting boy that had obviously followed her.

“Hello Blaise. I can’t get up I am afraid. It will frighten the foals. But if you come here slowly, I am sure it will be fine.” He didn’t answer her immediately, but simply stared, his eyes flicking from her, to the quilt, to the Thestral beside her, back towards the herd and the pieces of meat scattered around. He was tall, she noted but also lean with long legs, reminding her of the foals. He held the same skittish energy. As so she smiled and waited patiently. He seemed to focus back on her and the single Thestral, disregarding the herd. He took a tentative step towards her.
“Is… is that… safe?”
“Of course.”
“I mean… it being so close to you?”
“Yes, I’ve known this one ever since it was a foal. Even younger than some of those there.” For emphasize she let her hand trail along the Thestral’s neck. “They are very docile creatures.” She told him calmly as he took a few more steps towards them.
“I saw you pet them.” His voice was soft and deep. “Before going on the train.”
“Oh yes, I try to give them some cuddles whenever I can.” A silence stretched as he reached her, eyeing her warily. He muttered something intelligible before clearly his throat.
“You know them well?” Luna nodded softly and her heart gave a leap of triumph as he carefully sat down beside her on the quilt. He then eyed a piece of meat suspiciously.
“They are carnivorous. But don’t worry, I brought these from the kitchen. Pitts always lets me take some scraps.” She told him simply. He shifted uncomfortably.

“How long have you been able to see them?” he asked softly, looking at the Thestral beside her that started to nudge her hand again. She pulled out another piece of meat and fed it.
“Since my first year.” His eyes widened.
“So young. Who… who did you see pass?”
“My mum. She loved to experiment with magic and she was very good at it. But one day one of her spells went horribly wrong. I was 9.”
“Merlin… I… I am sorry.” She gave a small shrug.
“I am still sad about it sometimes, but I have my father. What about you?” He turned away, looking back at the herd and the foals that had started to inch back towards the strewn scraps. He was silent for a long time. “You don’t have to tell me. Death is very personal.” She told him earnestly, fully anticipating he would remain silent. But he surprised her.
“Fourth year. I saw my… one of my step fathers die.”
“I’m sorry about that too. That must have been difficult.” Now he shrugged.
“Not really, I was used to it.”

He turned to her then, his eyes assessing as she blinked in confusion.
“Do you know many people that died?” She asked.
“The name Zabini really doesn’t mean anything to you?” She tilted her head, unsure why there was a biting undertone to his voice.
“No, should it?” He gave a mirthless chuckle.
“It’s an interesting and messed up story. Would be great for The Quibbler…” She stiffened at the veiled insult and instantly the Thestral next to her did the same, lifting its head to stare at Blaise while giving an annoyed snort. That seemed to have an impact as Blaise too stiffened, his obsidian eyes fixing on the unsettling milky eyes.
“It can’t be interesting enough if my father hasn’t published it.” She told him icily. He looked back at her and once again silence stretched. But this time it felt uncomfortable and Luna didn’t like it.

Finally, he gave a sigh and looked back at the herd. Despite the tension, the foals had dedicated themselves to finding at the scraps. At least they were very cute, Luna mused silently. Then Blaise spoke again.
“You’re right. It’s not interesting, just messed up. I am not used to people not knowing. My father died when I was three and my mother… married many men afterwards. They all died. My last and sixth step-father was the one I saw die.”
“That’s very sad.” She told him and he let out another humourless laugh, but Luna could tell it wasn’t meant for her.
“That’s the messed up part. I never felt sad about it.”
“That’s understandable.” He looked back at her warily, his eyes narrowing.
“Is it?”
“Of course. So many fathers… You wouldn’t let them get close enough to feel sad about it. Trust takes a long time to build… but you never had time.” He seemed to let her words sink in before replying.
“I was only sad once.”
“Oh?”
“Fifth step-father, Antonio. He’s my sister’s father. I was sad for her when he died… but not for him.” Something passed over his face.

“Would you like to talk about something else?” She asked and he blinked in surprise before giving a brief shrug. She smiled, leaning back and finding the cookies in her pocket. She handed one to him. He took one. “How old is your sister? Is she at Hogwarts?”
“Not yet, she’s 10 and can’t wait to come next year.”
“The first year is always the most exciting. I spend nearly the entire summer at Diagon Alley with father.” He gave a low chuckle.
“Magdalena has been begging mother to do the same. She really liked your glasses.” Luna blinked in surprise before remembering the Spectrespecs.
“Oh I forgot they were in that issue. I am glad she liked them. Did you like the article?” Once again he shifted uncomfortably and she laughed. “You don’t have to like it. Not everyone is open-minded enough.”
“I… well… it’s a unique paper.” He looked unsure as she smiled at him.
“Thank you, that’s kind to say.” He wrinkled his nose and she couldn’t help but laugh. “You look funny when you do that.”
“You think I look… funny?”
“When you do that? Yes!” And she laughed again and he seemed to shake his head in disbelief.

Silence, comfortable this time, settled between them once again as they watched the herd. It took a while for Luna to look up at the sky through the dense forest and see streaks of pink. Slowly she unfurled herself and saw Blaise do the same. The Thestral gave a soft whinny of protest as she got up and started to gather the quilt back into her bag.
“Oh don’t worry, I’ll be back soon. I’ll ask Hagrid for a squirrel or two, I know they’re your favourite.” As if understanding her perfectly, the Thestral gave a small flap with its wings before strutting back to its family. Blaise meanwhile had cast Lumos and walked ahead, leaning them out of the forest.
“It’s cool you know them so well.” He told her earnestly. “They remind me of my horses back home, but I never… felt comfortable to… well… get closer.”
“I understand. They are a bit different aren’t they? But they are even better tempered then horses.”
“You really like animals don’t you? Do you want to be a Magizoologist?”
“Oh, I would love that! My father and I often travel to find new creatures. We went to Sweden last summer to catch a Crumple-Horned Snorkack.”
“A… what?”
“Crumple-Horned Snorkack.”
“And… did you… catch one?” She gave dejected sigh which seemed to amuse him.
“No, unfortunately. But I am sure we were close. Next time we will!”
“I am sure you will.”

They existed the Forbidden Forest and saw the familiar sight of Hagrid’s hut. Blaise stopped rather abruptly then, shoving his hands in his pockets.
“I um… thank you for introducing me to the Thestrals. But I think I’ll stay behind a bit. You go ahead.”
“You’re welcome Blaise. But are you sure? Dinner will start really soon.”
“Yeah, I am sure.”
“Alright.” And she gave him a smile. “It was nice speaking to you. The Thestrals liked you. They are always a bit shy the first time. They like rodents or birds when you visit them.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.” She started up the hill before giving him a final wave.
“Bye Blaise.”
“Bye… Luna.”

And with that she skipped her way back to the castle, now shimmering with thousands of lights emanating from the windows. She entered the Great Hall right on time for the dinner to start. As she passed the Gryffindor table, she greeted Harry, Ginny and Hermione happily. Ron, it turned out, was sitting with his girlfriend Lavender Brown. She knew Hermione was upset about it. That was one thing Luna could never quite understand. Why did it seem so difficult for people to admit each other’s feelings and be nice about it? It would safe a lot of time and heartbreak. As she sat at the Ravenclaw table and helped herself to some roast potatoes, she saw Blaise entering the Great Hall too. He didn’t look at her however and she saw that his house mates immediately started to question him. His face fell into a mask. He did that a lot, she realised and it made her a little sad. But before she could think about it more she heard Harry’s laugh as Ginny said something and turned to look. Ginny’s head was turned to Hermione but Luna saw Harry’s gaze, understanding, especially when she caught Hermione’s eye.

Luna sighed, focusing back on her dinner, a steaming bowl of rabbit stew in front of her. Why couldn’t everyone just be honest and happy?

Chapter Text

Classes resumed and during the next few weeks of January, the castle and grounds were surrounded in cold dreary mist. The pressure of homework came back in full force, as was the battle for the Quidditch Cup. But all Blaise could think about was Luna Lovegood, sitting in the Forbidden Forest, surrounded by Thestrals, looking as serene and majestic as some sort of forest nymph. And as if having that image seared into his mind wasn’t bad enough, he now saw her everywhere.

He saw her as she made her way to Potions. Saw her in the library, often nestled into a window seat reading or studying her OWLS with Ginny Weasley. Sometimes he saw her coming down from Divinations as he walked to Defence Against the Dark Arts. And to his greatest chagrin, he caught himself looking for her during mealtimes in the Great Hall. More than once he found she sometimes skipped meals, most often lunch. And that made him feel things he couldn’t nor wanted to understand.

At least in his own state of confusion he could evade the questions that both Parkinson and Nott were asking him. Parkinson had always been dreadfully nosy and had somehow taken on a watch dog role for the Slytherin boys in her year, annoying both him and Nott endlessly. Although she tended to forget Crabbe and Goyle, Malfoy seemed to be the only one able to successfully give her the slip. Which was surprising, because he and Parkinson had begun to date more seriously this year, if trips to dark corners or empty classrooms were any indication. And yet, Blaise had noticed Malfoy often leaving for long periods of time. He would much rather have Parkinson put all her efforts into her slithering boyfriend then firing questions at him.

Nott was subtler about it than Parkinson. But he too had noticed Blaise’s sudden absence the day of their arrival and his lack of attention afterwards. The fact that his classmates saw that there was something bothering him was an insult enough. His impassiveness had never failed him before, but somehow was cracking. He swore he had felt it crack when he saw her that day, slipping in and out of the kitchens, before heading outside. Something had made him start to follow her, before he even realised he was doing it. By the time his mind had caught up, he was somewhere in the Forbidden Forest, and then he couldn’t just turn back. What if something bad happened? What if she needed his help? And so he had continued on, stumbling into a scene that kept replaying in his mind, over and over again until he saw sure he would go mad.

And so Blaise turned to the activity that could rid his mind of all thoughts. Flying. Quidditch practices had been intense this year and he had been incredibly grateful for it, especially now. Another bonus was that the Quidditch pitch seemed to be the only part of Hogwarts that Luna Lovegood didn’t attend. With that knowledge, he now found himself heading to the pitch whenever he could, practically living in his Quidditch uniform. Slytherin Captain Urquhart was especially pleased by this appearance of dedication, since the championship was tough indeed. They had lost against Gryffindor and their next match against Ravenclaw was planned the second weekend of February. They would need a good margin in points to cancel out the loss and take over the lead from Ravenclaw, who had won their match against Hufflepuff. The inter-house feelings of rivalry were good to keep in his mind whenever he saw… her.

Slughorn meanwhile hadn’t yet resumed his dinners, which Blaise was happy about. It had plagued him more than once that perhaps she had made an impression on Slughorn since the Christmas Party and would now be a regular invite. He wasn’t sure he could handle that. It troubled him that he had genuinely enjoying talking to her in the forest. It scared him shitless how much he had shared. Feelings and experiences he had not shared with anyone. Had never wanted to share with anyone and now couldn’t take back. And she, he sensed, was someone who never forgot anything. And he knew, that if the situation was right, she would talk to him. Easily. Without any filter. Regardless of the difference in their houses, class, blood or age. Whatever barriers that had usually protected him from any type of conversation he didn’t want to engage him, Luna Lovegood simply floated through those walls, as if she were the Grey Lady herself. It frightened him to his core.

The match against Ravenclaw was played on another cold and rainy day. It was so cold, that the usually green light emanating through the Slytherin dorms and common room had turned rather blue. And if that was any indication towards the outcome of todays match, Blaise would reconsider taking up Divination again. He decided to change into his Quidditch gear immediately so he would be ready to go do a few rounds before the game.

A Quidditch match always lead to excitement within the school and the Great Hall was already packed with students gulping down some breakfast and preparing for a cold morning in the stands. Blaise forced himself to shove down enough breakfast, swallowing it all done with bitter coffee. After being sure he had enough, he let his eyes run over the Ravenclaw table, just once before he would get up and go. His gaze came to an alarming halt.

There she was, serene and dreamy looking as always, with the largest hat, nay, monstrosity on her pale head. A gigantic eagle with spread wings moved along with her, being both hilarious and hideous at the same time. Obviously it was her own creation. Merlin’s balls. He now seemed to recognise some snickering around him as more of his classmates had laid their eyes on the embodiment of Ravenclaw house pride. When he was finally able to tear his eyes away from her, he could see her own classmates, who were, thankfully, looking at her with some adoration, although a few younger students seemed as baffled as he saw. He saw the Weasley girl give her a wave and thumbs up, obviously liking the hat. It was then Blaise remembered that he had seen someone wearing a life-like Lions Head during the Slytherin Gryffindor game. That had to have been her. How she hadn’t captured his attention then, he would never know. Probably the wrong attention. Although, he told himself sternly, any attention towards her was wrong. Impassive. Aloof. Uncaring. Uninterested. Those were the feelings and manners he had to enforce. Immediately.

He rose quickly, and left the Hall without another word to his classmates around him. He also ignored Nott’s questioning call or Vaisley’s attempt to walk with him. He stretched his long legs and nearly ran towards to pitch and into the fresh cold air. Fly, he needed desperately to fly. He spoke to no one as he pulled on his protective gear and swung over his Nimbus 2001. The second he launched himself into the air, he began to feel better. Circling around the pitch, he found the world coming back into focus. The cold air helping him regain control. He was in control. Stoic. Impassive. And he liked being that way.

Soon the stadium started to fill up, with the Slytherins and Ravenclaws decked out in their best supporter wear. Even the Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs had come to show their support. They had of course chosen the side of the Ravenclaws. Nothing new there. They needed all the support they could get anyway. The rest of his team had joined him in the air and the Ravenclaws too were flying themselves in. The mist led to less visibility in the air, but Blaise judged it to still be fine for Harper. He was surprised at his teammate’s capabilities after having replaced Malfoy. Despite Malfoy having bought his way into the Quidditch team in only his second year, curtsy of the Nimbus 2001’s, he actually was a fine Seeker. Still better than Harper. But Harper was also a vicious player, and Blaise was sure that with more practice, he would definitely improve and rise above Malfoy. The fact that Malfoy even let this happen was surprising. But Blaise couldn’t be more than pleased to see his whining and pathetic ass less and less. It was obvious there was something going on with the boy, and Blaise decided to give him as wide of a berth as possible. Without offending him of course. He didn’t need Parkinson nagging him anymore than she already did.

The Snitch and Bludgers were released and Madame Hooch flew into the field with the Quaffle. Blaise zoned in on the large red ball. It was time to focus. The whistle rang in his ears and he sped forward, grabbing the Quaffle from the air, then swerving to the side to avoid one of the Ravenclaw chasers. He honed in on the golden rings and saw two of his team mates flank his side. Passing the Quaffle between them, they wove their way through the onslaught of blue and bronze. Soon enough he was face to face with the Keeper. Making a dive manoeuvre, Blaise hurled the Quaffle through one of the rings. The cheering from the Slytherin stands was deafening and Blaise felt himself grin.

“Zabini scores the first point. 10 points to Slytherin.” Came the commentator voice and Blaise instantly recognised it, wiping away his grin. Zacharias Smith. The arrogant, sorry excuse for a wizard, who apparently was friendly enough with Luna, for her to mention Smith in her letter to him. That thought alone made Blaise feel the sudden urge to copy the Weasley girl and fly into him on purpose. Perhaps he would, after the match. He risked a quick look over the Ravenclaw stands. The gigantic eagle was easy to spot, now flapping it’s wings excitedly. It completely obscured Luna herself, which was probably for the better. Smith’s nasally tone brought him back into the game.

“Ravenclaw has the Quaffle. And Scamander hits away a Bludger from Chang. Nice swing.”

With the mention of Chang, Blaise looked towards Harper, who was focused on his hunt for the Snitch. Good. And with that Blaise threw himself back in the game, wrestling for the Quaffle or helping their own defence. Soon his mind had dedicated itself to the task. He barely felt the increasing rain on his skin. Despite his dislike of the boy, Smith’s commentary helped Blaise keep a good mental image of what was going on around him. As he scored two more goals and assisted in three, Slytherin had taken on a slim lead to Ravenclaw with 70 – 50. There still appeared no sight of the Snitch although Chang had given some indication of seeing something. It was more than Harper had, which now did begin to worry Blaise, and he signalled with Vaisley and Urquhart to up their game. His recent practice would come in handy, being shifter and sharper, flying on the edge of fair play and foul.

They scored four more times while defending their goal posts so fiercely that the Ravenclaw Chasers had been unable to pass through. But then Chang had seen the Snitch and dove down towards it. Even Blaise could see that Harper was flying a lost battle as he raced after her. Unless she made a mistake they were done for. And Chang rarely made mistakes when it came to Quidditch.

Blaise groaned and growled in defeat as Madame Hooch’s whistle signalled the end of the match as the supporters clad in blue, red and yellow erupted in cheers. He wanted to hit something. As if on demand, he saw a Bludger making a final lunge towards him. He ripped the Beater’s bat from one of his Beaters and whacked the incoming ball with all his might. With a satisfying thud, it imbedded itself in the stand housing the commentator box. He was sure he heard a yelp over the celebratory cheers. Well at least he would have that.

He spent a long time in the changing room showers. The Common Room was the last place he wanted to be right now. The rain and wind had only picked up further, destroying his plans of stalking through the grounds. And so he found himself aimlessly strolling through the dungeons, debating the best place to go for some peace. Despite the teaching of impassiveness, he had always been competitive in sports, whether Quidditch or equestrian races. In fact, he now felt a sudden urge to jump on a horse and ride until neither he or the horse could continue. Once Easter break came around he vowed to go straight to his family’s stables.

Lost in thought, he finally looked up to find that he feet had brought him to the kitchens. He eyed to fruit basket painting suspiciously before shrugging to himself. Oh, what the hell and leaned over to tickle the pear. Instantly the round door swung open and he stepped through. As always the house elves were rushing about busily, barely looking up in greeting. Which was fine to Blaise, he knew where the Mulled Mead and Butterbeer were kept, and although he much rather preferred a good Firewhiskey, they would have to do. But his purposeful stride towards the drinks were stopped when he heard his name being called. Because of course she would bloody well be here too. Merlin, what ever had he done in his life to deserve this? His Italian family had always believed in karma, and while a young Blaise had always stubbornly rejected the idea, he was now seriously considering it, particularly how to get rid of it.

He turned, schooling his face into an impassive mask, which promptly failed as he stood eye to eye with the now menacing looking eagle. It’s life-like amber eyes seeming to burrow into his very soul. Then he looked down and saw her brilliant moonlight eyes smiling up at him. His heart clenched and he wondered how he hadn’t yet crumpled into some pathetic heap. To cry? To laugh? To throw the most epic tantrum not even Magdalena would ever be able to replicate? He didn’t know. Perhaps all at once. But before he could do just that, she spoke.

“I am sorry you lost your match Blaise. You played very well.” Her serene and dreamy voice filled his senses and something within him seemed to relax. It was far more effective than anything else he had tried these past few weeks. He felt like some sort of addict, who after weeks of crippling sobriety, had given in once again and was soothed. It was unhealthy and toxic but he apparently hadn’t been able to stop himself. And as his addled brain started to process her words, he felt pride ripple from the darkest pit of his stomach all the way to his now tingling fingertips. She thought he played well. Which of course he had. A bloody pity that Harper hadn’t and his own efforts hadn’t been good enough. But even that suddenly ceased to matter because she had seen him play. He felt his mouth curve into a smile. But before he could form a reply, another voice distracted him and his entire being seemed to snap into focus, sweeping the space to find the culprit.

The culprit turned out to be a fellow Ravenclaw, who stood beside her now. A pretty girl with tanned skin and a thick plait of shining black hair going down her back. And Blaise found he recognised her as she was in his year.
“You hardly kept score. Come on Luna, let’s go. Rolf said he would keep an eye out for Filch.” Padma Patil said, her dark eyes eyeing Blaise suspiciously. It was then that he saw their arms were full of treats and several bottles of Butterbeer that he had wanted. He met the girl’s dark stare before turning back to Luna, with a deliberate flick, that he knew she would interpret as a dismissal. Instead he focused on returning Luna’s smile with a cocky one of his own.
“Thank you Lovegood. I am glad to hear you know good Quidditch players when you see them.”

Patil gave an indignant snort while Luna blinked at him.
“Oh no, not really. You just scored a lot. But I did think the clouds were atmospheric. Your Seeker seemed to struggle with Wrackspurts at the end. They prefer wet conditions so the match was ideal. Did you find your mind go fuzzy at points too?”
“Luna…” Patil interjected a bit louder, a blush forming on her mocha skin. “We really should go…”
“Wrackspurts…?”
“Yes. They are invisible and float through your ears to make your brain go fuzzy. There seems to be quite an infestation this year.” She told him seriously and Blaise resisted the urge to laugh. Perhaps he ought to seriously consider the possibility that that was what was wrong with him this year. It sounded more logical than karma ever did.
“Then I’ll be careful.” He said instead and watched in amusement as Patil had started to physically move her classmate towards the kitchen entrance. “Enjoy your celebrations.” He told them and smiled as he heard Patil mutter, while Luna quipped a sweet thank you.

She had seemingly understood Patil’s desperate need to get away and let her lead her away, gliding through the space. He waited until they reached the round entrance, that Patil had wrestled open with her available elbow.
“Lovegood?” He called out, rather liking the way her name sounded in his deep voice. Luna was sweet and adorable. Lovegood somehow sounded feisty. Wrackspurts or not, he was fucked. He watched as she turned, a quizzical look on her pale face. He ignored Patil’s glare of utter annoyance. “I like your hat.” He said simply, flashing her a grin. Then his heart looped around his intestine as she beamed back at him.

Not even the horrid depressive gloom summoned by every sulking Slytherin in the Common Room could dampen his mood after that.

Chapter Text

The next week passed in general good spirits. After wallowing in sorrow during the weekend, the Slytherins had regrouped and focused their combined attention on making the upcoming Hogsmeade weekend the best they ever had. The fact that it coincided with Valentine’s Day just seemed a further encouragement, particularly to the girls.

Blaise hated Valentine’s Day. Absolutely abhorred it and the only woman who had and ever would receive a gift from him on that day, was his mother. No one else.

His relationship with Daphne, if one could even call it that, had cooled considerably since the Slughorn Christmas Party. Going from a lukewarm date benefit to, what he had perceived as a mutual understanding to simply forget all about it entirely. It had therefore genuinely surprised him when Daphne had given him deliberate hints to go to Madame Puddifoot’s Teashop together. When he told her, he’d rather be Crucio’ed than go in there, she had stormed off and given him death stares for the rest of the week.

This in turn had led to more bickering and questioning from Parkinson. And Blaise was now a hair’s breadth away from transfiguring the nuance of a girl into a Flobberworm. He would finally get some peace and he honestly doubted whether Malfoy would even notice.

When Nott had suggested that they would all go to The Three Broomsticks together, Blaise had agreed to come along. He would never say no to the cosy pub, especially if he could charm Madame Rosmerta into something serving stronger. And so even he felt content at the end of the week, looking forward to the outing.

Looking back, as he sat lazily in the Great Hall, enjoying his breakfast before class on Friday, he could see that his well made guard was completely down. He doubted therefore whether the combined efforts of the Wrackspurts, karma and fate had truly been necessary, but regardless, they had stricken him once again. His obsidian eyes had swept the Ravenclaw table this morning, without seeing her. But now, finally, the moon herself gave an appearance, and she fucking glowed.

Despite wearing her normal Ravenclaw uniform, she had woven stars into her long pale hair. Red radishes dangled from her ears and several necklaces jingled, one of which was her trusty Butterbeer cork necklace. She looked so happy, Blaise wasn’t sure why the rest of the school hadn’t all stopped to stare at her. But he apparently was the only fool, until he saw that the Weasley girl, Potter, Granger and Longbottom all came to greet her at the Ravenclaw table, giving her hugs, which, if possible, made her light up even more. Merlin’s beard.

“Happy Birthday Luna!” He heard Weasley say first as the rest gave their congratulations. “I know it’s a Valentine’s weekend, but we thought it would be nice to have at least a Butterbeer together tomorrow to celebrate.”
“Oh that is so kind of you. I would love that.” She told them, beaming at her friends.
Blaise felt as if an Abraxan had first swung his heart into the air before trampling it thoroughly. He, stupidly enough, felt elated that she had friends who cared about her, even if she was the most mystifying student to ever walk through Hogwarts. But at the same time he realised that seeing her at Hogsmeade would now be unavoidable. And there was no way he would be able to relax around his classmates if she was so close to him, being so darned happy. And then another feeling hit him. Was it jealousy or sadness? Because there was no way he would be able to celebrate with her, ever, and make her smile at him that way. Unless of course he would risk the wrath of his entire house on both of them, which would lead to the complete and utter degradation of his family name in Pureblood Wizarding society and put safety in jeopardy. And he could not, would not, take that risk.

“Great!” He heard Potter say, “We managed to get our gifts past Filch. Would you mind if we gave them tomorrow?”
“No of course not. I never had such a large birthday party before. I am excited!”
Another stab to his heart as she spoke with her unwavering honesty.
Blaise was actually grateful when Nott claimed his attention, discussing their own Hogsmeade outing and looking over Blaise’s potions notes.

By the time Blaise had an opportunity to look back at Luna, her friends had returned to their tables or left the Great Hall. She meanwhile happily chewed on pancakes, reading a large boldly coloured card that spewed rainbow hearts onto the table. Her father, he figured and hated how he even knew this. It was then that a Ravenclaw boy came to congratulate her, taking a seat beside her, wiping away some of the hearts with an adoring smile.

At first Blaise didn’t recognise the boy, who seemed old enough to be a 7th year. He had rather long dark brown hair, hazel eyes and sun bronzed skin from being outdoors. But when he gave a package, that was obviously a book, and grinned, recognition flooded through him. Scamander, the Ravenclaw Beater. What was the guy’s name? Wolf? Dolf? Rolf! Rolf Scamander, grandson to Blaise’s admittedly favourite author, Newt Scamander. The famous Magizoologist. Of fucking course. What guy who liked magical creatures wouldn’t be attracted to Luna Lovegood?

He didn’t have to guess this time what emotion now swirled sickly in his stomach. Jealousy, pure and simple. And he let it churn around. There was nothing he could about it. Perhaps it was even a good thing. He hated everything about this. Hated his own weakness. Hated how his fingers itched and clenched, wanting desperately to swing a Beater’s bat and use Scamander’s head as a Bludger. And despite his house and classmate’s reputations, Blaise himself never retorted to violence. But now his vision seemed edged in red, and he hated that too. Oh how quickly one’s mood, or week, or life’s choices could change.

He practically ran towards Potions, the dark, cool and familiar atmosphere clearing up his vision. He installed himself at his usual station and nodded at Slughorn, who gave an approving smile at his early arrival. He meticulously set down his instruments and supplies. He liked having things in order, clean and collected. His mind started to still…

“Zabini, mate, what the hell is going on with you?” Blaise nearly jumped out of his skin as Nott plunked his bag loudly beside him and giving him a hard stare. Blaise clenched his teeth together, forcing emotions from his face, but Nott merely raised an eyebrow. “Don’t even think of trying that on me. I am not as much of an idiot as you believe I am. You’ve been acting weird ever since Christmas and it kills me to say this, but I am worried for you man.”
“Nothing’s wrong with me, but perhaps you should check yourself.” Blaise bit out sharply, lowering his voice as the Potions classroom started to fill up. Nott threw him another look.
“I told you that wouldn’t work.” When Blaise refused to answer Nott sighed. “Look, if this has something to do with Greengrass…”
“No.” Blaise growled and then internally groaned as he saw even more confusion and curiosity light up on Nott’s face. He was an idiot for immediately dismissing what could have been the best and most convincing lie he could have told. He tried to back paddle. “I… I mean…” Nott held out a hand.
“You are a horrible liar Zabini and your first answer was the truth.”

They had to stop their conversation as Slughorn started his class, explaining his expectations to them. Blaise fervently hoped he could distract Nott with the work, but once everyone got busy, Nott’s voice kept him in a vice like grip. He was not getting out of this one.
“If it’s not Greengrass, then what is going on? You’ve been acting like some sort of deranged Hippogriff. Being spooked at random moments and flying away, as if the Dark Lord is on your heels.” Blaise threw him a glare.
“You know I don’t associate with…” he started to hiss, but halted, remembering Nott’s father’s involvement with the Death Eaters.
“I know you don’t, it was a joke.”
“It’s no joking matter to me.” Nott looked at him again.
“It isn’t to me either.” He said, softer and it was then that it hit Blaise that he had never thought about Nott’s situation. His mother had passed away years ago and his father was now in Azkaban. Where had he been staying? Nott seemed to read the question in his eyes.
“My aunt’s, mum’s sister. It’s fine.” He sighed, running a hand through his hair and Blaise eyed him wearily, unsure where this conversation was going. He stirred his potion absentmindedly.

“I know we haven’t been close mates these past years. You and I like to be by ourselves.” Nott said thoughtfully then. He bent over his own cauldron, coming closer to Blaise so he could lower his voice as Malfoy passed by their station towards the supply cupboard. “But I think that… with everything going on… perhaps we should reconsider that. If something or someone is bothering you... you can talk to me about it… if you want. Maybe I can help.” His finished rather awkwardly.

Blaise took his time to mull over those words. Nott was right, they did like to operate alone. Getting through Hogwarts without being involved in anything. Unfortunately for Nott, his father had dragged him into shit regardless. Blaise had never gotten any indication about Nott’s feelings on the matter. That was the problem, they didn’t dare to trust each other. But in rare circumstances, it was better to at least have one friend or close acquaintance, especially with both of their connections. It might come in handy one day.

He made the decision before he could truly think about the repercussions.
“You can’t help me with this Nott.” He told him firmly before softening, “But I appreciate your concern. I think we should reconsider our…?”
“Friendship?” Nott offered and a rare smile appeared on the boy’s face. Blaise couldn’t help but return with a grin.
“Friendship.” He echoed firmly.

They spent the next few minutes gathering different ingredients and cutting them up according to the instructions.
“So… you really aren’t miffed about the Greengrass Valentine drama?” Came Nott’s sly question and Blaise chucked a Flobberworm at him that hit him square in the face.
“No, but if you want to help with that, you’re welcome to take her off my back and spend tomorrow at Puddifoot’s.” Nott shivered.
“Why does it have to be that blasted teashop? Why don’t they want to snog some place nice?”
“Yeah, like the Shrieking Shack.”
“Honestly, I’d prefer that to Puddifoot’s any day.” Blaise couldn’t stop his laugh.
“I agree.”
“So you would snog Greengrass?” He shot Nott an annoyed glare, who raised his hands in defence. “Sorry, but a bloke’s got to ask and wonder.”
“I have absolutely zero interest in snogging Greengrass anywhere. So, if you are interested, be my guest.”
“If you’re sure…”
“Absolutely and I am surprised you’re even asking. Not very Slytherin of you.”
“Then you have the wrong idea about Slytherins. I might not give a damn about the rest of the school, but us lot should stick together. Stealing girlfriends doesn’t create good friendships.”
“Fair enough. I can assure you, you’re not stealing my girlfriend. In fact, you’ll truly be doing me a favour.”
“I only help when it benefits me.” Nott replied with a wink and Blaise grinned.
“Now that sounds like music to my ears.” Nott laughed with him.
“I do have one question.” He then asked and Blaise gave a nod as he stirred the Flobberworm into his cauldron.
“What’s that?”
“Is this whole thing with you romantic related?” Blaise bit back a groan and answered just a second too late.
“No.”
“Liar.” But Nott didn’t press him further, just giving him a satisfied smirk.

Despite his annoyance that still being caught out, Blaise enjoyed the rest of the lesson as they bent over their potions, helping each other out and exchanging pleasant stories. His armour was still up, but Nott seemed to have chinked it in a relatively safe spot. And somehow, Blaise sensed this was genuine. Perhaps exchanging some trust wouldn’t be so bad with this boy. And when he strode off alone to double Herbology, he actually caught himself smiling.

---

Valentine’s Day started out far more peaceful than Blaise had anticipated. While the Great Hall did have some decorations, it wasn’t comparable to the hideous scene that had assaulted him in his second year. Daphne had rejected Nott’s invitation to The Three Broomsticks, but she did appear to be in far higher spirits than the day before. Even Malfoy had surprised them by coming along with them and bringing Parkinson. Crabbe and Goyle as usual following behind. But Blaise didn’t mind that. The sun had decided to show itself, giving them the first spring day of the year. Along with the rest of the students, they strode through the cobbled streets of Hogsmeade, going into the different wizard shops.

Blaise found small gifts for his sister and mother from Dervish and Banges, that he would post later that day. It was at Honeydukes that his eye caught on an item he hadn’t seen before, bringing his thoughts back to… her.

‘Devil’s Chocolate’ the small display said in swirling letters. They were hot chocolate bombs, but what caught his eye was that there was a promise of a frightening surprise hidden within the cocoa powder. ‘The perfect gift to scare a loved one, surrounded in delicious sweetness.’ And then a moving image of a Thestral, spreading its wings, strode along the text, made his breath hitch.
“Frightening blighters aren’t they?” The voice of Ambrosius Flume, the owner of Honeydukes made Blaise jump out of his skin.
“I… yeah… I guess…”
“They were a Halloween special, but haven’t done to well.” The shopkeeper told him sadly. It was then that Blaise noticed the sale sign.
“Why not?”
“Well, I suppose, they weren’t the scary delight the maker hoped they would be. Never seen them myself, but got a few returns from superstitious customers. Thankfully I only ordered a small batch. These two are the last.”

Nott then joined them and nearly recoiled seeing the Thestral.
“I really don’t like those things.” He said and Blaise could sense that there was far more to his words than simply not liking the look of them. Perhaps now they could talk about it, one day. But not today. He turned to Flume.
“Are they still good?”
“Oh absolutely. Well packaged you see and made with the finest ingredients. All the way from Ecuador.”
“Fine,” Blaise said simply and ignored both looks of surprise, Nott’s lingering on horror, as he pulled out his purse. “I’ll take both.” An ear splitting grin came on Flume’s face and he quickly went on to package the boxes neatly, as if Blaise could change his mind at any moment.
“Seriously?” Nott asked him and Blaise shrugged.
“I know people who would appreciate them.” Nott rolled his eyes.
“I’ll wait outside.” He said and strolled away, which was perfect for Blaise, as he needed to ask Flume for a favour.

Meeting him at the counter, Blaise lowered his voice.
“Do you have some parchment and a quill I can use. Have to make a quick note.” Flume’s grin didn’t waver.
“Of course.” And handed him what he needed. Quickly Blaise scribbled away and let Flume tie the note to the now pastel pink box.
“Thanks.” He said as he handed the shopkeeper the 3 Sickles.
“Thank you young man! They’ve been taking up shelve space for far too long.”

With that Blaise, shoved both boxes into his coat and picked up Nott. Together they strode to The Three Broomsticks, and he started to contemplate how he could slip his gift to Luna without anyone noticing. Malfoy, Parkinson, Crabbe and Goyle had already claimed a corner in the busy pub. As Blaise made his way to the bar to order for Nott and himself, he saw another corner where she sat, surrounded by her friends, obvious delight on her face. As he waited for his order, he angled his body to watch them inconspicuously.

Colourful wrappings were spread over the Butterbeer filled table, while multiple rainbow coloured gifts were stacked together. A lilac jumper stood out from the pile, along with a few books. Her giggling travelled through the pub, and was music to his ears. She was bent over a tiny fluff of bright purple that seemed to move. He didn’t recognise it at first until Ginny Weasley stretched out a hand to tickle the little ball and it lifted its face. A pygmy puff. Of course. He let himself take her in. Her long hair was twisted into a half up do, the bun held together by her wand. Her white jumper was embroidered with tulips. A navy skirt billowed around her and Blaise had to admit it was one of the better combination he had seen her dressed in. But her smile was so dazzlingly with her moonstone eyes that she could make a burlap sack look adequate. And how did he stop being so sickly sappy?

Madame Rosmerta came to his rescue before his mind truly went into the gutter and presented the Butterbeers. He thanked her with a sly grin and made his way back to his own table. But not before seeing, obvious self made bag, which brought an idea in his mind. Now it was just a question of waiting for the right moment. As he slipped into his chair, he made sure he was able to look at her corner. Thankfully she had been far too oblivious to notice. As was his own company with the debate around Quidditch becoming heated. He took the opportunity to slip her gift into his jeans pocket, and then contently sipped his drink, enjoying the sweet buzzing taste on his tongue.

Several more rounds of Butterbeers passed their table before they switched to Mulled Mead, a tried and tested combination to make the most of the light alcoholic beverages. As Nott came back with a second round of Mead, Blaise saw the Gryffindors and Luna start to rise. This would be his chance. He excused himself, making a beeline towards the restrooms, before making an abrupt turn and purposefully bumping into Luna. In the confusion that followed with her friends, he slipped his gift into her bag. As her eyes focused on him and he saw recognise dawn within their depths, he gave her a quick wink, before quickly ducking away, reassuming his restroom destination.

His heart was still pounding when he returned to his classmates. They didn’t appear to have noticed his absence and meanwhile Luna and her friends were nowhere to be seen. Mission accomplished. On his way back to the castle, he posted his gifts to his mother and sister and had a nice dinner. That evening, when he had drawn back the emerald curtains around his bed, he summoned himself a steamy mug of milk and dropped in the other ‘Devil’s Chocolate’ bomb. Fascinated he watch the ball open up, fizzy as it touched the hot liquid. Then, true to it’s word, in a whirl of black bat-like wings a tiny Thestral model shot out from the mug and flapped viciously close to his nose. He could imagine how anyone unfamiliar with the skeletal creatures, with its ghostly white eyes, would be scared to death. He however couldn’t stop a stupid grin as he imagined her complete and utter delight at seeing the creature. He almost wished he was there too see it. Letting the tiny Thestral burrow itself into his school tie, he sipped the chocolate, which was glorious. Flume definitely knew his stuff.

---

Exhausted, Luna let herself fall into her bed, staring at the star covered ceiling of her dormitory. She couldn’t remember the last time she had been this happy. It had been such a wonderful day. The weather beautiful and her friends had been so kind and fun at The Three Broomsticks. Pulling her wand from her hair, she flicked her sapphire curtains closed and lovingly looked at the gifts spread out on her bed. Her very own Pygmy Puff, that she named Hyacinth, happily bounced on her pillow. Ginny had procured one especially from Fred and George.

Hermione had gifted her a beautiful quill and ink set and Harry, Neville and even Rolf had given her books. Both Harry’s and Rolf’s had been all about magical creatures from different corners of the world, while Neville’s book had documented different aquatic plants and their benefits that could be found close to her home in Devon. They had been so very thoughtful. Ron’s gift had truly surprised her, but she probably liked the most if she ever had to choose. He had asked his mother to knit her a jumper, in Weasley tradition. She couldn’t wait to wear the pale lavender jumper, covered with tiny silver stars surrounding a swirling ‘L’. Ginny had giggled as she saw it, telling her that not even Fleur, her brother Bill’s fiancé had received a Weasley jumper yet. Luna recognised it was a compliment to herself and it made her love the jumper even more.

But now her eyes fell on a pastel pink box. She hadn’t opened it or the note yet, but knew it was from him, Blaise Zabini. He had bumped into her at The Three Broomsticks, which had thrown her off balance. He hadn’t apologised or even congratulated her. Which first saddened her, something she hadn’t felt for a long time. But then he had winked at her, and she felt a familiar blush flood her cheeks thinking back about it. She wasn’t quite sure what to make of it. The last time she had felt embarrassed enough to blush had been in her third year. This had been the second time he had winked at her, and she felt just as dazed as she had done walking back to the Ravenclaw Common Room with Padma.

Padma in turn had muttered and mumbled the entire way back about what a shameless flirt Blaise Zabini was, and that he had to be avoided at all costs. It confused Luna because Blaise was the last person she knew that she would call a flirt, well maybe apart from Neville. But she had seen all of her other friends throwing around some of their charms. Even Harry, who according to Cho, had been the most miserable date of her life, which Luna didn’t find completely fair to Harry. But she knew better than to point that out to the popular older girl.

She focused back her attention to the little box and gently pulled the note from it. It was short but entirely what she had expected.

Dear Lovegood,

Happy Birthday! x

- B

p.s. There’s a surprise in the chocolate.

Curious now, she carefully she set the note aside and unwrapped the box. In gleaming red letters there was a description of the ‘Devil’s Chocolate’. Her stomach made a happy flip. She loved hot chocolate! And so, with another flick of her wand, a steaming mug drifted into her hands. Full of anticipation and fascination she dropped the chocolate ball into the mug. Delighted, she giggled as it fizzed and bubbled, until suddenly something tiny and black flew out of the chocolate powder, straight at her. She yelped in surprise, nearly dropping the hot mug.

“Luna? Is everything alright?” One of her dorm mates asked and she quickly quipped back.
“Yes! Yes of course Iris, thank you for asking.” The girl mumbled something back but Luna didn’t hear her as she was completely transfixed on what had frightened her. When it came into focus, she felt her heart melt inside her and she just barely bit back a squeal. Because there, flapping in front of her was the tiniest and cutest Thestral she had ever seen.

She quickly but carefully set the hot chocolate beside her and reached out to the little model. Hesitantly it sank down into her palm and started to prance around, taking measure of itself surroundings. She couldn’t take her eyes off it. It looked perfect, with its thin body, bones sticking but. But it held itself elegantly too, it’s delicate wings nearly translucent. It was as if she had shrunk down one of the herd itself. It was absolutely perfect.

Slowly she held out a finger and softly stroked its tiny head. This seemed to please the model as much as it would the actual creatures, and she laughed.

“I am going to have to think about a name for you little one.” She cooed and gently let it snuggle next to Hyacinth, who eyed the model dubiously at first, before letting it burrow into its vibrantly purple fur.

Luna then carefully took a sip of the hot chocolate and savoured the taste. It was absolutely delicious! What a perfect ending to a perfect day. And soon she fell into a happy and content dream, a winking boy, leading her through a meadow filled with Thestrals.

Chapter Text

Nott had hated the Thestral model when he saw it the next morning, still snuggled up in Blaise’s tie that he was now carefully removing.
“I can’t believe you actually kept one of those… those things.”

Blaise gave him a nonchalant shrug, knowing it would piss him off.
“It was good chocolate. Besides, I find them rather cool. They are not as terrifying as you think. They’re very similar to horses.”
“That must be it then,” Nott muttered darkly, “because I hate them too…” Blaise just laughed.

And in the next few weeks their friendship intensified, often seeking each other out in the Common Room of the library. Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle didn’t seem to notice and were curiously absent more and more. They often discussed what their classmates were up to, but neither were quite ready yet to face that facts that whatever it was, it had everything to do with the Dark Lord.
“His father fucked things up last year.” Nott told him one day in the library. “I would not want to be in Malfoy’s shoes right now.” Blaise raised an eyebrow and eyed him curiously.
“Aren’t your… circumstances similar?” Nott gave him a guarded look. He hesitated before answering.
“Not completely… my dad… well he didn’t have the same position as Lucius. And he hasn’t involved me…”
“Not yet?” Nott’s cheeks turned red.
“I can’t say any more.”
“Good, please don’t.” Blaise said sternly and flicked the page of his book. “What career advice did Snape give you?”

Nott gave him a grateful smile.
“Always wanted to be a Curse Breaker like my uncle. So Gringotts for me. What about you?” Blaise shrugged his shoulders.
“Still not sure, but I’ve been looking into the Wizengamot.”
“Never thought of you as a Ministry person.”
“What did you think then?”
“Not sure I guess. Maybe Quidditch?”
“Not playing with this team.” This earned Blaise a laugh.
“I guess not. I don’t know, what does your family do?”
“Own large estates here and in Italy.”
“So you don’t need a career?”
“I am heir to the Zabini Estate in England and Italy, so no, if I wanted to sit on my arse all day I could.”
“Lucky you…” Nott muttered.
“It’s a rather boring prospect…”
“I never have nor ever will have sympathy for you Zabini, especially knowing this. But since you’re considering lowering yourself to us common folk, what excites you?” Again Blaise shrugged.
“Like I said, been looking into the Wizengamot. My uncle wants me to continue his work with horses.” Nott shuddered at that thought before eyeing him thoughtfully.
“You are good with animals. I don’t understand why you dropped Care of Magical Creatures.”

Blaise gave a snort.
“You know why. Honestly, if Grubbly-Plank had remained the permanent teacher I might have considered it, but the classes have been a joke.”
“I suppose… But you can’t deny that Grubbly-Plank and Kettleburn were also mental.”
“I’ve learned more by simply reading Fantastic Beasts then anything taught by the dim-witted oaf.”
“That’s not a very nice thing to say.” A dreamy voice said beside him.

Shocked Blaise turned and for the first time he saw something close to anger in Luna’s eyes, changing them from pretty moonstone’s to cold silver. It took him a second to realise she was accompanied by Ginny Weasley, whose wand was pointing at his face. The girl’s brown eyes were blazing too. Blaise found his own wand, ready to defend if necessary. He knew how powerful her Bat-Bogey-Hex was, Slughorn wouldn’t shut up about it.
“Stand down Weasley.” Nott hissed over Madame Pince’s cries.
“Wands away! This is a library!”

Neither Blaise nor Ginny lowered their wands.
“Hagrid is a very nice teacher. He gave a great class on Thestral’s today.” Luna said and Blaise looked back to her. She looked calm but he could sense the same undertone she had used when he insulted the Quibbler. They stared at each other, unaware that both Ginny and Nott had started to look between them.
“His Thestral class was his best last year. But I believe I am perfectly entitled to prefer Grubbly-Plank over him.”
“Of course, but there is no need to be insulting.” He gave a mocking smile.
“And I find a wand shoved in my face insulting. My opinion on him is none of your business.” He looked back at Ginny, who gave a glare, gripping her wand tighter. But then Luna lay a hand on her arm.
“You’re right, Ginny please.” Weasley gave her friend an incredulous look.
“But Luna, he called Hagrid…”
“I know, but we don’t all have to be disappointing.” And with a final fierce look at him, Luna turned away, dragging a reluctant Ginny with her.

Madame Pince too gave Blaise a glare as he put away his wand, but he didn’t pay attention to the permanently chagrined librarian. He sat back down, dazed. He felt as if she had slapped him across the face. Disappointing. First she had found him funny looking and now this. There had been many insults whispered behind him back or taunts flung at him. But never, ever, had anyone called him disappointing. Perhaps he ought to go to the Hospital Wing to let Madame Pomfrey check for internal bleeding.

“Zabini? Zabini, you there mate?”
He looked up at Nott’s concerned face.
“What?”
“Did she hex you? Some non-verbal spell?”
“What? No.”
“You look tongue tied. They were so out of line. How dare that blood traitor even dare…?”
“She’s known for her temper.”
“Merlin’s balls.” Nott cursed. “And that Loony…”
“Don’t call her that.” Blaise said automatically and immediately regretted it.

Nott gave an incredulous sound, leaning back and folding his arms together. He raised a perfect eyebrow.
“Excuse me?”
“I…”
“You’re defending her.” It wasn’t a question. “After she just stuck her nose somewhere it didn’t belong. And let Weasley threaten you. And now you’re defending her.”
“I am not. It wasn’t either of their business, but whatever annoying…” He couldn’t continue, his throat drying up. So he tried to shrug. “Whatever. But she’s not loony.”
“You know her. I saw that look between you. You know each other.” Another statement.
“Hardly, met her at Slughorn’s.”
“She’s part of the Slug Club?”
“No, just at the Christmas party.”
“Zabini, don’t tell me, please don’t…”
“No! No, nothing like that. She’s not the reason.”
“Then… why?”
“Just forget it ok? We spoke. She’s weird but not loony. That’s all.”
“And yet she thinks it’s ok to just interrupt our conversation. Who does she thinks she is?”
“She’s… not like… she doesn’t care about… that stuff.”
“That stuff? Simple manners. Wizarding hierarchy.”
“You know what I mean.” Blaise glared, Nott simply snorted.
“Do I? I feel like I have no idea what’s going on.”
“Nothing’s going on. I just forbid you to call her Loony.”
“You… forbid… me? And it’s perfectly fine for her to insult you?”
“No of course not!”

Nott gave him an intense stare that Blaise tried to hold without flinching or looking away first.
“I don’t believe this.” Nott said finally.
“There’s nothing to believe. Just forget it.”
“Believe me, I’ll try.”

They turned back to their homework. But Blaise found he could no longer concentrate on his History of Magic paper. Neither it seemed could Nott and so they packed up their stuff. They strode back to the Common Room in silence and Blaise was looking forward to a long hot shower. Before they entered the Common Room however Nott briefly stopped him.
“Listen,” he said in a low tone, “I value our friendship and won’t speak of this to anyone. You’re lucky Malfoy was not there. But I am warning you Zabini, I know there’s stuff you aren’t telling me. And with… everything… going on. Don’t start aligning yourself with blood traitors. You can’t stay neutral like you want to be if you do.”
“Is that a threat?”
“No, just a warning. One friend to another.”

Blaise turned to look into his eyes. Nott held his stare. He sensed he was honest. He gave a quick nod.
“Thank you.” Nott nodded back and they climbed through the guarded entrance.

After his shower, Blaise dropped himself onto his bed. The Thestral model greeted him excitedly.
He sighed as the tiny creature started to play in his palm. Her eyes filled with anger and disappointment filled his mind and his stomach knotted together. He felt angry too.
Whatever relationship she and her friends had with Hagrid, no one could deny that Grubbly-Plank had been the better teacher. It had frustrated him that the one class that excited him the most, had for the most part been a disappointment. So much so, that he couldn’t be bothered to do his NEWT’s too.
If was fine. He didn’t need it for a Ministry role. And the Ministry would be a perfectly acceptable career choice for him. And if being in England would bore him to death, then he could always move to Italy. He had options.

It seemed like less of an option to be friendly with Luna Lovegood. Nott was right. Danger was brewing. Everyone sensible knew that getting close to the Weasley’s was the fastest way to being expelled from the Pureblood Society. Being close to Weasley meant being close to Potter and that was a death sentence. The Lovegood’s had through the Quibbler and Luna’s fighting at the Ministry made it very clear where their loyalties lay. Had the Pureblood Lovegood family name truly meant something in his society, then they would have been a traitor and be just as dismissed as the Weasley’s.

Any association with her would fail and lead to dismantling his own family’s carefully constructed neutrality. And he could not do that to his mother and sister and potentially put them in danger. No this would have to end. There was no other choice.

----

Excitement filled the student body as the next Quidditch match approached. This time Gryffindor and Hufflepuff would face each other off. It would be interesting to see whether Gryffindor would join Ravenclaw in winning two games and creating a lead to 1 and 2 place. Naturally, most Slytherin’s therefore hoped for Hufflepuff to pull through. Anything to block Gryffindor was the better outcome. It would provide Slytherin with a chance to stay in the running.

Blaise and Nott joined their house mates as they made their way to the pitch. Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle, were as usual no where to be seen. Meanwhile there were plenty of rumours going around about the Gryffindor team. Ron Weasley, Potter’s best friend had landed himself in the Hospital Wing after being poisoned in Slughorn’s Office. It had raised some eyebrows. Especially Blaise couldn’t believe Slughorn would have anything that could be mistaken for poison close to him. The man was far to clever for that. He instead suspected something sinister, similar to what had befallen the other Gryffindor Chaser at the start of the year. But whatever the reason, there were drastic changes to the Gryffindor team, including McLaggen as Keeper. And Blaise was curious how it would go.

Both teams were in the air and Madame Hooch released the balls into the field. The game had begun. And then, the dreamiest voice that evoked tingling along Blaise’s spin echoed through the pitch.
“And that’s Smith of Hufflepuff with the Quaffle. He did the commentary last time of course, and Ginny Weasley flew into him, I think probably on purpose – it looked like it.”
Wildly Blaise turned to the commentator box, and there she was in all her outer worldly loveliness, Luna Lovegood, commentating on the Quidditch match. Oh, this was going to be good!

“Smith was being quite rude about Gryffindor, I expect he regrets that now he’s playing them – oh, look, he’s lost the Quaffle, Ginny took it from him, I do like her, she’s very nice…” Luna continued and several around him started to snicker. Blaise ignored them, but could barely contain his own laughter when he saw Professor McGonagall beside, looking to be second guessing this interesting choice. Because that it was. Apart from her complimenting him during the Slytherin vs Hufflepuff game, Blaise was sure that Luna didn’t actually care about the game. More perhaps the excitement around it. And if Padma Patil could be believed, she hardly kept score.

“… but now that big Hufflepuff player’s got the Quaffle from her, I can’t remember his name, it’s something like Bibble – no, Buggins – “
“It’s Cadwallader!” Professor McGonagall interjected and the crowd laughed and within seconds Cadwallader scored the first point. This led to an argument between Potter and McLaggen, which Luna, of course picked up on.
“And Harry Potter’s now having an argument with his Keeper,” she said serenely. “I don’t think that’ll help him find the Snitch, but maybe it’s a clever ruse…”

Blaise couldn’t help but join in with the cheering and jeering that rose up from the Hufflepuff and Slytherin supporters. For the first time in years however, he found himself not actually looking at the sport in front of him, but rather looking at her. How relaxed and content she looked, making cute faces as she spoke or saw something amusing. As her house mate had remarked, she did not keep the score. Not even with Gryffindor scored either. Instead her interest became fixed on cloud formation drifting by. Then, when she spoke about Zacharias Smith’s possible affliction with ‘Loser’s Lurgy’, Blaise lost it completely. He didn’t care if people saw his pure enjoyment. He was sure practically the whole school would think she was crazy, while he could easily carve out his heart and give it to her. She would probably chuck it back into his face, but he honestly didn’t care. All his anger at their disagreement vanished and he was ensnared once again.

“Seventy – forty to Hufflepuff!” Professor McGonagall later barked, bringing both him and Luna back into the game.
“Is it, already?” She asked vaguely before something caught her attention, interest now in her voice. “Oh, look! The Gryffindor Keeper’s got hold of one of the Beater’s bats.”

Blaise whipped his head around to look. Indeed, McLaggen was holding Peakes’ bat and appeared to be demonstrating how to hit a Bludger towards the incoming Cadwallader. Potter was now racing towards them too, roaring in anger, and Blaise actually felt a twinge of sympathy for him, having such an incompetent Keeper. But before anything could be done, McLaggen hit and the Bludger was sent straight into Potter’s head and hit him with a resounding crack. Blaise and the rest of the crowd winced. Then there were screams, as Potter, completely unconscious from the vicious blow plummeted to the air, saved just in time by his Beaters.

The game was halted as Potter was rushed towards the hospital wing. And when it resumed, the Gryffindor team seemed to be in utter chaos, much to the benefit of the Hufflepuff’s and satisfied glee of the Slytherin’s. With a final score of 320 to 60, the Gryffindor’s were annihilated. Which, in itself would result in one of Blaise’s favourite games in a long time. But Luna’s continuing commentary made in perfect. And he vowed that as soon as he could catch her alone he would, first apologise, and then tell her, just how much he had loved it.

Chapter Text

Luna had been very excited when Professor McGonagall had asked her to commentate the Quidditch match between Gryffindor and Hufflepuff. It had been a beautiful day and excitement had hung in the air. It had of course been unfortunate that Ron was still in the hospital and Harry was not able to play the game he wanted to. It had been even more horrible when McLaggen had cracked Harry’s skull with a Bludger. The rest of the game had quickly lost her interest. Especially seeing how upset it was making her friends.

She had tried her best to comfort Ginny, who had fought with Dean after the game. Her best friend had also been upset seeing Harry in the hospital wing. Luna knew the affection she felt towards him. She wondered whether Ginny could sense Harry’s interest in her. Luna thought it was pretty obvious, but she knew better than to ask. Although she would never mince her words, she did understand when to leave something alone, especially matters of the heart.

What she hadn’t expected after the match, was how many people had come up to her, laughing, telling her how horrible her commentating had been. She usually never let criticism get her down, but this hurt her. She had been proud of herself. Hadn’t she entertained anybody? Kept on track with the truly important parts of the match? Professor McGonagall had told her afterwards that the score counted towards the important parts. Luna wasn’t sure she agreed. But seeing the look on McGonagall’s face and the dreadful comments her classmates left her, she doubted she would ever be asked again.

She decided that the best way to lift her mood was to spend some time outside. There was a clearing in the Forbidden Forest, close to Hagrid’s hut that was a favourite spot of some of the small magical creatures. She would bring some of the creatures favourite snacks and if Hagrid was there, have a nice cup of tea. Armed with treats, she made her way out of the Common Room and into the hallway. To her surprise she nearly walked straight into Professor Dumbledore.

“Good morning Luna.” He said in his soft voice, his blue eyes twinkling behind his half moon spectacles.
“Good morning Professor Dumbledore.” She said brightly.
“Off to Hagrid’s?” He asked, indicating his head towards her bag, where a toadstool was peaking out.
“Yes, I want to clear my head and feed the creatures.” He looked at her thoughtfully.
“I liked your commentary during the match, you were delightful.” She felt her cheeks redden.
“Thank you. You are the only one, it seems.”
“Oh I doubt that very much. But if it were true, than I am glad we can both appreciate our world for the magical place it is.” She smiled at him.
“That’s a very kind thing to say.”
“It’s the truth.” Professor Dumbledore said simply. “Before you go, can I ask you a favour?”
“Of course!”
“Would you deliver this to Harry?” He handed her a neatly tied scroll. “I am afraid I have an urgent meeting to get to.”
“Of course!” And she took the letter, “I’ll find him right away.”
“Thank you Luna, that’s very kind of you. Do give Hagrid my regards when you see him.”
“I will. Bye Professor Dumbledore.”
“Bye Luna.”

And with that she turned and strode towards the Hospital Wing. On her way she bumped into a group of Hufflepuffs, that were obviously still elated about their win.
“Great commentary Loony. I’ve never heard such accurate descriptions of clouds.” One of the students said as she passed. She didn’t turn to look at them, letting their laughter fade away. Quite a few of the Ravenclaw Quidditch team had reprimanded her after the match. They had been trying to be as kind as possible, but their words had stung.
“Luna,” Cho had said, obviously trying to keep her tone light, “you are a dear, but I don’t think this was really your thing.”
“You didn’t like it?”
“Well, it was rather… unconventional…”
“Why is that a bad thing?”
“There’s unconventional and then there’s dreadful.” Another player had quipped in, receiving a glare from Cho. But she hadn’t contradicted him and that told Luna everything she needed to know. They were all laughing at her. She even wondered whether Blaise had been laughing at her too. Which shouldn’t really matter. She was still disappointed with him and his comments about Hagrid.

Resolutely she pushed the thought away. At least Professor Dumbledore had liked it. And that should be enough. She had arrived at the hospital wing, but Madame Pomfrey informed her that both Harry and Ron had just been dismissed. And so she wandered through the corridors, hoping to catch up with her friends soon, because she really wanted to go outside.

Thankfully she saw a familiar group in front of her, descending a marble staircase. Harry, Ron and to her surprise and delight Hermione too. That made her happy see.
“Harry!” She called out and they all turned.
“Oh, hi, Luna.” Harry said, a relieved look on his own face.
“I went to the hospital wing to find you, but they said you’d left…” She told him and started to rummage through her bag. Taking out the Gurdyroot, toadstool and treats, she trust them to Ron, who was looking much better. Finding Dumbledore’s scroll, she gave it to Harry. “I’ve been told to give you this.”

Harry instantly seemed to recognise it and unrolled it deftly.
“Tonight.” He told both Ron and Hermione.

Favour complete, she took the items back from Ron. He was smiled widely.
“Nice commentary last match!” He said and she gave him a vague smile in return.
“You’re making fun of me, aren’t you? Everyone says I was dreadful.”
“No, I’m serious!” he told her and she looked into his earnest face. “I can’t remember enjoying commentary more!” A happy flutter filled her. As much as she appreciated Dumbledore’s support, hearing the truth in her friend’s voice, was far better. She grinned.
“What is this, by the way?” He asked, holding the Gurdyroot to his eye level. Again, true genuine curiosity on his face. She beamed.
“Oh, it’s a Gurdyroot,” she told him, shoving the other items back into her bag. “You can keep it if you like. I’ve got a few of them. They’re really excellent for warding off Gulping Plimpies.”
Ron gave her another grin and with a quick good-bye she walked away, lightness in her step as she made her way outside.

Spring had truly started to arrive at Hogwarts, several trees were in process of blossoming. A fresh green scent was in the air, and several daffodils lined her path towards the Forest. There was no smoke coming from Hagrid’s hut, indicating that Hagrid wasn’t home. She would have some tea with him another time. As she had expected several creatures were enjoying the calm and light space that provided shelter from the danger of other larger creatures and students.
Knarl’s lifted their curious heads when she arrived, smelling the treats she had brought them. Pixies and Fairies had been squabbling about territory among the ferns, and as she passed one of the trees, she saw the resident Bowtruckle nimbly climbed down the branches. She had brought the toadstool especially for him.

Luna nestled herself onto a tree trunk and patiently waited for the creatures to get used to her presence and approach her if they wanted to. She rummaged in her bag and got out the pair of stockings she was in the process of knitting. As she took out the powder blue yarn, there was a small rustling beneath her hand. Then the Thestral model appeared.
“Oh, hello you. What are you doing here? Did you want to come along?” The tiny Thestral preened under her hand. Carefully she picked it up and placed it on her knee where it took in its surroundings. She levitated her knit project and with a simple charm, watched as the needles started to weave the yarn in practiced motions. A Fairy had separated itself from the group and flew towards her. The Thestral model immediately began flapping its wings. The Fairy circled it, obviously curious.
“Pretty isn’t she?” Luna asked softly and the Fairy clicked in agreement. She watched the creature’s interaction with the model. It was so life like that it almost saddened her that it wasn’t truly a miniature Thestral. She really ought to thank Blaise for such a beautiful gift.

As if summoned, his low voice floated into the space.
“Hello Lovegood…”

She looked up. Blaise stood at the edge of the clearing, leaning against a tree, his dark eyes roaming over her and the surroundings. Butterflies seemed to erupt within her as he held her gaze. Suddenly, she felt rather warm and wondered whether that was a side effect to Wrackspurts invading her mind. She broke their eye contact to regain the ability to speak.
“Hello Blaise.”
“May… may I join you?” She bit her lip. She had rather enjoyed the peaceful moment and didn’t want anything to ruin it. He interpreted her silence. “It’s ok if you don’t want me to.”
“I came here to be alone.” She told him and saw his dark eyebrows pull together.
“Are you alright?”
“Yes, of course.”
“Alright… then I’ll go… but… first… I wanted to apologise to you, before I go.” She blinked and saw his nervous stance. Despite his tall and perhaps to some intimidating frame, he suddenly looked very vulnerable.
“Why?” She asked and it was his turned to look at her in surprise. He took a few steps into the clearing.
“Because I upset you…?”
“You didn’t insult me. You should apologise to Hagrid.”
“But… he… did you tell him?”
“No, why would I want to upset Hagrid?”

He came closer to her now, his hands shoved in his pockets.
“I don’t understand why I should apologise to him… about something he doesn’t know about? Wouldn’t that then upset him?” She regarded him silently. He looked back, looking a bit more self-assured. She thought about what he said.
“I suppose that makes sense…” She finally said slowly, “And it did upset me that you said that about him. So thank you for your apology.” He gave a brief nod and started to turn away. Somehow she didn’t want him to go yet, despite her intentions to be alone.
“I…” She stuttered and he froze, looking back.
“Yes…?”
“I wanted to thank you for the Thestral. It was a very thoughtful gift.” She gestured towards her knee and seeing the model peering curiously at him, while the Fairy had decided to pet it’s neck, he smiled.
“I didn’t think they would be so life-like.” He said and came closer to inspect it. “I have one too and it frightens Nott every morning.” She heard the humour in his voice and suddenly felt giddy.
“It’s remarkable! I wish it was real.”
“Me too. The Fairy seems to think it is.”
“Oh, I am not sure about that, but she’s definitely curious.” They took a moment to appreciate the scene in front of them. Then he turned his intense eyes to her in question. She gave a brief nod, and he settled down on the floor beside her tree trunk. He was so much taller that it hardly made a difference.

“What are you making?” He asked gesturing to the knitting. She smiled.
“Some new stockings. Some of mine have gone missing, and I do like wearing my own during the weekends.” Something passed over his face.
“I am sorry.” He said, his voice clipped.
“Oh, I am sure it’s all in good fun, and I like making things. It gives me an reason to make more.” He looked at her curiously.
“I’ve never met anyone like you.” He stated then and a knot formed in her stomach.
“You must think I am loony… especially after…”
“No!” The force in his voice surprised her, “No, I don’t think you are. Don’t think that about yourself.”

She shrugged her shoulders. Suddenly the feeling of sadness engulfed her. All the teasing and laughter since the match rang loudly through her ears. No, she told herself sternly, there was no reason to be sad about that.
“I don’t think that about myself,” She told him, “But I know others do. Most do. You wouldn’t be the first.”
“Well, I don’t think so. And I thought your Quidditch commentary was great. Don’t believe anyone who has told you otherwise.” She blinked and gave him a weak smile.
“You did? You’re not laughing at me?”
“No, I promise. I really enjoyed it.” The dark cloud in her mind instantly disappeared.
“Ron just told me the same thing.”
“Ron Weasley?”
“Yes! He told me he enjoyed it too, and I believe him. Most people said I was dreadful. He’s a good friend.” She smiled at him. Blaise didn’t return it fully.
“You weren’t dreadful, just unique. Are… are you close to Weasley?”
“That’s kind to say, Dumbledore said that too. Yes! Ginny is my best friend, and Ron is becoming a good friend too. He’s very funny.”
“I am sure he is.”

They fell into a silence, and the Knarl took that opportunity to come closer and sniff around for more treats. Luna carefully withdrew some more from her bag and spread them to the hedgehog like creature. It chirped happily, it’s quills quivering in delight.
“Their quills are used in Laughing Potions.” Blaise told her softly and Luna giggled.
“That makes sense. Knarl’s are very friendly creatures. They are the happiest in a daisy field. There are quite a lot of them at home.” Blaise smiled at her, before a more serious expression crossed his face.

“Do… do you consider me a friend?” She looked at him thoughtfully.
“I don’t know, do you consider me a friend?” Her answer seemed to have surprised him. She saw many emotions flood through his eyes. Her stomach started to feel heavy.
“I don’t think I can…” He said softly, sadness edging his voice.
“Why not?”
“It’s… it’s not safe. There’s too much at risk…” She furrowed her eyebrows.
“What would not be safe?” He raised his eyebrow.
“After last year, I think you would understand that better than me.”
“No, not really. After last year, I think it would be far better if we all became friends.”
“Times are becoming dangerous…” He said but she interrupted him.
“Aren’t you friends with Draco Malfoy?”
“Not really.”
“But you are with Theodore Nott. I fought his father at the Ministry you know. Hit him with Reducto after he tried to kill my friends.”

His body stiffened in frustration and he groaned into his hands.
“Look, I want to be a friend to you, Lovegood. But if people, such as Nott or Malfoy found out, it would be dangerous. I can’t have that.”
“Dangerous to you or me?”
“Both.” Luna made a noise of dismissal which surprised him.
“That’s not very brave of you.” That hit a nerve.
“Well I’m not a bloody Gryffindor like the rest of your friends, aren’t I?”
“A house has nothing to do with it. It’s about the choices we make. And you’re afraid of being my friend.”
“Well, what if I am?” She shrugged.
“Nothing, it’s just disa…”
“Don’t say that word!” She blinked at his anger.
“What? Disappointing?” He flinched.
“Just don’t!” He hissed and she frowned.
“Why are you angry? You are asking to be my friend, and then you say you can’t.” He remained silent so she pushed on, unsure where this sudden need for confrontation was coming from. She was usually never like this. “Maybe you should decide what you want to be Blaise, before following me, giving gifts and asking about friendship.”

His dark gaze engulfed hers and she held his. Somehow, his face was closer to hers now, heat radiating from him. One heartbeat. Two heartbeats. And then the model Thestrals ripped her away from the moment, flapping up towards their faces, apparently not impressed by their tension. She leaned back as did he and there suddenly appeared to be more air to breathe. It was only then that she noted they were both out of breath. They took a while to calm themselves. Blaise played with a silver ring on his long fingers. The Knarls meanwhile had eaten all the treats and even the Bowtruckle had taken the opportunity to carry away the toadstool.

She looked at her knitting work and hastily flicked her wand to stop it. Having not paid attention to it, the blue stocking had become far too long and lopsided. With a sigh and another flick, the yarn unravelled back into a ball, until she was certain she could start it again at a good spot. He blankly stared at her work.
“My grandmother is good at knitting.” He said suddenly. “She lives in Italy.”
“Italian yarn is very nice to use.” She replied softly and he looked at her. Something tugged at her heart seeing his expression. He seemed to be debating inside his head. She wanted to turn away. Leave him to his thoughts. Stop a feeling of desperation that was clinging in her chest. But his obsidian eyes made it impossible for her to look away. And so she didn’t.

She wasn’t sure how long they stayed like this. Perhaps only a minute or a few seconds but it felt like years passed. Then he spoke, low and deep, sounding hoarse.
“I want to be your friend, Lovegood.” He said.
“Why don’t you call me Luna? All my friends call me Luna.”
“I don’t want to be like all of your friends. And I like calling you Lovegood. Do… do you mind?” She thought about it. Usually it sounded very formal, especially when teachers said it. But when he did, there was something… something she couldn’t quite put a finger on. But whatever it was, she liked it.
“I don’t mind. Should I call you Zabini then?”
“No…. I like it when you call me Blaise.”
“It is a nice name.” Then finally a grin appeared on his face.
“If you say so. But Lovegood, we can’t tell anyone.” He turned his serious gaze back to her. It almost seemed like a ultimatum. It was something she would usually have never agreed to. She was an open book, and proud of being so. She couldn’t even imagine what it would mean. How would she be able to act? But then she found herself nodding.
“Alright.” Relief spread across his face.
“I am glad. I wish it didn’t have to be, but I just can’t… not right now.”
“I understand Blaise. I’ll be inconspicuous.” He raised a mocking eyebrow but his grin was teasing.
“You are the least inconspicuous person I know.” She couldn’t help but laugh.
“I am sure that’s true. I can be an inconspicuous writer though. Would that be alright?”

Her heart nearly leapt out of her chest as he gave her the most dazzling smile she had ever seen.
“I would love that.”

Chapter Text

Her first letter arrived in the form of a small note, laying by his plate during breakfast. It was nearly a month later and many students, including Blaise was preparing to leave for Easter Break. Seeing that Nott wasn’t paying attention to him, Blaise quickly opened the note and read.

Dear Blaise,

Thank you for my stockings!

- L

Inconspicuous indeed. Blaise felt heat rise on his cheeks and was glad for his dark skin that would hide his blush better than most. Really there was nothing wrong with her note. He had spent the past few weeks being as inconspicuous as possible himself to find all of her missing items of clothing. With some well educated guesses and a few threats thrown around here and there, he had managed it and had gotten a friendly looking house elf to bring the collection to her dormitory last night, in time for the holidays. But somehow, his mind had fallen straight down the proverbial gutter, because the image of her, just in stockings, flashed through him.

He snapped the note shut before Nott could make the mistake of glancing his way, and made the mistake himself to look at the Ravenclaw table, his eyes finding her immediately. His throat dried up as she gave a tiny smile, and his brain shut down. With great effort he managed a nod, which he then quickly disguised into taking a sip of coffee as Parkinson sat down beside him.
“Alright Zabini?”
“Yeah, brilliant. Off for Easter too?”
“Yes, my parents insisted.”
“I thought Malfoy was staying here?” Parkinson gave an exasperated sigh.
“He is, even Crabbe and Goyle are too.” She said gloomily.
“At least you won’t have to be bored.” Blaise told her which earned him a glare.
“Don’t remind me of all the homework we have. We might as well not have a holiday with every teacher wants essays the same of a book.” Parkinson groaned and Blaise patted her shoulder affectionately.
“Life is so unfair…” he told her mockingly and she gave him a glare.

They decided to share a compartment with Nott on the train. There were a lot less students leaving this time. Most remaining at Hogwarts, including Malfoy and Potter and his friends. But Blaise did catch a glimpse of Luna, settling into a compartment with some other Ravenclaws. He had to fight scowling in public when he spotted Scamander among them. He hadn’t quite come to terms or decided what he thought of the boy. What did the 7th year want from a 5th year student?

With a mental slap, he brought his emotions back under control as well as his expression and put on his best bored and nonchalant demeanour that seemed to pass both Nott’s and Parkinson’s inspection.

As Blaise had promised himself weeks earlier, the second him got home and greeted his family, he went off to the stables where the Zabini Estate through bred horses were kept in the best luxury a horse could want. He saddled his stead ‘Merlin’ and went off on a refreshing ride. The Earth had started to warm up, spring flowers carpeting the ground. Blossom trees sprayed the air with petals and perfume. He loved spring. The air always felt electric. He enjoyed the rushing of the wind in his ears, clearing his mind. He savoured the moment of peace. Merlin only seemed too happy to gallop across the Estate. There were simply too many horses stabled for his uncle, cousin and mother to ride them all enough. The idea of helping them down the line definitely started to feel appealing. Perhaps he could even expand into magical horses? Abraxan had always interested him. His family had well established connections within Europe, including Madame Maxime. Perhaps he could buy a pair of her. But then he would need more knowledge in magical creatures. The possibility that he had too easily dismissed the class at Hogwarts now started to gnaw at him.

He wasn’t sure how long he was out for but once both he and Merlin left sated, did he return to the stables. There his uncle, Vincenzo Zabini stood waiting for him. He had a similar strong stature as him, the one he had inherited from his father. It had been a comfort to him that his father’s family had remained close even after his father’s passing and his mother’s multiple marriages. Adaline had always been close to the Zabini family, even before her marriage. She even kept the family name, even after marrying to other men. Her closeness to the family and that of her children, meant that even Magdalena had been given the family name too. It raised eyebrows often. But the Zabini’s were known for their stoicism.

His uncle now helped run the Estate, until at least Blaise would be able to do it himself. His own son, Kamil, helped him too. Both also supported the Ministry, particularly with cases surrounding the protection of wizarding land. The fear of exposure to the Muggle world, was always present. Especially around country estates, where Muggles sometimes treaded wizarding land after getting lost during walks. To protect themselves, wizarding families tended to group together, living in relative close proximity to each other to ensure their protection of necessary. His uncle and Kamil helped when things got a bit out of hand. But now, the older men, the image of his late elder brother, stood grinning at him.

“Welcome back. Merlin has been needing a ride. You trained him well.” Blaise grinned at the praise.
“He listened very well. We both needed some exercise.”
“You are a natural with them, just like your father.”
“I know. I am thinking about it uncle.” He didn’t need to say more. His uncle understood and nodded.
“I am glad to hear it. Come on, dry him and join us for dinner.”

Dinner, as always, was a pleasant affair. His mother was delighted to have him home again, even for a short while. Blaise did note that she looked rather tired and had an anxious energy about her. Magdalena in contrast was alight with happy energy. He had laughed when he saw the Spectrespecs still firmly on her head. He longed to tell her about the girl who had given them. How weird she dressed with her radish earrings and butterbeer cork necklace. All things that he now understood Magdalena would find fascinating. But he knew that would land him into a dangerous rabbit hole and his mother had been the only person, perhaps now joined with Luna, that could look straight through him. And his feelings towards the girl was not something he wanted to discuss with his mother.

And so he entertained his sister, listening patiently to her birthday plans in May. Her 11th birthday was going to be magnificent, she told him. The greatest gift, would of course be her Hogwarts letter. And there was no doubt it would arrive. Magdalena had shown her magical abilities early in life. As a toddler she had summoned more toys into her crib than had been physically possible. Blaise also remembered a time when he had gone outside to the horses and she had wanted to come along. When he had emphatically told her no, he later found her perched on top of the stable roof. Had she not been extremely frightened about being up so high, he would have scolded her. Instead his irritation had turned to amusement as she shrieked while he helped her down.

After dinner, his mother had asked him to stay behind in the dining room along with his uncle. His cousin Kamil, meanwhile distracted Magdalena out of the room , in search for extra pudding. He felt the tension in the room shift. His mother’s tired face turned grave. Panic instantly settled into his stomach.
“What’s wrong mother? Are you ill?” She gave him a small smile and gestured him to sit beside her.
“No my dear, but I have been worried. Since Christmas the situation within the Ministry and… in the society has grown worse. There have been more attacks, more deaths. They are gaining power. It’s becoming difficult to keep our distance.” She gave a glance at Vincenzo, whose expression had now also turned sombre.
“Have they started to trouble you?” Blaise asked him fiercely, the dread in his stomach now bubbling into anger.
“Not yet, but it’s clear they are keeping an eye out. Kamil has received some questions from Dolohov about our loyalties. Meanwhile, the Minister is trying desperately to keep control. The need to pledge your allegiance to him is almost just as strong as that of You-Know-Who.”

He sighed, running a hand through his dark locks. His amber eyes fixed on Blaise.
“I know you are being careful, and I am proud of you. But I am not sure if it’s going to be enough. Your mother and I…” He gave Adaline a brief look in affirmation. She nodded and Blaise noted how her skin had grown ashen. “We believe we have to consider going to Italy. At least for a short while, just to be safe.”
“What? You can’t do that. I can’t just leave Hogwarts. And Magdalena is starting her first year. You can’t take that away from her.”
“If it means you’ll be safe, I’d do anything.” His mother said sharply, her dark eyes blazing.
“Won’t it be more suspicious if we just leave? They all know where in Italy we would be.” He countered and saw he had made an impact. “Is there something you’re not telling me? I do follow the news. You know who I share the dorms with… But if we are not targets..”
“We might become...” His mother then said and dropped her head in her hands and to his absolute horror, she started to weep.

He had never, ever seen his mother cry. Perhaps emotional once or twice, but never crying. She laid the same expectations on the show of emotions on herself as she did her son. Now suddenly she was distraught and Blaise stood frozen in place. His mind trying to catch up with the scene in front of him and as his heart wrenched, he desperately tried to think of what he could do. Nothing came up. And so he watched. His uncle moved an arm around her shaking frame and murmured softly. His own stupid brain hadn’t even been able to think of that. He felt useless. He waited.

When it appeared his mother had regained some control of herself, his uncle leaned back, conjuring a handkerchief, which she took gratefully, dabbing her eyes.
“S… sorry…” she managed to stutter in between unsteady breathes. “I… I tried… but… oh darling…” She finally looked back at Blaise, fear etched on her face. His stomach dropped into his shoes.
“What happened?” He asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
“It’s… all… all… my fault.” He was finally able to moved and crouch before her, taking her icy hands into her own. Her lip trembled as she swallowed heavily. “Do you remember the Greengrass New Years gathering?” Blaise nodded. “We left early because of a guest… I couldn’t believe it when I saw him...”

More dread now filled him. He squeezed her hand to continue.
“Rabastan Lestrange…” she said and the hairs on his neck rose.
“What the hell was he doing there? Did the Greengrasses invite him?” His mother shrugged her shoulders.
“I don’t know, I never asked.” She paused again and he saw emotions flick over her face.

Before the First Wizarding War, Rabastan had pursued his mother. He was furious when she choose Dante Zabini instead. Of course he wasn’t able to bother her when he had been thrown into Azkaban. But after his escape last year, he had started to pop up everywhere she went. Even in circles that avoided known Death Eaters. Blaise felt guilt fill him. His mother had been uncharacteristically open about Rabastan. She usually never spoke about her lovers or men that pursued her. And Rabastan, she made clear, belonged solely to the latter category. She, like him, had high standards. Knowing that the line within the Pureblood Society that protected them from You-Know-Who and his followers was growing thin, he should have protected his mother better. He was head of the family after all, even with his uncle’s support.

“Did he say anything to you?” She shook her head.
“Not that evening. I didn’t give him the chance… but a few weeks ago he was suddenly there in Diagon Alley. How he managed without being detected I’ll never know. But he made… well his case. I rejected him. And then two weeks ago he appeared in the village…”
Now Blaise’s blood ran cold. The village was a mere miles away. Far, far too close to their home. He glanced at his uncle, who immediately caught his meaning.
“We’ve had protection around the Estate for decades but added some more after…”
“After…?”
“He threatened me.” His mother said, now anger started to seep in her voice. “He was so arrogant. Acting if nothing could touch him. If we hadn’t been in the village, I would have severed his tongue. Regardless, he knows our position. And while his threats were solely against me, I can’t risk it Blaise…”

He stood and started pacing the room. This was bad. One wrong move and they were done for.
“What do you like is best?” He asked his uncle and thoughts swirled through him. His uncle looked unsure.
“I understand why your mothers wants to leave with you bambino.”
“I am not a child anymore.” Blaise bit back angrily. “If we leave now, Lestrange will find out in seconds. If I don’t show up in Hogwarts, you can bet every Death Eater will hear about it and think we’ve chosen a side.”
“Why would it mean that? I just can’t have that creep near me or my children.” He mother countered.
“Several students have been dropping out of school due to attacks on their families. None of which are Purebloods.” Blaise said bitterly and his mother paled. He paced the room several more times. “We can’t have Lestrange close to you. I can’t protect you if you’re here.” That earned him a watery smile.
“My love, I am not asking you to protect me. That is my job…”
“He has only threatened you?”
“So far, yes… but…”
“Then you should go. Not immediately. Make up some story when you’re with Greengrass or something.”

His mother stared at him aghast. His uncle looked thoughtful. A plan now started to become clear in his mind. He knew she wouldn’t like this. But it would keep up the pretence for as long as possible. Neutrality. That was important. As much as he now wished to kill the slimy greaseball for even thinking of his mother, Lestrange’s position within the Death Eater hierarchy meant they would become targets, just as his mother had said.
“Uncle, would you be able to look after Magdalena? If she stays here too, they won’t suspect mother has fled.”
“What? I am not fleeing and I am not leaving Magdalena! Are you mad?” His mother cried but his uncle interjected.
“I think Blaise might be right Adaline. Of course I’ll take care of Magdalena. You know Sophia adores her.” He said, referring to his wife.

Adaline Zabini looked at both men in horror.
“W.. what…? Are you serious? I can’t leave alone, not without my children.”
“I understand my dear, but I think it might the safest option for now. And not for long. Only until Blaise finishes his term. Then we will decide whether is fine for you to come back or for us to join you in Italy.” His uncle said softly. The fear had left her, instead anger flashed in her eyes. His mother flew up and storm out of the room, leaving curses in her wake.

Blaise and his uncle were silent for a moment as his mother’s voice faded away.
“It will be alright…” His uncle began, laying a strong hand on his nephew’s shoulder.
“Why didn’t you write me about this?” He heard a deep sigh next to him.
“We didn’t think that much of it until two weeks ago. But it wasn’t something I could put in a letter. You can’t be sure post will arrive nowadays.”
“If the situation changes, you, Kamil and Magdalena should join mother. I’ll be safest at Hogwarts.”
“That’s assuming your mother will go.”
“She will. I know her. She is usually far more cool and collected. He must have really scared her.”
“He did. But you’re right. Your mother was always the wise one. Did you know she was a hat stall?” Blaise shook his head.
“Between which houses?”
“Slytherin and Ravenclaw of course. You got it from her.”
“I wasn’t a hat stall.”
“No, but you got her sense. Bless my brother, but he was out of her league in that sense.” Somehow that comment made him smile.

Blaise turned to him.
“Thank you for your support uncle.”
“Of course.” A simple but honest and true reply but it made him feel a little better.

He found some sanctuary in his bedroom. The curtains were closed and the fireplace provided the only light, but Blaise liked it. Quiet. He needed time to think. He also needed to talk to someone, but knew he couldn’t. No one could know of this plan.

As he was above to drop onto his bed, his eye fell on the desk drawer where he had stuffed the Quibbler magazine and the idea sprung into his mind. He turned and strode towards the table. Quickly he assembled parchment and ink. Of course, he couldn’t tell her anything. But maybe, somehow she could understand him as she had done over the past months. And maybe tell him something ridiculous, that both soothed him and made him laugh. He dipped his quill and began to write.

Dear Lovegood,

I am glad you got all your belongings. I don’t think they will disappear as often anymore.
I hope your arrival back home has gone well.

It has been a whirlwind here. Mother is planning a trip to Italy soon. Some odious relative needs her. It makes Magdalena nervous to stay here with my uncle for the first time. It will be good practice for Hogwarts next year.

Do you have plans to travel this summer?

- B

Perhaps it was a bit pathetic to send an owl as it neared midnight, but he couldn’t resist the urge. He would think about it all night and maybe even change his mind if he didn’t send it now. The family owl Iris was absolutely not happy with him, and reluctantly flew into the night, after giving him more scratches than usual. But Blaise found he didn’t care one hoot.

What did surprise him however, was how fast he fell asleep. One second he had laid down, and after what felt like no more than a minute, he awoke to scratching at the window, sunlight streaming into his room. Unlike during Christmas, he felt no irritation whatsoever. No, he leapt as fast as he could to the window and let a much happier Iris inside. He frowned at the haughty looking owl.

“She spoiled you rotten didn’t she?” He asked aloud and Iris gave a satisfied preening noise. He rolled his eyes before carefully unwrapping the parchment from her letter. As he unrolled it to read he saw the paper was decorated along the edges by colourful doodles, which made him smile.

Dear Blaise,

I am very happy to see daddy again. We are very close. I always miss him when I am at Hogwarts. I am sure Magdalena will miss your mother too. It is good to look after your relatives. I hope they are okay. Will you visit in the summer with Magdalena?

Daddy has been to Italy before for research for the Quibbler. We might travel this summer if necessary. Last year we went to Sweden. It’s very beautiful there too.

I’ve been studying for my Potions OWL and assignments. I am afraid it’s going to take up all of my holiday. Did the professors give you assignments too?

- L

Blaise smiled that she had understood his underlying messages. His mother had to leave. He was worried about her and for his sister. And he had even dared to ask her whether she would leave the country too. And she understood his fear and the general danger and had answered flawlessly. A true Ravenclaw indeed. He couldn’t help but feel proud. And now he couldn’t wait to see her again, and help her with Potions…

Chapter Text

“Don’t forget to add that Ashwinder eggs can also be used in Felix Felicis. You only included Love Potions and the Edurus Potion. Also, if you want extra points with Slughorn, say that is it an antidote to Ague. He’ll love that!” Blaise told Luna, as he read over her Potions paper on the uses of Ashwinder eggs.
“Thank you!” She said cheerfully and he handed her the parchment. She immediately started to scribble notes along the margins. “I am going to have to re-write it, but I’ve got time for that.”

They were sitting together in the remote corner of the library. At first he felt anxious for discovery. But with OWL examinations yet around the corner, most students were far too focused on themselves to pay any attention to their classmates. That, and the stacks and stacks of books around them quickly provided a safe barrier. And over the past hour, he had often forgotten just what the risks were and simply enjoyed studying together.

Luna had a positive attitude towards studying, which despite being a Ravenclaw, wasn’t just a given. He had met many students that would dread any sort of examination or paper. Many of them Ravenclaws. But she seemed to have limitless positive energy that radiated off her. And he couldn’t help but go along, allowing himself to bask in her brightness. He had quickly understood why the friends she had, felt so strongly about her and were very protective of her. It was a shame that most people couldn’t get past her odd and mysterious ways. Yet he couldn’t help but think, that perhaps, that was for the best. If everyone realised just how wonderful she was, he would never be able to spend time with her alone.

Her open mind reminded him just how wonderful the magical world was, and how lucky they were to be part of it. And he needed more light and magic in his life. His mother had departed the same day he had returned to Hogwarts. She had left a trail of excuses in her wake with her friends. Magdalena had not quite grasped the severity of the situation but had accepted it with much grace, which had helped his mother. But when she touched the Portkey towards the Zabini Vineyard in the Tuscany hills, Magdalena had buried her face in his chest and sobbed her little heart out. It required all of his self-control not to break down himself. But he braced himself. He was her protector now and he had to be strong for her and for their mother.

He had gone to Platform 9 ¾ alone, leaving Magdalena with his uncle’s family. One tearful goodbye was draining enough. And without his family there, it was far easier to pretend that everything was okay, his impassive mask back on his face. The trip had been pleasant enough with Nott and Parkinson. It didn’t take long however after his arrival back at Hogwarts, for Montague to slip a question about his mother’s whereabouts. News, he knew, travelled fast.

And so he braced himself during his first week back. Answering every question in a calm, collected and his usual nonchalant way. This seemed to mollify most of the Slytherin’s. Especially those with known Death Eater connections. What had surprised him however was that Malfoy hadn’t joined the investigation. He was usually on top of such rumours. But whenever he spotted the boy, his face had become as pale as his hair. He was thinner and had a haunted look about him. Blaise often caught Nott looking at his classmate with a weary look, and there was no doubt in Blaise’s mind that Nott had a better idea what was bothering Malfoy than he let on. But Blaise had too much on his own mind to really care.

Assignments kept piling up and the Slytherin versus Hufflepuff Quidditch match was planned during the third weekend back. He didn’t remember ever being so busy. And when Luna wrote on a note she could accompany him to the library during their second week, he had clasped it in both hands. He wanted to see her and help her with Potions like he had promised during their letter exchange over Easter break. It had been a quiet yet wonderful afternoon. He was almost curious whether he could call it a date. If so, it was the best he’d ever had. Hell, he could even imagine having a lovely time at Madame Puttifoot’s Teashop together like this. What was the world coming to?

As Luna started to bend over her essay again, he started to read the chapters assigned by Professor Binns on the Goblin Rebellions. But he couldn’t help sneak a few glances towards her. The spring sunshine came in through the darkened library windows, with enough strength to highlight her profile and pale blonde hair. Adding to the outer worldly image she always painted. Even during the Easter Break he had caught himself missing her. Thinking about her far more than was healthy. And now back at Hogwarts, more than once his heart had done a frightening jump whenever he saw her. But he promised himself he couldn’t do anything about his conflicting feelings. It would be difficult enough to be friends, and he wanted to be that at least. If he acted similar to what he did in stolen daydreams, they would far surpass friendship. And he didn’t even know if she wanted that. So he permitted himself stolen glances, if just to sooth his own sanity.

He wasn’t sure exactly how much time had passed, but when he looked up after a particular intense chapter, the light had begun to change into orange. As he looked up, his eyes met hers. She had apparently been looking at him, a content look in her moonstone eyes. A smile appeared on her face and he couldn’t resist returning one of his own.
“You were so engrossed reading. It was wonderful to see.” She told him in her dreamy voice. He grinned.
“If only the chapter had been that wonderful. I now know far too much about then 1890 rebellion than I ever wanted to know.”
“Goblins are fascinating! The ministry has always treated them horribly. Cornelius Fudge especially. Did you know he was trying to gain more control in Gringotts by killing goblins and putting them into pies?”
Blaise couldn’t help but laugh at this before looking at her seriously.
“I didn’t know that. Perhaps I can add it in Professor Binns essay.” Luna nodded.
“I am sure he would appreciate it.”
“How’s your Potions essay?”
“All done! Thank you for helping!”
“You’re welcome.” He gave her another smile and looked around.

Several students had left the library. They ought to leave too.
“It’s getting late, let’s go. Dinner will be ready soon.” She gave a nod and they started to gather their things. Luna had brought her Pygmy Puff and Thestral model that had eyes their study from among the stacks on books. It was a small miracle that Madame Pince hadn’t caught sight of them. Blaise doubted she would have allowed it.
As they left the library, they carefully maintained some distance in case they bumped into anyone.

Blaise walked her as close to the Ravenclaw Tower as he could. Not for the first time did he wish he could walk her all the way, an arm protectively around her. Especially when they rounded the corner and nearly walked straight into Rolf Scamander. Blaise saw the obvious delight on the older boys face.
“Hello Luna! Did you have a good Easter Break?” Luna looked up in surprise before smiling back.
“Hi Rolf. Yes, I did, it was wonderful. Did you have a nice break too?”
“I did! Spend most of it with my grandparents. Mum and dad are currently in Bhutan.” Then it appeared he realised Luna was not alone and gave Blaise a weary side long glance. Blaise instantly recognised the question in those hazel eyes.
‘Is he bothering her?’

He took a step closer to Luna, pulling his face into its familiar haughty mask.
“Lovegood, if you need me to proofread Potions let me know. I’ll see you around.”
Luna turned to him, her eyes searching before a knowing and sadness expression passed over her. Then she gave a nod.
“Thank you. Let me know if Binns appreciates the extra goblin facts.” Now he gave a polite. Then he flicked a glare at Scamander before quickly turning away and descending down towards the Slytherin Common Room.

If only Slytherin would play against Ravenclaw again. He would exert all his efforts into ensuring Scamander spend the remainder of the school year in the hospital wing. For the first time he would be rooting for Gryffindors, and hope someone on that team would do the honour for him. But that was a fool’s hope, and Blaise was no fool.

Blaise was glad to be one his broom again a week later. The weather in April had mostly been beautiful, with bright sunny days. Perfect weather for Quidditch. As they were playing Hufflepuff, once again Zacharias Smith would not be able to commentate the game, for which Blaise was grateful. Unfortunately, neither was Luna asked again. This time a young unfamiliar voice rang through the stadium. A Gryffindor this time, Creevey with memory served correctly.

As they started to play, Blaise had to admit that he was a much better commentator then Smith. The boys squeaky voice was full of excitement. And while he didn’t get all of the manoeuvres correctly, with some guidance from Professor McGonagall, he did very well. And if Blaise was honest with himself, he was far better at concentrating without her lovely voice streaming in his ear.

Him, Vaisley and Urquhart made quick work of the Hufflepuff Chaser and Keeper. Although this has been their worst season by far, now they seemed able to work together as a team and break through their opponent’s defences. Blaise wasn’t exactly sure how much time had passed, but as they lead with 90 - 40 there was a commotion in the air. He looked around just in time to see Harper snatch the smith away from the Hufflepuff Seeker and the Slytherin crowds exploded in cheers. Blaise felt the exhalation within his own chest erupt and he joined his teammates who flew down to congratulate their Seeker.
“Slytherin wins with 240 - 40!” If there was any form of disappointment in Creevey’s voice, Blaise couldn’t hear it. Instead he celebrated with his team. They had needed to feel this satisfaction at least once this year and although their chances of winning the cup was gone, at least they had opened the competition back up. It would be a Ravenclaw - Gryffindor faced down.

The rest of the supporters had started their trek back to the castle, but Blaise gave the crowd a quick sweep. There she was, her smile brightening the air as if the moon had decided to spend some time on Earth. Their eyes met for a second and in that second, time came to a stop. There was a buzzing sound in his ears, whether from the loud cheers or something else, he wouldn’t tell. All he could focus on was her and how much he wanted to close the distance between them and kiss her. Right there. Right now.

His body moved before he had even realised it, until a hand on his shoulder brought his mind back to reality. He turned quickly and saw Nott’s bright grin of triumph.
“Well done mate!” He said and Blaise pushed out a quick smile of his own. He risked a quick look for a shoulder and saw she was gone. A strange combination of disappointment and relief engulfed him, edge with some anger towards his friend for interrupting him. No, that wasn’t fair. He gave himself a mental slap. Nott had done him a favour, and so he turned back to him and now gave a genuine grin.
“Time to party!” And Nott excited laugher surrounded them all the way back to the Common Rooms.

And Slytherin’s were known to throw epic parties when the need arose. Slughorn had even dragged along Snape for ‘just one drink, Severus!’

“Congratulations Zabini.” The smooth voice of Draco Malfoy drifted beside him. Blaise turned to look down. The smaller blonde boy didn’t look at him, but sipped his drink while staring into the green lit space with stone vaulted ceiling. The spiked drinks were leading to more rowdiness and Snape had made his way towards the drinks table with a suspicious look on his face.
“Thank you Malfoy. I didn’t see you at the match.” Malfoy didn’t even flinch.
“I had some important stuff to take care of.”
“I see. Harper played well.”
“For once, yes. Good for him.”
“Doesn’t it bother you, not playing?” Malfoy simply shrugged, boredom etched on his pale face.
“It’s not important to me anymore?” Blaise couldn’t help himself.
“What is important to you?” Malfoy eyed him up slowly.
“That is none of your concern.”

Blaise gave a blasé shrug and was about to head towards Nott when Malfoy spoke again, lowering his voice further.
“What I did find interesting was seeing you and Loony Lovegood leave the library.” Blaise took great effort to block any emotion to show. He looked back, and raised a single eyebrow.
“I don’t know why it should be. You obviously have far more concerning matters to deal with.” Malfoy looked unimpressed.
“Clearly…” and with that Blaise turned his back and walked away, ignoring the piercing daggers in his back.

Fuck him!

Chapter Text

“And then he kissed her! I don’t think I’ve ever seen Ginny this happy.” Luna couldn’t stop the smile on her face. She had known about Ginny’s feelings for Harry before her friend even told her about it. And last year, during the DA meetings, she had seen their connection. It seemed that something must have happened in the summer because now she often saw Harry staring at Ginny. Luna doubted Ron would be very happy about it, but when she had seen the tall boy, he had seemed very relaxed. He had always argued about Ginny’s other boyfriends, much to her friends annoyance. Now she hoped both Ron and Hermione would have talk.

Thankfully Ron and Lavender Brown had broken up and he and Hermione were friends again. There was a much better mood around them. And Luna valued peace between her friends.

She looked sideways at Blaise, who was sitting beside her. He looked slightly uncomfortable. She couldn’t quite understand why. But she did understand, quite suddenly, that talking about anyone kissing, with him, resulted in a flurry of butterflies swirling in her stomach. Could his look mean he was possibly feeling the same swirling as she did? But then that would mean he was thinking about kissing her. And as the thoughts of them kissing during a Common Room celebration entered her mind, her eyes flicked to his lips. They looked full and smooth. No, they would never kiss. They wouldn’t even be at the same Common Room party. And he wanted to be friends, and she didn’t want to kiss any of her other friends. So, why, did she feeling this urge to be closer?

She frowned at herself and tore her eyes back up and was shocked to see him staring back at her with those dark intense eyes that made her skin prickle whenever he looked at her. She felt her cheeks flush as his eyes flicked down for a fraction of a second before meeting hers again. Then he cleared his throat and leaned back on the forest ground, supporting himself on his forearms.

They were sitting in the Forbidden Forest, surrounded by the Thestral herd. Luna had brought a buffet of different cuts of meat that the foals were devouring eagerly. They were growing at a rapid pace. No longer the delicate spindly things, but stronger and more elegant like the rest. Nor were they skittish. They recognised both her and Blaise and were quite happy to come close.

One of the young ones had taken the opportunity of Blaise’s movement to position itself beside him, nestling its reptilian like head in his lap. Unconsciously, Blaise started to stroke it’s mane. Luna was quite sure it was one of the female foals. They tended to be drawn to him, rather like how unicorns were more comfortable around women. Females in general appeared to enjoy Blaise’s attention. She had noticed this in the Great Hall or the Hogwarts hallways. Mostly Slytherin’s, who were the only ones brave enough to try and get past his haughty exterior. But now that she was aware of him, she had even caught conversations in her own Common Room and dormitory about him. Ones that always dissolved into giggles. He had apparently looked a bit too often at the Ravenclaw house table.

Luna couldn’t help but be amused at this. She could see his reactions to the extra attention. He was either oblivious or wilfully ignored it. She doubted her giggling dorm mates would even believe her if she told them that he was her friend. She doubted it. But she would never ask. Blaise had made her promise to keep their friendship a secret and Luna was far too rational to feel hurt by it. No, she understood. With her father’s letters, Blaise’s mother’s trip abroad and her conversations with Tonks, Luna had a rather good idea about how divided the Wizarding World was becoming. She doubted her own friends and family would be welcoming to Blaise. It was better this way for both parties. Maybe own day it would be different. But that also meant that any thoughts of kissing him needed to leave her mind.

“You care a lot about your friends.” His simple statement brought her out of her thoughts that had started to turn back to dangerous territory. She blinked.
“Yes, of course. They are my friends. I want to see them happy.”
“And you don’t care that Gryffindor beat Ravenclaw and snatched the Quidditch Cup away?” Luna shrugged.
“You know me Blaise. Do you think I would care more about that?”
“Well, I thought maybe your hat got sad. It has feelings too you know.”

She laughed and he joined her. Her magically enchanted eagle hat had looked rather forlorn after the match and the days that followed.
“You care about my hat’s feelings?”
“I told you I liked it. I meant it.”
“I do like my friends more.”

Blaise faked a hurt face, clasping a hand to his heart.
“Sure, why not dig the blade in further?”

Luna laughed and gave him a playful dig.
“Stop! Now you’re making me feel guilty!”
He grinned at her.
“You have such a pure heart.” He said but beneath his teasing tone she could tell he was serious. She smiled back.
“I know you take Quidditch far more seriously than I do…”
“Yeah, I keep score…” Another dig.
“But even you can’t choose Quidditch over the happiness of your friends!”
“Sweetheart, you’re talking to a Slytherin. If I was Quidditch Captain and winning the cup would mean Nott was miserable for a year, I’d make his life hell.”
“That’s just silly!”
“It’s the truth!”
“Would you make me miserable? We’re friends!”

He didn’t answer that but simply looked at her, a grin etched on his face. The same tension she felt before came rolling back between them. While the weather in May had started to warm up, it suddenly felt like a heatwave. She felt her face flush. His lips moved and she realised he was speaking.
“Surely you don’t have to ask that?”
“You were rather quick about condemning Nott to misery.” She countered.

Another grin.
“You’re different…” but before she could respond to that, he interjected, “How are your OWL preparations going? You’ve got two weeks left…”
“Alright I guess. I’ve been studying a lot with Ginny…”
“When she’s not too busy snogging Potter…” she gave him another dig.
“We’ve got a studying group every night in the Common Room and everyone joins in, even sixth and seventh years…”
“How sweet…”
“AND Padma, Anthony and Terry have been helping me practice with spells. We were in the DA together. Cho too, but Marietta gets upset when she hangs out with DA members and I don’t like her. And now that Michael is dating her, welI I don’t see him much… I think it annoys Anthony and Terry. Michael is very nice. He used to date Ginny too last year…”
“Lovegood, I really don’t need to hear about Weasley’s current or past lovers.”
“You asked me how studying is going?”
“Yes, that’s true. Who else are you studying with?”
“Rolf has been quizzing me on Magical Creatures. He’s very good. You know his grandfather is Newt Scamander?” She felt Blaise stiffen beside her. “I thought he was your favourite author?” She asked surprised.
“That doesn’t mean I have to like his grandson.” Came his clipped reply.
“Why don’t you like him?”
“…Quidditch…” She laughed at that.
“Well I think we’ve established I don’t care about Quidditch.” He gave her a grin.
“I am going to tell your hat.”
And grinned even wider when she dissolved into giggles.

——————

A week later, they met again, this time in an empty classroom by the Astronomy Tower. She had told Blaise she had wanted to practice her patronus charm. Harry had told her that it had earned him some extra OWL points during his Defence Against the Dark Arts exam last year. When she told Blaise, he had reacted both surprised and impressed.
“Potter taught you the Patronus Charm? That’s high level stuff Lovegood. I’d love to see.”

And so she had messaged him about the classroom. It had been another long week with intense classes and homework. She was rather looking for to the weekend and get in some rest. Despite the attitude of some of her classmates, Luna understood the importance of rest on her performance. But despite her initial fatigue, she instantly felt better when he had entered, his cautious look instantly morphing into a smile when he saw her. Her heart gave an involuntary skip and she focused her attention on her wand movement.

“It’s important to think about a happy memory or feeling and it has to be very powerful. The more powerful, the better. It’s the difference between a corporal and non-corporal patronus. I’ll show you the difference.” She cleared her throat lightly, ignoring him as he had propped himself lazily against a desk, his long legs stretched out in front of him. Focus. Happy memory. Go!
“Expecto Patronum.”

Out of her wand appeared a glowing shield, it’s blue light illuminating the space. She sent it towards the opposite wall. As she turned back, she saw Blaise had straightened, looking to where the shield had disappeared.
“That is its non-corporal form. It’s still useful but whenever faced with a Dementor and especially more than one, you’ll want it to be stronger.” She positioned herself again, straightening her stance and taking a deep breath. She pulled up her memory.
“Expecto Patronum!”

This time a silvery blue hare jumped out of her wand, hopping happily through the air, circling around them. She gave him another glance and was transfixed. All his attention was on the magical hare and he followed its movements with an awed look on his face. The light highlighted his high cheekbones and reflected off his dark skin and eyes. As her hare coming towards her, he met her gaze, and a warm happy feeling filled her body.

“This is magnificent, Luna.” He said softly and it took her a second to realise he’d called her by her first name again. She had missed hearing it in his deep voice. The blush returned to her cheeks in full force.
“Thank you.” She pushed an unruly strand of hair back behind her ear. She looked up at the patronus that had slowed its movement, now descending to hover close to her wand. “Did you know you can even use patronuses to send messages? Rather similar to Hermione’s use of DA coins.”

“I did not know that.” She looked back up and saw he was standing closer. She could feel the magic waver. Any more and her hare would disappear. Focus! “I like your patronus. It fits you.”

Luna couldn’t help but smile at that, and before she knew it, with a wispy flicker, the hare disappeared.
“You… you have to keep focused…” she explained at his surprised expression. “Why don’t you try?”

He stilled at that and Luna thought he looked nervous. She gave him an encouraging smile.
“Come one, just try it. Hardly anyone gets it the first time.”

He gave a brief nod and walked further into the classroom, drawing out his wand. Squaring his shoulders, he fixed his gaze to the rounded window.

“Think of a happy memory.” Luna told him softly and he closed his eyes briefly, obviously listening to her. When he opened his eyes again, she couldn’t help but hold her breath.

“Expecto Patronum.” He said clearly and with a flick on his wand, it started to emanate a familiar blue silvery fog, forming into a shield. She beamed at him when he caught her eye, obviously pleased.

“That is wonderful Blaise and for your first go as well!”
“I was hoping for something more… but glad it’s working.”
“This is a great first step. Not many manage this. You’ll just need some practice and time to think about the memory and more importantly, the feeling you want to channel.” He gave a grin.
“I’ll try again.”

They spent the next hour in the classroom as Blaise kept trying the charm. Luna summoned her Hare several times more for guidance. But while his spell kept getting strong, it hadn’t formed into a corporal patronus yet. Luna decided then that it was time to go before he got frustrated.
“We can try again soon.” She told her earnestly, and he smiled at her.
“Thank you for the lesson Professor Lovegood.” He gave her a mocking bow.

Then he walked her straight to the Ravenclaw Common Room entrance.
“Goodnight Luna.” He said grinning.
“Goodnight Blaise. You were marvellous.”
“Oh, I know I am.” And with that he winked and left , leaving Luna flushed and stammering at the bronze Eagle knocker.

There was however, no time to practice anymore. While her exams came and went easily enough, everything changed when Luna felt the DA Galleon change. She had been summoned. Something bad was going to happen, she could feel it.

Chapter Text

Blaise knew the moment he woke up that night, that something was wrong. A cloud of dread swirled around him and he felt disoriented in the dark room. As he scrambled out of bed and found a sweater to pull on, he saw Malfoy’s bed was empty. The emerald curtains were drawn back, the bed still in pristine condition. The hair on the back of his neck started to rise and he registered noises coming from somewhere.

Beside him, Nott too had woken up. It was still relatively early, just shy of midnight, and already his friend looked completely dishevelled, as if woken from a deep sleep. His chestnut curly hair sticking out at every angle and his hazel eyes were glazed over.
“What’s… going on?” Came the confused and slow question. No movement or sound from Crabbe and Goyle.

Blaise had managed to pull on a pair of jeans and stuffed his wand in his pocket.
“Don’t know. Off to see. Malfoy’s gone.”
And he made his way out of the dormitory and into the Common Room, where more students had started to gather. Several apprehensive glances were made at the Entrance way and the ceiling from where now clearly sounds of an altercation was heard. Before he was even aware of it, he was holding his wand out in front of him. Just in case…. For what?

Blaise found Urquhart, who hadn’t bothered to change out of his pyjamas.
“Do you know what’s going on?” Blaise asked but the older boy shook his head.
“No clue. It started with a bang but now the sounds are getting louder. I expect Slughorn at any moment. Parkinson is trying to find Malfoy. As Prefects, they should deal with this.”
“I don’t think she’ll find him.” Blaise said, ignoring Urquhart’s confused look.

“I am going to see what’s happening.” He said and now strode out of the Common Room, ignoring several shouts to stay there. But Blaise knew something was wrong, and he knew he couldn’t rest until he knew what it was.

There were definitely shouts echoing down into the dungeons and the unmistakable grunts and cries made during a duel. Fighting, but by whom? He instantly thought of telling Snape and had just rounded the corner to his old head of house’s office when he saw the door was open and concerned female voices came out. As he heard her dreamy tone, laced with something he had never heard before, Blaise felt his blood run cold. He looked in.

There sat Luna, pale hair billowing around her. Beside was Granger and on the floor an unconscious Professor Flitwick. Snape was nowhere. The bizarre scene made no sense to him. Luna was waving her wand over Flitwick, muttering healing enchantments, but with no results. The tiny Professor didn’t move.
“Lovegood?”

Both girls turned to him, fear and apprehension clear on their faces. Grangers wand aimed directly at him. Seeing him, Luna’s posture immediately softened.
“Blaise.” She stated and he felt a surge of satisfaction, hearing the relief in her voice.
“What’s going on? Who’s fighting?”

Granger gave a disapproving squeak, but Luna gave her head a small shake at her friend.
“It’s alright,” she told Granger first before turning to him. “Professor Flitwick told us and Professor Snape there are Death Eaters in the school. Professor Snape went off immediately but Professor Flitwick is still unconscious and nothing seems to revive him.”
“Death…. Eaters? Here? At Hogwarts?”

Luna nodded.
“We don’t know how, but they managed to get into the castle. We called the Order and the rest is fighting.” She turned to Granger, who kept giving him accusing stares. “Hermione, I’ll watch over Professor Flitwick for now. You go help Ginny, Ron and Neville. Maybe Harry has returned…”

For a second, Blaise thought Granger would protest, but she held back whatever swirled through her mind and ran out of the office, wand drawn. Luna meanwhile focused her attention back on the unconscious Professor. Blaise knelt beside her.
“How is he?” He asked her softly.
“His breathing is fine and steady. No apparent wounds, but whatever I try, I can’t wake him. Snape must have used a curse…”
“Why would Professor Snape stun him? I heard Professor Flitwick was a duelling champion. If there are Death Eaters here… we need him.”

Luna gave a defeated sigh.
“I don’t know… but I do know we have to get him to Madame Pomfrey.” She looked at him with her enchanting luminous eyes. “Will you help me?”
“Of course, what can I do?”
“Make sure I stay focused and don’t… bump into anything…” Blaise was about to ask what she meant by that, when she cast a spell.
“Levicorpus!” As light as a feather, Flitwick started to levitate from the ground. Bewildered Blaise looked at her determined face. So… that was the plan… and he followed her as she started to leave the dungeons, Flitwick bobbing in front of them.

They rounded a corner and Blaise instantly reacted to a stunning curse coming their way. He pulled Luna back around a pillar, Flitwick’s body followed. With his own wand, Blaise cast the Protego charm to block anything else coming their way, before he even dared to look back.

The entrance hall was filled with debris, rubies from the Gryffindor hourglass scattered like blood drops. He saw two Death Eaters, seemingly brother and sister, taking on three adults. He realised they were part of the Order members Luna had mentioned. The curse that had come their way now seemed a random projectile rather than an attack. But there was no way they could pass the fight safely. As he looked towards the stairs, he saw even more destruction. He grabbed Luna’s wrist.
“Come on, I know a passage. It’s too dangerous here. Stay close to me.”

She made no protest for which he was grateful. Instead she remained calm and determined, diligently caring for her Head of House. He led the way, checking every corner and covering her back when necessary. They narrowly avoided detection by the werewolf Fenrir Greyback, as they slid along a wet corridor. Blaise later realised it had been blood. He pushed that thought out of his mind, just as he ignored the cries and shrieks that seemed to come from every angle. Suddenly he heard Professor Snape above the noise.

“It’s over, time to go!”

He nearly turned to the familiar voice but forced himself to travel on. They were close now. They passed some bewildered students in the hallway. One seemed to recognise Luna.

“Luna? What’s going on? We heard there’s a Dark Mark…” the boy immediately stopped when he saw Flitwick.
“Don’t worry Colin, he’s only stunned. We’re bringing him to the hospital wing. Stay here okay? There’s fighting going on!”
Before she could continue, Blaise once again took hold of her, and started to drag them along the last flights of stairs. They could talk later. First safety was important.

The hospital was already a buzz with activity. Madame Pomfrey gave them one glance and paled slightly as she saw Professor Flitwick.
“My goodness Lovegood… eh Mr Zabini? What happened?”
“Professor Flitwick was stunned but I can’t wake him.”
Apparently dismissing the strange scene, the matron cut to the essentials.
“Right. You’ve done well to bring him here. It’s chaos. Carefully place him on the bed there, yes that’s right. Perfect. Now go sit over there, both of you. There’s a Pepper-Up potion. Bottoms up for both of you.”

They did what she told them, gingerly sitting beside each other, allowing themselves some time to truly asses the situation. Blaise poured them both a glass of the potion. He checked her over as he handed her a glass. Thankfully she didn’t appear to be hurt.
“Are you alright?” He asked anyway. She nodded as she accepted the glass.
“Yes, are you too?”
“Yeah…”
“Cheers!” She chirped and clinked their glasses before downing the syrupy liquid in one go. He couldn’t help a grin as he did the same.

As the liquid passed through him, he instantly felt the effects, and realised he had been trembling before. But now he felt warm, elated, confident and quite ready to pull her close to him. He stretched out his arm to do so when she recognised a body in one of the beds.
“Neville!” And without another wasted second, she had jumped up and flown to the another boy. With great reluctance, Blaise followed her.

“Neville? Are you okay?” She asked and his own heart gave a twist as he heard to genuine concern and fear in her voice. Longbottom didn’t answer her, apparently asleep. Several cuts appeared on his face.
“He was brought in a short while ago. He had some injuries but will be fine. I gave him a sleep tonic, helps with the pain.” Madame Pomfrey told her. This seemed to relax Luna and Blaise couldn’t help give her shoulder a quick squeeze.
“Don’t worry Lovegood.”

She gave him a grateful smile while he ignored Madame Pomfrey’s intrigued stare.
“Luna?” It was Professor Flitwick, who finally had awakened
“Professor! Are you alright?”
“Yes, we all are in Poppy’s hands.” He said and Blaise caught a blush on the matron’s cheeks as she busied herself. “She told me you and Mr Zabini brought me here. I wanted to thank both of you. That was very brave of you.” Blaise felt skewered by the wizard’s intense gaze. He managed to nod as Luna told her Head of House what had happened and what they had seen. Which possibly hadn’t been the best idea because now he was determined to get back to his students.

Madame Pomfrey simply looked at them accusingly as she practically forced potions down his throat.
“You are not leaving Filius until you finish those. In fact, had the situation been any different I wouldn’t allow you to leave at all!”

But whatever Flitwick had wanted to protest was cut short when the hospital doors flung open and several people rushed in, carrying a bloodied body between them.
“Poppy, quickly, it’s Bill Weasley. Fenrir had gotten to him.”

Blaise recognised Remus Lupin, his old Defence of the Dark Arts teacher, along with both Weasley siblings and an extremely beautiful girl with pale blonde hair. He recognised her too as the Beauxbatons champion, Fleur Delacour. Who he didn’t recognise was the young man they lifted into a bed and once glance made his stomach turn. He doubted anyone would recognise this Bill guy after this. He heard Luna gasp in horror beside him.
“Oh no, Bill…”

Again the urge to take her into his arms and take her faraway from here filled him. But again, he knew he couldn’t, not now anyway. Ginny Weasley instantly turned as she heard her friend. The girl was visibly relieved to see her.
“Luna! Oh thank Merlin! Hermione said you stayed in Snape’s office… what are you doing here Zabini?”
“I am allowed to be wherever I want to be Weasley.” Blaise retorted frostily.
“Not now, not after this.”
“Ginny, he helped me get Professor Flitwick to the hospital wing.”
“Precisely.” Flitwick answered behind them as he stood and brushed off his robes. “I have to get back. Thank you Poppy!” And strode from the hospital.

They all looked after him and Ginny gave a sigh before turning to her brother.
“Stay with Bill. I saw Harry go after Snape. I am going to see where he is. I’ll tell Hermione to come up.” Ron gave a stiff nod.
“I’ll go too.” Blaise told Luna softly, ignoring the siblings.
“What? Are you sure?”
“Yes, you need to be with… them right now. I am sure Slughorn will be looking for me.”
“Alright, thank you Blaise.”

He merely gave a nod, unable to get anything out and left. He ignored Ginny coming up to him as they both made their way down to the entrance hall. There was still debris and cries and sobs of scared students.
“What are you doing?” She asked him, venom dripping from her voice.
“I really am not in the mood for an interrogation Weasley.”
“I don’t care! You will answer me! What do you want with Luna?”
“Nothing…”
“Don’t lie!”
“Lovegood is able to make friends other people than yourself. You’re not the centre of the universe.”
“Luna is the kindest soul here; she can make friends with anyone but not everyone is able to do the same. Why are you friends with her?”
“I am not trying to use her, if that’s what your thinking. And besides, I don’t think it’s any of your business.”
“It is my business when one of your mates just let Death Eaters into the castle.”
“Malfoy is not my mate…”
“Oh but you know what he did!”
“Merlin, I am not an idiot.”
“That still doesn’t…. What’s going on there?”

They both halted as they saw a group of students gathering in the courtyard, sobs and shrieks filling the air.
They briefly gave each other an apprehensive look before both running towards the scene. As they pushed their way through into the clearing Blaise felt his blood run cold.

There lay Professor Dumbledore, motionless on his back, his arms and legs bend at an awkward angle. His half moon spectacles crooked on his face. He was dead.

A cold fear spread through his body and it suddenly became hard to breathe. Fear clawed its way through his body, paralysing him. He saw Potter appear and crouch down beside the Headmaster, as more and more students started to realise what they were seeing. He knew then that everything would change. Their world would no longer be the same. England was no longer safe.

He heard Weasley make a noise of distress before she moved into the open space. Softly yet firmly she pulled Potter away and led him back inside as Hagrid came in to carry Dumbledore away from the scene.

Blaise felt dazed and numb. The crowd attempted to herd him back inside, but the thought of entering the castle was suffocating. He pulled himself away, breathing hard against one of the castle walls. He wasn’t sure how long he had stood there, when Nott appeared in front of him.

“Zabini? Are you okay mate? I couldn’t find you. I thought… the fighting… well you’re here. Do you need Madame Pomfrey?”
The thought of returning to the hospital wing where Luna was, surrounded by her friends and Order members only seemed to bring more panic.
“No!” He replied rather forcefully, “I… I need fresh air. Cover for me? I’ll be back in an hour… I just need…”
“Don’t worry, I’ll cover for you. Go now, before Slughorn comes up himself.”

And with that Blaise slipped back out of the grand front doors and into the cool dark night. His feet carried him away and a sudden tragic song accompanied him into the forest. The lament of a Phoenix. For whatever reason it made his heart feel a little lighter. He soon found the clearing, moonlight filtering through the tree canopy. The herd of Thestrals was already there, as if waiting for him. They had gotten used to his visits and some even appeared to give a welcoming snort.

He sat down on the central tree stump and waited. One of the teenage Thestrals nestled beside him.
“I didn’t bring anything. If you were a Dementor you could feed on my sadness. I have nothing else.”

The creature didn’t mind and let Blaise pet him. The soothing motion along its neck brought some peace to himself as well. Feeling returned to his limbs. Fear ebbed away slightly. And he gave himself the time to think of a plan. While he never actively supported Dumbledore, he knew the stabilising factor the wizard was. Surely this would allow the Death Eaters to take over anything that mattered? The whispers in the Slytherin Common Room had told him as much.

His mother would have to stay abroad and they would have to follow her. Perhaps Magdalena could attend Beauxbatons or Durmstrang instead? If there would be a war, finishing Hogwarts would be the least of his worries. He would have to keep his head down. As much as he considered Nott his friend, he knew if it came down to it, Nott would have no choice but do what his father wished. And with Malfoy’s betrayal and obvious alignment with Voldemort, he knew that the Death Eaters knew of his existence.
Perhaps the coming days would be ones in which to say goodbye?

He heard her arrive into the clearing and turned. Even dishevelled and obviously distressed she still looked radiant, as if the moon had descended. Her pale hair and eyes shone brightly and he could tell she had been crying. And that tiny piece of information seemed to short circuit in his brain and he lost all sense of control. Two, maybe three strides and then he folded her in his arms, doing what he had been carving to do for so long.

She seemed to mould against him and he heard her sigh of relief as he buried his face into her hair, her scent overwhelming his senses. And then she started to softly shake as she cried. Usually Blaise avoided tears as much as possible but he sensed she needed this release. She was someone that felt incredibly deeply while also keeping a calm and rational mind. He could almost feel honoured that she felt safe enough with him to let go and feel everything. He simply held her tighter.

He lost all feeling of time. How long did they stand like this? Would Nott send out of search party? If he did, he was resolved not to care one bit if anyone discovered them. The wizarding world was now fucked up anyway.

“I… I am sorry… I didn’t come here to cry. But I can’t believe it… Dumbledore… And Bill was hurt so badly…”
“Will he… pull through?”
“Yes… but everything is uncertain… everything Blaise…”
“I know… everything’s going to change now.”

She pushed away lightly to look up at him, and he instantly regretted the loss of contact.
“What will you do? What about your mother?”
“We’ll try to get to Italy as soon as we can, if we still can… What about you and your father?”
“There’s no where else to go. Dad and I can’t just leave. He’s needed with the Quibbler and I am needed with…”
“With Potter.” He finished for her and she gave a resolute nod. He looked at her, trying to commit her entire being to memory. A reluctant smile appeared on her face as she read his thoughts.

“You have chosen your side.” He said softly.
“I don’t think it’s a choice. I am fighting for what’s right. Do you really think it’s a choice?” He shrugged, he wasn’t sure anymore.
“I like that about you.” He told her instead, twisting a strand of luminous hair around his finger, capturing its silky texture. “You’re so determined, so fearless.”
“I am not fearless, but there’s no reason to give into fear. It clouds the mind too much.”
“I am sure it does…”

Questions swirled in the air between them, unanswered… unsure. Words never uttered. But it didn’t matter. His hand found the side of her face, tilting it up meet him.
“I don’t know what will happen now Lovegood…” he said softly, his voice hoarse. “But I do know I want to do this…”

And with that, he closed the space between them and kissed her.

Chapter Text

Dumbledore’s funeral would be both simple yet lavish at the same time. Quite a few students had been picked up and brought back home to their families. However even more families had decided to find rooms in Hogsmeade to attend the funeral. Blaise had expected an owl from his uncle telling him to come home. But he was surprised to find his uncle greeting him on the school grounds the day before. He too had managed to obtain a room at the Three Broomsticks.

“Uncle, what are you doing here? Where is Magdalena?”
“She’s home with Kamil. I think it’s wise to attend this. Do you want to join me?”
“Of course, but I thought we would go to Italy immediately…” Vincenzo Zabini shook his head and lowered his voice.
“No, and I implore you not to speak of it. We don’t know who’s listening. I have to give you something.”

And then he withdrew a pristine letter from his pocket, and Blaise recognised it as a letter from his mother.
“Is she alright?” He asked as he took the letter.
“Yes, but she’s explained all in there. I didn’t trust the owl post system to deliver it to you safely. You can read it later, I however need to unpack and have a meeting with an acquaintance…”

Blaise’s attention was swiftly taken away when he saw Luna cross the school grounds with her father. She was talking animatedly to him and Blaise could see the tall man, with the same wild white blond hair, was listening to her every word. Anyone could see there was a strong bond between them. He watched her disappear from view, a skip in her step, as always, and his mind was instantly brought back to their kiss in the forest.

How she had felt against him, how she had tasted and how soft her lips had felt. Desire to do it again hummed through him. In the forest he had left it with just the one kiss. He could tell it had surprised her, though certainly not unwanted. She had responded eagerly which was threatening to explode his ego. But they had been through enough that night. And so he had held her hand tightly as they made their way back to the castle. And then they had separated and every day since, everything had kept them that way. He had realised quite quickly that the one kiss had made him addicted to her. He wanted her with him, wanted her every second and knew he could kiss her nonstop for days. But he couldn’t. Not yet. And he would make sure he would, what ever the cost.

The fact that neither Nott or Parkinson had asked about her had been some sort of miracle. There was no way he would be able to keep this connection to himself. His heart and mind were in constant war with each other between having her in his arms or protecting her from the Death Eaters that would certainly exploit this weakness.

“Blaise?”

With a start he looked up and saw his uncle staring at him with a look of equal amusement and concern.
“Did someone catch your eye?” Vincenzo tried to look innocent but failed miserably.
“No… what makes you say that?”
“I am quite certain you could have performed a non verbal summoning spell and brought her back here easily with that look alone.”

Blaise felt his cheeks burn, once again thanking his dark complexion to hide the intensity. But the grin on the older man’s face told him he wasn’t hiding a thing.
“So, who is she?”
“Didn’t you have some things to unpack?”
“Ha! Fair enough, I won’t pry… for now!”

And with that his uncle trekked back to Hogsmeade while Blaise found a quiet spot in the Common Room to read his mother’s letter.

My darling son,

I hope my letter finds you well. I know these past days must have been shocking. I am glad to know Vincenzo will be there with you.

I am well, but I don’t want to downplay anything to you. As much as I want to cuddle you and tell you all will be alright as I did when you were young, I can't. While I am safe, I know I am being tracked. Not just me but other British wizards and witches that have tried to escape tracking are quickly disappearing. There is an underground network in place that is hard to understand or predict. I am uncertain how long I can remain in Italy at all.

You are a smart boy and probably understand the situation better than I do, especially in our circles. But for now I want you and Magdalena to stay where you are, so much as it worries me. The rumours I’ve been hearing are that it will get worse before it gets better. It is therefore essential that you keep to our family tradition. I know and trust you will be able to guide Magdalena in this.

I hope to have you in my arms again bambino. I love you both so much.
Keep safe my darling!

Until we see each other again soon!
All my love,
Mummy

He read the letter back twice, feeling a multitude of emotions that he didn’t want to address now, not in a public space anyway. Eventually a melancholy settled over him followed by a feeling of resignation. So be it. He would stay here and keep his family safe if it meant keeping his mother safe too. He recognised that he felt terrified at the prospect but decided to take Luna’s words to heart, there was no need to give into fear. He needed a clear mind. Having circled back to thoughts of her, he desperately wanted to tell her about the letter and about his plans now. If she did remain here, then that was a comfort he didn’t think he deserved. But if so, he would be a moth drawn to her light, clinging to it without an ounce of shame.

Maybe she was back at that the castle? He needed to stretch his legs regardless and he wasn’t sure how much time, if any, they would have tomorrow after the funeral. It was now or never. Purposely he strode through the castle. The clean up and repairs had been finished at remarkable pace, obviously wanting to be done before the funeral. But still in his minds eye, Blaise could see the debris and the blood and hear the screams.

He increased his paced wanting to go somewhere that didn’t hold such horrible memories. He had initially wanted to go towards the Ravenclaw Tower, hoping to catch her in the hallway, but instead he found himself by the library. A nice enclosed space that felt safe. He entered and walked past the high bookcases towards the window seats. He wasn’t even surprised when he found her sitting in their usual spot, an Ancient Runes book open on her lap. She looked up before he uttered a word and promptly took away his breath with a smile.

“I knew you would find me here. I was waiting.” He couldn’t stop the grin on his face hearing that.
“I hope I didn’t make you wait too long.”
“No not at all, this chapter is very interesting.”

He slid into the seat beside her, pressing a quick kiss to her temple.
“You can finish it first. What is it about?”
“It’s about the differences between the Scandinavian runes and those used in Britain. It caused quite a bit of trouble in the 12th century. I think it’s a shame we don’t use runes anymore. They are very magical.”
“You’re almost making me regret not taking Ancient Runes now…”
“Almost?”
“Yes Lovegood, almost. I still prefer modern languages.”
“Fair enough. Give me five minutes.”

He gave her a nod and relaxed beside her, enjoying watching her read. It was a quiet and comfortable scene that nearly made him forget all the troubles around and within him. Absently he started to twirl a strand of her hair around his finger. He enjoyed the little smile that tugged on her lips feeling it. When she was done, she carefully closed the book and leaned back against him.

“How are you feeling Blaise?”
“Right now? I am feeling very well.” And he tightened his arm around her. They hadn’t spoken about the kiss or what it would mean for them, but the gesture felt so natural and right, that Blaise decided not to analyse it. He grinned when he saw her roll her eyes at his response.
“That’s nice, but not what I meant.”
“I know. But to be honest I am not really sure how to feel. I just got a letter from my mum.”
“Oh how is she?”
“She’s fine but obviously with Dumbledore… well it’s become more dangerous, even abroad.”
“So you will be staying here.” She stated so simply it nearly surprised him.
“Yes, you figured that out fast.”

She merely shrugged.
“It is the logical explanation. Especially if you’re unsure how to feel. You don’t like uncertainty.”
“And you do?”
“Not always but I deal with it better.”

He smiled into her hair.
“That’s true. You remind me of a butterfly, always fluttering towards its course without being troubled by the circumstances. Maybe that should be your patronus.”
“Maybe it’s yours.”

At the Blaise laughed. Truly laughed and savoured her own giggles. He had needed a laugh.

“Obviously the prettiest butterfly.” He said slyly, even more amused when she turned seriously thoughtful.
“Or a moth. I think moths are beautiful.”
“Fine, a moth then. What type of moth?”
“Luna moths are magical. And a pretty green colour.”
“Luna moth?” And turned to grin at her, his heart beating happily at seeing the mirth in her eyes. “Now that sounds perfect.” And he kissed her.

It was a softer and lighter kiss than in the forest and yet it managed to light him on fire just the same. And he wanted more. He pulled her closer to him, coaxing her lips with his own and felt her hand curl around his neck. His mind became hazy. More. Closer.

She seemed to read his mind and before he truly knew what hit him, she was kissing him back fiercely. Straightening up to come up to his height. Her other hand snaked its way through his short hair and along the back of his head. The sensations were overwhelming and he groaned. Tentatively she ran her tongue along his lips, which short circuited his barely controlled brain.

His own hand now twisted in her hair and with a small tug he angled her head up and took control of the new position. With his own tongue he gently entered hers and explored her mouth. That made her give a surprised moan that travelled along his spine. Sweet Merlin…

From somewhere in the library came a noise, loud enough to bring them back to the present. With great reluctance, he pulled back to assess and she did the same. There was nothing of interest but it did alert him to the public space they were in. Anyone could see and that couldn’t happen.

He looked back at her, glad to see a blush on her cheeks, proof she was as affected as he was. He blinked to clear his mind.
“I… I am sorry if this is too much…” he managed to utter, suddenly quite desperate to hear that she was okay before he fully flung himself off the cliff that was Luna Lovegood.
“Oh… no… no it’s nice. Very nice.” She said, her dreamy voice sounding even more dazed. “I now understand what Ginny meant. Kissing like this is different.”

The gleeful bubble that had been steadily growing in his chest suddenly popped and his mind screeched to a stand still.
“Different like…what?”
“You know, other kisses. This is very different.” She smiled sweetly, her cheeks still flushed, but Blaise felt his insides grow cold. He had to know even when he didn’t want to.
“You have been kissed before?” She actually laughed, a bubbly giggle, obviously not yet picking up his anxiety.
“Of course. You must have too?”

An image of her entwined with some stranger came into view. He decided to drive the blade deeper into himself.
“Who? Who did you kiss?”
“Rolf. Well he kissed me. Not like this though. Very quick under the mistletoe, not very exciting which is why I asked Ginny…”
“Rolf? Rolf Scamander? He kissed you?”
“Yes, it was a dare in the Common Room… Blaise, are you okay?”

His whole body had stiffened, clenching his first so much, his knuckles turned white. He had always suspected that Scamander had a soft spot for her. The guy was very open with his apparent interest. But he never expected that something actually happened. She would have told him…
“You told me he was your friend.” He wasn’t able to stop the accusing tone in his voice. Luna, however, picked it up and now looked at him with both confusion and concern.

“Yes, we are friends.”
“But you kissed…”
“It was a kiss. It didn’t change anything.”
“Oh didn’t it? And I assume this doesn’t change anything either then?”
“I didn’t say that. It was nothing like this.”
“Oh I am sure…”
“Don’t be sarcastic with me, and stop being so angry. You can’t act as though you haven’t kissed anyone before. Or haven’t you?”

That made him stop for a second, seeing the fury in her eyes. She raised an eyebrow in a silent question. He cleared his throat, his anger now seeping into shame.
“I have.” He replied simply.
“Well, good for you.”
“It’s different with you though…”
“Oh really? What a relief…” She told him coolly and he withheld a wince.

For one moment he thought she would leave, but instead she stayed seated, waiting. He inhaled and exhaled deeply.

“I am sorry. I shouldn’t have reacted that way.” He said finally.
“No you shouldn’t have. You ruined a perfect moment.”

Blaise swallowed his retort that her mention of Scamander had ruined it. That wasn’t helpful. And she thought it had been perfect…
“I don’t like hearing about Scamander.” He told her instead. She looked at him, her eyes regaining their usual curiosity.
“I can understand that.” She told him calmly after taking some time to assess the statement.

He leaned forward, placing his forehead against her own.
“I am sorry.” He repeated softly and she murmured back.
“It’s okay.” Then she looked up at him. “And I guess I am sorry too. That was not a good moment to tell you that.”
Now he laughed again.
“No, not really.”
“I am not really good at these… situations.”
“Neither am I apparently.”

She laughed at that, and the happy feeling returned to him.
“I do have to tell you something Lovegood.”
“What’s that Blaise?”
“I don’t want to be your friend.”

Had he said those words months ago, she would have misunderstood them. But everything was different now, and she gave a cute snort in amusement.
“Good, because neither do I.”

He stared into her opalescent eyes that haunted him in his dreams. He wouldn’t have to be parted from her. What an hour ago had seemed like a sliver of silver lining, now appeared to be the reason his heart kept beating. He would never let her go, whatever the Death Eaters would shoot at him.

“I suppose it’s wise to keep our… not friendship… to ourselves. My friends have enough to worry out as it is.” She said solemnly, but there was a twinkle of mirth in her eyes. He laid a head upon his chest in a dramatic way.
“You wound me! Is this your revenge?”
“Possibly…” but before he could respond, she kissed him again.

The sun had started to set, by the time they made their way out of the library. The air around the castle had turned sombre in preparation for the coming morning. He walked with her towards the Ravenclaw Tower, stopping by the tapestry covered passage way and quickly climbed in.

“I think we should say goodbye now. My uncle will want to apparate back home right after the funeral.” He told her and pulled her close.
“Daddy has booked a port key tomorrow.”
“I forgot to ask, did you have a god day with him?”
“Yes of course. I am glad to spend the summer with him. I know he gets rather lonely when I am gone to school.”
“We will keep in touch. Let me know if you get to do anything fun.”
“Oh I will, though I am sure the wedding will be the highlight.”
“Wedding?”
“Bill and Fleur’s of course. It will be lovely.”
“He will be alright before then?”
“Yes, his healing was slow but I hear it’s getting better. It got rather romantic when you left. Fleur finally convince Mrs Weasley and Ginny about her love for Bill. I’ve been telling Ginny all along she’s was being a bit ridiculous. And then Tonks finally made Remus see the light. He loves her but doesn’t what to pursue her because he’s a werewolf. Also ridiculous. She told me about it this year. Apparently I am easy to talk to.”

He grinned and kissed the top of her nose.
“You are easily to talk to. That’s how you steal people’s hearts.”
“Are you speaking for experience?”
“Of course.” And he was rewarded with a satisfied smile.
“That is a wonderful compliment, thank you.”
“Don’t let it get to your head.”
“I won’t.”
“I know.” And he tightened his embrace before letting her go, after bringing her hand to his lips.

“See you soon Luna, stay safe.”
“You too Blaise.”

It took all his restraint the next morning not to take her in his arms, when he saw her crying silently next to Longbottom as Professor Albus Dumbledore was lain to rest.
As he had predicted, his uncle had planned for their departure soon after the ceremony was over. Walking beside his uncle towards Hogsmeade to apparate, he looked back one more time at the busy school grounds, his eyes finding hers. She gave him a wink. And the sickening feeling of apparition was completely neutralised by the happy somersaults his stomach made.

He landed back on similar green ground, the soothing scent of lavender in the air. But as he looked at the Zabini Estate, and at Magdalena, that once again rushed out to meet him, he knew it would be a very long summer.

Chapter Text

“Luna, my dear, lunch is ready!”

At the sound of her father’s voice, Luna carefully stepped down from the ladder, assessing her painting process on her ceiling.
“Coming dad!” She called back and pushed a strand of hair out of her face as she looked at the faces of her friends, all smiling down at her.

She was very happy with the result. For the past two days she had been busy putting on the final touches and writing the word ‘friends’ over and over in a fine chain of golden paint. She hoped that she would able to invite them over and show them. But if Ginny’s letters were anything to go by, she doubted she would see Harry, Ron and Hermione for a while.

Over the past year both she and Ginny had developed a cryptic way of relating news. That way, if a letter was intercepted, they wouldn’t understand what was being said. Ginny had told her about the mission to get Harry to the Burrow and that he nor Ron and Hermione would be attending Hogwarts next year. This did sadden Luna. It would be a very strange school year without them.

But it would be a strange year regardless. The small amount of news Luna could piece together from the Daily Prophet, the Quibbler, Blaise and of course the Order, it wouldn’t be long now until the Death Eaters took over the Ministry. She tried to keep as positive as she could about the situation and help wherever she could. Ginny’s letter last night had told her Dumbledore had wanted to give Harry the Sword of Gryffindor, which would obviously aid him on his mission, but this had been prevented by Rufus Scrimgeour. It would become their mission then to ensure Harry received it, one way or another.

Before she descended the spiral staircase from her bedroom, she looked back at the easel in the corner of the room and smiled. Even from a distance she was happy with a composition. She was sure Blaise would like it. Just thinking about his make butterflies explode in her stomach. Despite the multitude of letters that had passed between, she couldn’t deny that she missed him.

With Dumbledore’s death, the school year had ended early June instead of the end. And while she enjoyed the extra weeks with her dad, both June and July had crept by. At least she had been able to keep busy painting her bedroom ceiling. But she longed to be back in Blaise’s strong and warm embrace. She had never imagined this is what being in love could feel like. Ginny’s feeling to Harry had given some idea and her father had always been very open and poetics about his love for Pandora, her late mother. But she had never been able to truly understand how someone’s presence could have such an impact, both physically and mentally. And now she could better understand her father’s of loss. She missed Blaise now, after such a short time of knowing him, with love perhaps being too strong a word yet, and she would most likely see him in a month. Losing someone you had loved for so long and deeply would be devastating.

She landed on the kitchen floor, the air filled with the comforting smell of stew and bread as well as her father own brew of tea. Her father had set the table in a dining nook, nestled into one of the rounded windows of the circular house. What might seem odd to others had always felt homely and comforting to her. It had thrilled her to see that the Ravenclaw Tower and dormitory had the same round space and had felt just as great.

She greeted her father and they started their lunch. He had been out in the gardens today and told her all about the different newts he had found.
“We should get ready after lunch. The wedding will start soon. Is your dress ready?”
“Yes all laid out. I will pick a sunflower for decoration.”
Her father nodded encouragingly.
“Yes, good. Good idea, my Luna. It’s good luck to wear yellow and bright colours for a wedding. We need more happiness.” Luna laid a hand on her father’s.
“I am sure Bill and Fleur will appreciate it. I’m excited for you to meet my friends.”
“Me too dear. Although I’ve became quite familiar with their faces.” And he winked playfully.

And so Luna spend the next hour washing the paint from her hair and hands. She had made a bright coloured yellow dress of a light flowing fabric that would twirl well on a dance floor. She gathered part of her hair together with some sparkly pins and choose the biggest and most beautiful sunflower to weave into her hair. She thought she looked very nice.

Her father wore robes of a similar colour that he accessorised with a tassel cap and Death Hallows necklace. His own white blonde hair was rather untameable but added to the bright and happy theme they were going for. As they left the house, Luna took his arm and they apparated to the Burrow.

It was already busy when they arrived with a large white marquee erected on the Burrow ground. A stream of visitors stood outside waiting. Luna looked around eagerly. This was exactly how she imagined Ron’s and Ginny’s home to look like. Rustic, perhaps rough around the edges yet incredibly welcoming. The house and grounds were rather like the Weasley’s, once you got into their sphere, you became part of the family, and she felt instantly at home here. She saw the beautiful garden at the side of the house even with several garden gnomes trying to take their little claws to it. She glanced quickly at the waiting line for the wedding tent.

Her father caught her stare and gave her a little nod.
“Go ahead dear, I am sure it will be a little while. I’ll tell your friends where you are, say hello to the gnomes for me.”
She gave him a beaming smile before moving along the colourful wild borders brimming with butterflies and bees. Several gnomes were hastily buzzing around, knowing if they were spotted they would be flung away.

She passed a pink rose bush, which gave off the most amazing scent. As she bent down to smell the blooms, the gnomes popped up right in front of her, making a snarling sound. But due to its small size, it sounded rather more cute than frightening.
“Hello there, did I disturb you? Such a lovely rose isn’t it?”

It blinked it’s huge eyes, nestled deeply into a knobby head shaped rather like a potato. Perhaps it had never been addressed kindly. Seemingly frozen, Luna reached out a hand above him to caress a bloom close by. She probably should have realised that would be a mistake sooner but with her movement, the gnome moved into self defence. Quickly he jumped forward and sank its little teeth into her other hand before running away.
“Oww!” She inhaled sharply and pulled up her finger to examine the damage.
Thankfully there wasn’t too much see. The puncture wounds weren’t very deep with a tiny amount of blood trickling out. She was more shocked then anything. Which was probably a good strategy for the gnome.

She made her way to the wedding marquee seeing her father was being escorted by Ron and an unfamiliar red haired boy. But as she came closer she saw the expression on his freckled face and grinned. She could recognise that look anywhere.
“Hello, Harry!” The boy gave her a surprised look.
“Er - my name’s Barny.” He said flummoxed. She grinned
“Oh, have you changed that too?”
“How did you know…?”
“Oh just your expression.”

Her father had been talking to an acquaintance, whom him bid farewell before turning to her and Harry. She held up her finger to her father.
“Daddy, look! One of the gnomes actually bit me!” Her father beamed and took her outstretched hand to examine the wound.
“How wonderful. Gnome saliva is enormously beneficial. Luna, my love, if you feel any burgeoning talent today, perhaps an unexpected urge to sing opera or to declaim in Mermish, do not repress it! You may have been gifted by the Gernumblies!”

Ron passed them at that moment and let out a loud snort.
“Ron can laugh,” she told Harry serenely, as he led the to their seats “but my father had done a lot of research on Gernumbli magic.”
“Really? Are you sure you don’t want to put anything on that bite though?”
“Oh, it’s fine,” and she popped her finger in her mouth to stop the bleeding. Human saliva was beneficial too when it came to healing.

Meanwhile, she looked Harry up and down.
“You look smart. I told Daddy most people would probably wear dress robes, but he believes you ought to wear sun colours to a wedding, for luck, you know.”
Harry gave her a kind smile and excused himself to help other guests to their seats.
Soon the marquee was full to bursting. As she chatted happily with her father, she spied Hermione in a lilac dress and gave a little wave. The little bag, dangling around her friend’s wrist seemed to swing heavily. Obviously some sort of extension charm, which required quite a bit of work. Hermione of course was very bright and excellent with charms.

Not long after, the ceremony started as both Bill’s parents and Fleur’s mother entered the marquee, followed by Bill and Charlie, who Luna had only met once. She knew he worked with dragons in Romania, which she admired. Dragons were beautiful creatures.
Then Ginny and Fleur’s little sister entered, both wearing beautiful gold dresses, and Luna thought her friend looked wonderful. With the arrival of the bride and her father, the music swelled. Wearing a simple yet elegant white dress, Fleur was absolutely radiant. Her Veela background, the usually annoyed Ginny and Hermione, now lightened up the space and made everything and everyone look more beautiful. Even Bill looked as if he hadn’t been attacked by Fenrir Greyback.
“Very special Veela magic.” Her father whispered as he clasped her hand tightly. She looked at him and saw he was staring at the bride and groom with a far away expression. She leaned her head on his shoulder and squeezed his hand.
“I know daddy, I know.”

Among applause and music the ceremony ended and as they were instructed to rise, their tables and chairs vanished. As did the marquee canvas, to reveal a sunlit sky and a golden floor appeared as the dance floor.

A few tables reappeared and Luna calmly sat back down as her father went to give Bill and Fleur their present. She was soon joined by Harry, Ron and Hermione.
“Alright if we join you?” Ron asked and she smiled, happy to see her friends again.
“Oh yes! Daddy’s just gone to give Bill and Fleur our present.”
“What is it? A lifetime’s supply of Gurdyroots?”

Harry gave a yelp as if it pain, but Luna was too busy mulling over Ron’s question.
“No, but that would have made a lovely gift. You know how useful they are.”
Ron grinned at that.
“What did you give then?” He asked with more sincerity.
“Daddy made a music box and captured some of the ceremony music so they can always play it. He still has some from his wedding to my mum.”
“That is a very lovely gift. I am sure they’ll love it.”

The band started to play. Bill and Fleur took to floor first, to great applause, after which more witches and wizards joined in to the lovely waltz like tune.
“I like this song.” Luna said and got up to glide along the gold dance floor herself. Of course she had no one to waltz with, but she simply enjoyed the music as she closed her eyes and let the tune lead her. Weddings, she decided, were very nice.

A few songs later, Ginny joined her in the dance floor.
“I am so glad you could come.”
“Me too! Thank you for inviting us. This is my first wedding.”
“Mine too. Did you like it?”
“I did! It has been wonderful. Their love really brightened the ceremony. You make a lovely bridesmaid.”
“Thank you Luna. If I ever marry… will you be my bridesmaid?”
Luna beamed at her best friend.
“Oh I would that!”

They danced and laughed as Ron and Hermione passed them, twirling along the dance floor together.
“About time…” Ginny muttered but Luna could see that she was happy for both her brother and her friend. And she was right. It had taken a very long time, but finally, they seemed to be dancing through life together in the same direction.

After a couple of dances, a blushing Hermione left the dance floor, back towards Harry, while Ron asked them if they wanted some Butterbeers. As he left to get them, there was a commotion and Luna turned to find Viktor Krum storming away from her father. Even from the other side of the dance floor, she could see there had been an argument.

However, before she even had time to contemplate what to do, something large and silvery fell from the canopy onto the dance floor. Luna recognised it immediately as a patronus. It was a lynx and Kingsley Shacklebolt’s deep voice started to come from its mouth.
“The Ministry has fallen. Scrimgeour is dead. They are coming.”

Luna felt her stomach drop as the news, she had been dreading for the past few months, had finally come. There was no time to despair now. She pulled her wand from her hair, once again looking for her father, assessing how fast she could get to him. Panic meanwhile slowly started to breakout, as guests started to scream, run and apparate away as fast as they could.

As the crowd drew apart, several masked figures appeared. Luna felt Ginny lean against her back.
“Ready for this Luna?”
“Always! Protego!” She shouted as Ginny, Remus and Tonks did the same beside them, blasting the figures back. She heard her father call out her name, but knew she couldn’t leave without defending her friends. Deflecting another curse sent by a black clad Death Eater, she heard Ginny’s panicked intake of breath. She turned to see Harry, Ron and Hermione disapparate away. This was it then. Their mission had started and her own mission for now was getting out of this wedding alive.

More guests followed this example until only their core group of Weasley’s, Order Members and Luna and her father remained. Fleur had bid her parents farewell as they gathered Gabrielle and hastily left for safety as Fleur defended them from incoming attacks. Tonks too had been forced by Remus to leave. There has been a desperate, near crazed, look in his eyes that Luna had never seen before. No matter how much the rest of them defended themselves, more Death Eaters seemed to arrive until they finally found themselves captured.

With the help of multiple incarterous spells, she found herself tied up next to Ginny and Fred, defenceless as Death Eaters started their search. It was of course obvious who they were searching for. Harry Potter and any signs of Ron and Hermione. They searched the garden, the grounds and the house, but found only ghoul with Spattergoit which they thankfully thought was Ron, much to Ginny, Fred and George’s glee and Mr and Mrs Weasley’s relief.

Over the next few hours curses were directed their way to get them to talk. Luna became grateful for two things. Umbridge’s horrible school year couldn’t have prepared her better for the near torture interrogation session. And as frustrating as it had been, the trio’s complete silence on their plans, now helped them overcome the questions about their whereabouts.

Finally, after several hours, the Death Eaters appeared to have enough, and left, leaving them to clear up the mess and destruction. Reunited in her father’s arms, he at first was reluctant to stay a second longer than necessary.
“Daddy, I want to help clean up. I am good with those Charms.”

Before her father could respond, Arthur Weasley stood beside them. He had a nasty gash in his face.
“I understand you completely Xenophilius. I can only thank you for your support and defence of us. Your Luna is a bright witch. You must be very proud.”
“I always help those in need and I am proud, but I want to keep my daughter safe. She’s all I have…” and she felt his hand tighten around hers protectively.
“I know.” Arthur said kindly as Ginny joined them.
“I understand too, but daddy, please, just a little while? I can heal that wound for you Mr. Weasley.” Before either man could object, she waved her wand at the wound. “Episkey!” And the loose skin started to stitch itself back together.

Ginny gave her a grin.
“Well done! That has really become a signature of yours. Very useful.”
“So is your Bat Bogey Hex.”
“True, but that’s only useful against Death Eaters or idiots like Smith…”
“Yes, yes, we’ve seen enough examples of that spell to last me a lifetime. I still don’t understand who taught you… It certainly wasn’t me…” Arthur muttered.
“It was mum!” Ginny quipped happily before turning as Bill and Fleur approached too. “You both alright? Blast of a wedding…” they heard Fred laugh and Bill rolled his eyes.
“I should have expected that… but yes we’re fine just a bit shaken up. We got word the Delacour’s are fine.”
“O’ course they are. Those Death Eaters won’t be when I find them. Zey ruined our wedding!” Fleur flicked her silvery blonde hair back. Despite the fighting she still looked immaculate.

Luna stepped forward and clasped her hands in hers, bewildering the new bride.
“I understand you’re upset. But I thought your wedding was beautiful. And at least we’ll never forget it.”
This earned her a throaty chuckle.
“Zat is kind of you to say. Thank you dear Luna. I forgot to tell you zat sunflowers are my favourite flowers.”
Giving her an embrace, Luna was quickly brought back to her father’s side, and she caught Ginny rolling her eyes towards the sky.

“Luna, my love, let’s go home.”
“Alright daddy. Bye everyone. I’ll see you on the train Ginny.”
And with a few more waves, they apparated away.

After cleaning themselves up and getting ready for bed for some well deserved rest, her father gave her one final hug and kissed the crown of her head.
“I am not ashamed to admit how scared I was for you today. I know you have skills, but despite all your adventures, I have never had to see you in danger. You’re my little girl, Luna, and I would do anything to keep you safe.”

She hugged him close.
“I know daddy. I love you.”
“I love you too, my darling.”

Chapter Text

Blaise couldn’t remember how or when he had heard that the Death Eaters had taken over the Ministry. Frankly, he didn’t really care. He had known it would happen sooner than later. The whole wizarding world had simply waited for it to happen.

What he did remember, were the next torturous hours of pure panic. Two letters had brought him into that state. The first from Luna, telling him about her summer plans and her invitation to Ginny Weasley’s brother’s wedding.

The brother being Bill Weasley who he had seen slashed open by Fenrir Greyback. The bride, Fleur Delacour, the part Veela Triwizard Champion. Apparently the Weasley’s had a knack of attracting the weirdest and most special witches and wizards possible. And so of course Luna and her father had been invited too. They were the neighbours after all.

The second letter, this time from Nott, had contained a flippant throw away line about the event, which had it been any other Pureblood family would have resulted in an elaborate celebration. Possibly one where all the Death Eaters were in attendance. Blaise hadn’t thought anything of it, until he heard about the Ministry. Scrimgeour had fled - read died- and Thicknesses would now be Prime Minister. A wonderful puppet for You-Know-Who. They now held all the power, could do anything they wanted. And somewhere in his subconscious, Blaise had made the connection and knew that the wedding was in trouble, as were all the guests, including Luna.

Blaise, who had never prayed before in his life, had simply sunk down on his knees and prayed to anything he could think of, to make sure Luna was safe. Perhaps she hadn’t gone to the wedding after all. Or had left early. Or had defended herself and eliminated a few Death Eaters herself. He wouldn’t mind seeing her edgy and more in tune with her nearly nonexistent darker side.
But nothing calmed him down and as day went into night and back into morning without any word from her, he had expected the worst. Knowing that her death along with so many others everyday, would not be reported on, he found no comfort in the Prophet the next morning.

The paper had only added to his anxiety because large on the front page were new education decrees that the Ministry had ‘long deliberated on’, which was that attendance to Hogwarts would be mandatory to any young Pureblood or proven Halfblood witch or wizard. After Dumbledore’s death many children from muggleborn or halfblood family had already taken it upon themselves to leave. But now their fears had truly been realised. Even for the Purebloods such as Blaise himself, who was not part of the Death Eater circles, couldn’t escape anymore either. Had it not been so frighteningly real, Blaise could have praised the terror strategies. This way they could keep everyone under their thumb.

Even Magdalena understood that this was bad as she snuggled next to him on the living room couch.
“So, I will have to go now?” She asked quietly and it broke Blaise’s heart to hear so much doubt in her voice. Only months ago, the mere mention of Hogwarts had made she excited beyond believe. But now it was different. Everything was different. He held her close.
“Don’t worry Maggie. Hogwarts still remains the best place to study magic and I know you’ll love it. I’ll be there to protect you.”

Their uncle had then come in and told them all about his time at Hogwarts, which Blaise knew was greatly embellished to cheer up his little niece. Just as he started to launch into an hilarious tale about Peeves the Poltergeist, an owl arrived through an open window. Blaise instantly recognised the bird and flew off the couch to meet it. A small single piece of parchment, rolled up neatly was presented to him. He had a hard time focusing on the words on the page, and forced himself to take deep breath’s. He ignored the curious questions from his uncle and sister.

Shaken but fine and safe. There was too much excitement. See you aboard.
⁃ L

At the bottom of the page there was a symbol that looked like an eye and Blaise thought he understand. She was being watched. No more contact for now until back on the Hogwarts Express. But the most important part was that she was alive and safe. And shaken…? Shaken. They had hurt her. He had to resist crumbling the note up and flinging something across the room. Nott had given warning. He had known something would happen. And currently Blaise wasn’t sure he was grateful for the warning or strangle his friend the first moment he got.

“Blaise? Are you okay? Who is the note from?” Magdalena’s voice brought him back as he found her beside him, her large black eyes gazing up at him, full of concern.
“I am fine Maggie. Just some news from a friend. Good news. I needed that.”
This earned him a relieved smile from his sister. He chose to ignore the sceptical stare from his uncle. That would be a conversation for another time.

“Do you have everything for Hogwarts?” He asked later during lunch. Magdalena bite her lip thoughtfully, exchanging looks with Vincenzo and Kamil.
“We got everything before the summer, everything except for a wand…”
“Ah yes… of course…”
“We had hoped perhaps Ollivander would have returned… but no sign of him yet…”
“Well, then we must go and get you another wand.” Blaise stated simply.
“You can’t mean Jimmy Kiddell?” His uncle exclaimed in outrage. “Then she might as well not have a wand.”
“Ollivander disappeared last summer. There will be some kids then that had to get their wands some place else. And this year all of the first years had to do without Ollivander’s too. She’ll manage. Who knew maybe Kiddell finally found a way to get rid op competition?”
“You can’t be serious to go to Diagon Alley now. You’ve read the news! Your mother told you to keep your head down.”
“Yes but also to appear as unfazed by this as anyone in our station. And mother would want Magdalena to be as prepared as she can be. I am surprised you kept this off for so long.”

His uncle didn’t join them for their trip, that Blaise tried to keep as short as possible. Thankful that he had passed his Apparition exams, he brought Magdalena to the practically abandoned Leaky Cauldron, before leading her quickly through the cobbled streets as she nearly ran beside him to keep up. But Magdalena knew now was not the time to linger and complain. She silently and determinedly followed him, her chin high in the air as their mother had taught her. Confidence and haughtiness would safe your life.

While Jimmy Kiddell and his shop had never looked this good, obviously helped by the recent increase in sales, he appeared to be just as anxious as Blaise felt. Nor were Blaise’s comments to his uncle correct. Kiddell was devastated by Ollivander’s disappearance. He did take good take of Magdalena in finding a wand for her. And when she finally held a maple wood wand with unicorn hair core, she beamed and Blaise was happy to see the initial excitement back on her face.

The look of excitement was still there when she stood on the Platform 9 3/4 and hugged her uncle, aunt and cousin goodbye and they gave their best wishes. Blaise hugged them too and spoken quietly with his uncle as Magdalena’s coat was stuffed with some more treats for on the way.
“Let me know whatever you can.”
“I will Blaise, you too. Keep safe and protect Magdalena.”
“Of course I will.”
“I know, I just… you know the signal. Don’t hesitate to use it. We’ll figure something out.”
“You three keep safe too. If they come, give them whatever they want. I don’t need an inheritance.” That made his uncle laugh.
“You’re a Zabini, of course you’d want your inheritance. But I think there will be enough to give to… charity.”
“I’d rather it went to real charity.”

The amber eyes of his uncle’s eyes pierced him now, seemingly seeing anything.
“I know bambino. I’ll see what I can do.” He told Blaise finally and with a final hug, Blaise took his sister’s hand and boarded the scarlet train.

Finding a compartment had never been this easy. The train practically felt deserted. Blaise led them along the corridor.
“It’s not that I don’t want to sit with you Maggie but I think it’s good for you to start making some friends on the train. You might become house mates after all.” Magdalena gave a nervous giggle.
“I am sure I’ll make friends sharing the cannoli Aunty has given me.” Blaise grinned at her.
“Cannoli is the best bribery.”

Then he spotted Nott in the hallway, who looked genuinely happy to see him.
“Zabini! There you are. I was looking for you.”
“I was trying to find Maggie a nice compartment.” At this Magdalena gave a little wave and Nott smiled in recognition.
“But of course, first year! Always very exciting. I have a cousin also starting this year. There might be space for you. Ah there they are.”

And arrived at a compartment with three young girls, all obviously first years. Some Blaise recognised from their siblings. All respectable Pureblood daughters. Not necessarily his first choice but possibly the best introduction Magdalena would need to keep safe. Looking at his sister, he saw a flash of uncertainty cross her face before her little pointed chin was tipped up, and with a goodbye to him, she glided into the compartment and introduced herself. She would be fine. And so he secured her truck for her and left with Nott towards their usual compartment.

Blaise couldn’t help himself from side eyeing every other compartment in the hopes to see a flash of her. His anxiety rose as they passed so many of them, all without Luna. What is something had happened? What if she had never made it on the train in the first place?

Then, just before they reached their usual seats, he saw her. She was sitting with her friends, or at least those that were present, namely Neville Longbottom and Ginny Weasley. There was no sight of Potter, Granger and Weasley. Interesting…
He looked her up and down, his heart rate going into a confusing rollercoaster of relief to find her looking fine, as well as increasing because, Merlin, she looked fine -. The summer sun had paled her hair further while also streaking it with gold. Her pale skin had gotten a pretty flush which made her blue eyes stand out even more. She wore a turquoise dress with a cardigan decorated with a large sunflower pattern. Overal she gave the impression the sun was in their midst, and it took all his self control not to gather her in his arms right then and there. Especially when her eyes found his and she gave an inconspicuous wink. He bit back a grin but was unable to disguise the hunger in his gaze.

The compartment door rattled as Nott opened it, bringing Blaise back to Earth, and he quickly followed his friend. The space was full with other 6 and 7th year Slytherin’s. But unlike other years when there was enough joking and laughter, there now was an eerie silence of anticipation. No one truly knew what to expect this year, yet it was the unspoken rule in the House not to show weakness, even if you were terrified.

They found a seat close to the door, by the window. Parkinson was sitting with the other girls and looked rather pale and upset. As Blaise had expected, Draco Malfoy’s absence was deafening. The train started to move out of the station and soon they were cruising through the green countryside. Although less than in the city, some areas held far too much mist for the summer months. Obviously the work of Dementors.

“So, have a good summer?” Nott asked finally and Blaise wouldn’t resist rolling his eyes at the question, before levelling a hard stare at him.
“Yeah, brilliant. Yours?”
Nott tried to shrug nonchalantly but a blush rising from his neck ruined the effect.
“Alright, managed to get a short internship at Gringotts.”
“Sounds great, how was it?”
“Very interesting. Pretty sure I’ll be able to get into after this year.”

Blaise had to bit back a snarky reply. Because, yeah, if daddy won the war, of course he would get a place. If there still would be enough people to fill Gringotts, was another question. But one look at Nott and Blaise realised his friend was truly excited by the prospect. He couldn’t stop his father from choosing a side and had to live with that too. And so he took pity on him, hoping deep down, Nott could prove to be an ally in the end.
“It’s what you were hoping for. You must be excited?”

And he listened as Nott launched into his tale about his summer’s adventures. Meanwhile the landscape changed as they travelled north and passed the Scottish border.

Suddenly there was a massive jolt and a loud screeching sound as the driver braked the train. There were several screams as they were all pushed into their seats. Finally, they stood still. There was a deadly silence followed by sounds of doors being opened and shut repeatedly.

Blaise pushed himself from his chair and turned to the door, opening it to look out. In the hallway other brave students had started to look out to see what as happening, as was Luna with Weasley and Longbottom. He found her gaze, instantly calmed by the serenity in them. He looked out and saw Death Eaters stride through the hallway, obviously looking in every nook and cranny. No one had to ask for who. Longbottom apparently had seen quite enough and when to stand fully into the narrow space, blocking Blaise’s view.

“Hey, losers!” His confident voice carried throughout the silent train. An effective way to get attention and sure enough, the two Death Eaters in charge abandoned their search to assess Neville.
“He isn’t here.” Longbottom told them sharply. There was no explanation necessary.

For a moment, Blaise thought they would attack him. Apparently Luna and Weasley thought the same when he saw their hands linger by their wands. But then they probably remembered Longbottom’s pristine blood status, and despite his family allegiance, that still seemed to count for something. And so they simply push him aside and searched his compartment extra thoroughly, much to the girl’s amused, as Blaise caught their prideful smiles.

As quick as they arrived, the Death Eaters departed again and the train started to move again.
“Good job Neville. Come on, let’s finish our game.” Ginny said and gave Neville a congratulatory pat on the back. The red head looked back at Luna, who still lingered outside. “You coming Luna?” Then a glare was sent Blaise’s way.
“Yes soon. I think I’ll go change.” And with a bag under her arm, Luna slipped away.

Nott now stood behind Blaise.
“You coming back in too?”
“I am just going to check on Magdalena. Can you get me a Butterbeer when the trolley passes? I’ll be over in a second.” Blaise told him, rather pleased how confident he sounded before he too strode purposely through the hallway.

To make sure no lingering eyes remained, he did quickly look in with Magdalena, who apart from shocked was fine. Then he quickly slipped into one of the changing compartments, hoping he picked the right one. Small hands clenched themselves around his cashmere jumper, bending him down and he couldn’t stop a smirk before she captured his mouth with hers for a searing kiss.

All his fear and anxiety seemed to melt away and he could only focus on one thing, her. One hand found her waist, while the other tangled into her hair, bringing her as close as possible in the tight space. Her back leaned against the wall and he arched her neck softly in order to deep the kiss. He became lost in the pleasure of it all. He finally felt alive again after three months of dullness. She brought colour back to his life. A herd of Hippogriffs would have thundered past them and he wouldn’t have stopped.

Finally, they came back up for air. He leaned against her forehead, amused they were out if breath.
“I missed you.” His voice sounded hoarse.
“I missed you too. I’ve wanted to do that for a while.” He grinned at her.
“I did too but you beat me to it, little minx.”

She giggled, and even in the dark interior, he could see her blush. He took that moment to look her up and down.
“Are you alright?” He whispered. She nodded.
“Yeah, I am fine.”
“Did they… did they hurt you?”
“A bit, but nothing too terrible. They were harsher on Ginny’s and Tonks’ family.”
“I am sorry…”
“It wasn’t your fault Blaise. I guess it was bound to happen.”
“Please Lovegood… Luna… please promise me you won’t put yourself in harms way. I don’t know what Hogwarts is going to be like this year, but I want to make sure you and Magdalena will be okay.”

She lay a hand on his cheek.
“That’s very kind of you Blaise, but I can’t promise you that. Be there for Magdalena, she’s your sister. I can handle myself…”
“No… listen. I know you’re a very capable fighter but…”
“Blaise, please don’t fight me on this. How many Death Eaters have you fought?”
“I… that’s not the point…”
“I know this is going to be hard, and Magdalena and all the other younger students will need our help and protection, no matter what house of status.”
“You know I can’t…”
“I know, and I am not asking you too. Just keep your sister safe.”

He leaned closer to her, breathing in her scent.
“I want to keep you safe too.”
“Can you keep me heart safe for now instead?” The question shocked him and he pulled back slightly to look at her fully. Her serenity was her confidence.
“Of course… if you’re sure?” She smiled at him.
“I am.”
“Alright… I will.” And he kissed her again.

This kiss was shorter and sweet and did nothing to stifle his hunger. But their time was up for now. Before they left, he flicked his wand over them, just to make sure everything was neat and tidy. He took her hand and softly kissed her knuckles.
“Before I go, when will I see you again?”
“Same spot?”
“If we can sure, but what if we can’t?”
“The Room of Requirement then. Just think of the clearing in the forest and you’ll be able to find me.”

He grinned at her.
“You’re brilliant.” She smiled back with obvious glee.
“Thank you.”
“Bye Luna.”
“Bye Blaise.”

And with one final kiss they parted. Blaise made sure to pass by Magdalena once more to be safe, already feeling bad how he was using his sister’s presence to hide away. But he could repent for that later. Thankfully, Nott had become very much engrossed in a game of exploding snap to realise how long he had been gone for. And Blaise found he was rather able to enjoy the rest of the train ride to the castle.

After arriving at Hogsmeade Station however, that happiness disappeared. Gloom draped over the village and castle and they were immediately met by the Carrow siblings. Both were Death Eaters and had been part of the group that attacked the castle last term. They roughly lined everyone up, separating girls from boys and viciously stabbing their wands into their robes to see if they could find anything ‘Forbidden.’

Anything ‘forbidden’ turned out to be mostly Weasley Wizard Wheezes product, for which a student was given a lash on the wrist. Soon more than more student could be heard sobbing from shock and pain.
“What’s this then?”
“A magazine. It’s called the Quibbler. My dad’s the Editor.”
“Your father is mad, that’s what he is!”
“I don’t agree.”

Her usually dreamy voice had changed into a calm yet icy cold tone, and Blaise couldn’t help but arch himself up to be able to see, noticing that many did the same. He saw Ginny Weasley had already been checked, a red mark on her wrist, and was glaring daggers into the back of the Carrow sister’s head. Luna however stood firmly in front of the angry witch, whose face had started to turn violet.

“I don’t care if you agree or not! This,” and she waved the Quibbler violently, “is forbidden!”
“That’s alright, you can take it, I’ve already read it. You might find it interesting.”

It was nearly amusing to watch as the witch nearly recoiled at the possibility of simply glancing at the offending paper. She hurled it into the air and made it catch fire. As the magazine quickly turned to ash, Blaise could hear several exclaims of unfairness around him. Merely months ago, the Quibbler had been seen as a laughing stock, but during the summer, it had proven to be the only accurate source of information, and now appeared invaluable.

“That’s a pity. You ruined the crossword.” Luna stated simply and several around him snickered. Blaise now only felt the anxiety return into his stomach. This was exactly what he had been afraid but. No one could break Luna Lovegood’s spirit, and she knew that too.

“You’ll pity that you’ve come back here with such insolence!” The witch nearly screamed and the sound of two quick lashes, seemed to quiet everyone. Luna didn’t even flinch.
“Is that all?” She asked, nearly coyly.
“Yes, go! Out of my sight!” Carrow sneered and Luna glided away to Ginny, who linked her arm with hers and they both walked towards the Thestral pulled carriages, where Neville stood waiting for them, a grim and determined look on his face. There was no way they would remain silent this year. Two Gryffindor’s had adopted a Ravenclaw, and now all hell would break loose. At least he would be able to protect Magdalena in the Slytherin Common Rooms.

While it had been announced over the summer, it was still a surprise to see Professor Snape, now promoted to Headmaster, sitting in Dumbledore’s old chair. All the returning students still looked rather uncomfortable at the new situation, and therefore avoided looking at the new Headmaster all together, even when he gave his clipped and precise welcoming speech, before the sorting went on its way.

Without the muggleborn children, the group of first years seemed extremely small. At least it meant he could see Magdalena clearly and give her encouraging thumbs up. He saw she looked nervous and yet excited. Of course with the last name Zabini, she had to wait until the end. Finally, she gracefully went up the stairs and let Professor McGonagall place the sorting hat on her dark curls. Seconds passed, which turned into a full two minutes, after which Blaise wasn’t sure if his heart could cope any longer.
He met Luna’s gaze the exact moment the hat finally made its decision.

“Ravenclaw!”

Chapter Text

Hogwarts was indeed very, very different. All the happiness, colours and even magic, seemed to have been sucked away from the grounds and castle. Classes were quiet and the halls carried a sense of foreboding. Defense Against the Dark Arts had simply become the Dark Arts with Alecto Carrow enjoying the free torture sessions she could give.

For the most part, Blaise had tried to keep his head down and watch out for Magdalena as best as he could. There was nothing else he could do. There was no more Quidditch. Even Hogsmeade visits were so heavily guarded by Death Eaters, they might as well be cancelled too.

From the first day of term, the student body had begun a private protest. Obvious gaps were left between students in the Great Hall. Every gap representing a student and friend that had fled, had gone missing, or were confirmed to be dead. Their absence was deafening. Blaise couldn’t help the feeling of guilt pass over him as the differences between the other houses and Slytherin were made starkly obvious this way. He had caught both Magdalena’s and Luna’s eyes the first morning and every morning since.

It was the easiest way to check up on them. The spark that had been in his sister’s eyes had dimmed considerably, despite Luna’s reports that she had settled in well in Ravenclaw House. It was true that most older students had spread protective wings over the first and seconds years. The Carrows especially didn’t like that. Blaise was sure something was going to snap soon, and he resolved that whatever would happen, he would keep Magdalena safe, everything else be damned.

It had become clear too that Luna refused to be protected. He had tried but had quickly been rebuffed by her as well as Weasley and Longbottom. They were planning something. He could see it on their faces. And their protests were anything but subtle, openly recruiting DA members. If his classmates whispers were to be believed about Weasley and Luna, they stood up over for everything. He had himself been present when Longbottom flat out refused to perform the Cruciatus Curse on his classmate Seamus Finnegan. Both were the only two 7th year Gryffindor boys left. Potter was gone, Ron Weasley apparently had Spattergoit, and Dean Thomas had gone on the run, unable to prove his blood status, like so many families. It made Blaise feel sick.

The only time he felt some sort of peace was in the Room of Requirement where he met Luna. The space always appeared as a reflection of the Forbidden Forest clearing. Unfortunately there were no Thestrals to keep hem company.

When he entered that evening, Luna was already there. She rose to meet him and in the two steps it took to take her into his aching arms, he gave her a quick check up. This time there was a light bruise on her cheek, but no bleeding this time, thankfully. They didn’t speak but merely let their bodies do the work. Wrapping his arms protectively around her, he deepened their kiss. He savoured the way her hands felt roaming his body. During their first meetings she has been more tentative with her touch. But there was no hesitation now. It felt amazing that she matched his own desperate need. It became harder and harder to keep any sense of control and not plunge deeper into their desire, because Merlin, he wanted to. His body would remember the feeling of her kisses and caresses on his body for days, fuelling him. Every new touch would be burned on to him mind.

When they came up for air, they had apparently landed on the floor, in between the magical ferns. He pushed himself half up and stared at her, softly reaching out to stroke the bruise on her cheek. She gave a near invisible flinch, but a flinch nonetheless. Rage build inside him. Oh the joy he would feel when her crucio’ed the living daylights out of the Death Eaters that did this to her. For what they did to all of them.

“What happened?” He asked softly and she shrugged nonchalantly as if it was an every day occurrence, which he supposed it was.
“I corrected Carrow’s lecture on muggleborns. He kept insisting on saying mudbloods.”

Blaise suppressed a sigh. He didn’t mind her becoming more of a lioness everyday. But it did bother him that it resulted in bodily harm. He desperately tried to stick to his promise to her and switched topics.
“How is Magdalena?” A smile appeared on Luna’s face.
“She’s doing well. Such a bright little girl. She has made friends with the girls in her dorm. They’ve formed protective group. One of the girl’s uncle’s was murdered last week by Snatchers. Magdalena has been a great comfort to her.”
“And her classes? She hasn’t gotten hurt?”
“No, she has a good head in her shoulders. She keeps quiet. Said you taught her that.”
“Well, I am glad she at least listened to that.” Blaise said, letting the feeling of pride warm him.

Luna hummed softly as she let her hand trial over his chest. Bare chest. He eyed his tie on the floor some distance away. She had obviously worked a few buttons loose. Instantly his skin felt overheated. Her fingertips seared his skin and he couldn’t stop the growl in his throat and saw her bemused smirk. She was starting to learn exactly how to distract him. Distract… He reached out and gripped her wrist to stop her. She blinked her large eyes. He sat up fully, still holding her.

“Tell me, what are you, Weasley and Longbottom planning?” Beneath his fingers, he felt her pulse quicken. “And don’t lie, I can feel it.” He warned when she started to protest. She stiffened now and eyed him wearily, seemingly trying to decide what to say.

“It’s best you don’t know.” She said finally and Blaise was at least grateful she didn’t deny anything.
“Merlin Lovegood… it’s bad isn’t it?” She smiled tightly.
“Depends who you ask.”
“Yes, I figured that. I just…”

He stopped and groaned helplessly, trying to push his frustration and desperation away. This was supposed to be their time. The only place and time he could relax and feel light, and he didn’t want to ruin it. She sensed his dilemma, and lightly kissed his temple as she snuggled next to him. He couldn’t resist pulling her closer. Cradling her to him, even though he quite sure she was doing more of the comforting than he was at the moment.

They lay silently for a while, enjoying the closeness. Their heart rates slowed down and Blaise was able to center himself.
“Don’t tell me then. But promise me you’ll be as careful as you can be, if this is so important.”
“I promise Blaise. And I know you don’t like this, but it’s for the greater good.”
“You’ve become a target. And your dad’s articles aren’t helping. I overheard the Carrow’s discussing it.”
“I know.” She said simply and he felt both pride and helplessness.
“Please keep watch over Magdalena as much as you can. But please don’t drag her into whatever you’re doing. I’ve made my own promises and trying to keep them.”
“I promised I would Blaise, and I don’t break my promises. I am just looking out for her, that’s all.”
“She adores you. You’re all she talks about when I do get to speak to her.” Blaise told her, faking a look of annoyance.

She looked up at him to grin and once again he felt overwhelmed by her brightness. She was the light in the darkness.
“Are you jealous?”
“I am her only brother. Not used to sharing such affection.”

She laughed at that while laying back on his chest, right on his heart.
“I’ve always wanted a sibling. What’s it like?”
“It’s having someone in your life that you love unconditionally. They know things only you can because you were raised by the same person. They can annoy you endlessly too. There is an unspoken agreement that you can tease each other mercilessly but will stop anyone else from doing so.”
“Hmm, that makes sense. It must be nice…”
“It is. But at times like these…”
“The more you love, the more you can lose.”

His breath shook at her deadly accurate statement, cutting straight to his soul.
“Yes… yes exactly.”
“Don’t worry Blaise, I’ll keep Magdalena out of trouble.”

He rolled her further on top of him. The spark in her eyes travelled straight down his body.
“Thank you.” He said and capture her lips once again. His hand weaving into her hair and pulling her closer. He never wanted to let her go.

The memory of their last embrace remained with him for the next nights and days and had kept him afloat, until he was dragged back under. The trio’s plan had failed miserably and they awaited punishment. Sick with terror he had seen them shepherd out by Professor Snape, the Carrows grinning like fools, as they disappeared into the Forest.

His terror morphed into anger as the hours crawled passed. What the actual fuck had they been thinking, trying to steal the Sword of Gryffindor? What sort of stupid, ridiculous and frankly, suicidal plan had it been? Sure, they would get a round of applause from the student body, but also receive the wrath of the Death Eaters. What would be a repercussions for the rest of them after this outright sign of rebellion? It didn’t help that he had heard from Nott that Carrow had decided to demonstrate a multitude of curses on a first years class. Thankfully not Magdalena’s, but he knew it was only a matter of time.

This time he arrived early in the Room of Requirement and started pacing around, which only fuelled his anger. He felt like some caged animal that had been poked and prodded one time too many and was now ready to destroy anything in his path.

The door opened and she had the audacity to glide in, her pale hair dancing behind her. She even smiled. But it immediately fell when she saw his face. He couldn’t move, frozen by all the conflicting emotions inside him.

“Blaise…” She started and he hated the pity he heard. Several more bruises now covered her face and neck, with a red gash on her temple. Her hand was bandaged. He looked at her eyes. She no longer had a dreamy expression that he had adored last year. No, it was very clear now, she had become a soldier in this war and nothing and no one could stop her.

“You don’t care do you?” He stated coolly, nearly delighted by the fact she looked confused. For once he was a step ahead of her rather than the other way around.
“What do you mean? Of course I care.”

He shook his head.
“No Luna, I don’t mean about this fucking mess. I mean, you don’t care to listen to pleas.”
She didn’t reply and he stepped closer towards her.
“Was it fun? Thrilling? Do you feel accomplished?” He asking mockingly, watching her carefully. “No? Hmm, then let me tell you what you’ve accomplished. I can’t even describe the sheer amount of horror and panic I felt as you were marched into the Forest. I expected to see the Dark Mark in the sky at any moment. All while you had promised me to keep safe.”

She met his gaze.
“It was fine, we were with Hagrid…” she calmly which made something inside him snap.
“God damn it Luna!” He had never raised his voice before but now couldn’t seem to stop it. He felt himself shake.
“The only thing I saw were the Carrow’s sickening grins. You tried to steal the fucking Sword of Gryffindor, from You-Know-Who’s right hand man. What the fuck were you all thinking?”

It was perhaps even more infuriating at how calm she remained, because of course she did, he thought bitterly.

“Harry needs it.” She said simply. And he saw red.
“And what the fuck is Potter going to do? He’s disappeared while the Death Eaters are roaming the country, killing at will. Sniffing out any resistance while Potter does nothing!”
“He’s on a mission.”
“Oh, marvellous. Do you know where? Do you know why he needs some ancient artefact instead of his bloody wand?”
“I don’t know where…”
“What a comfort it is to hear that not even his smartest friend knows where he is. Meanwhile we are all here being sacrificed!”
“That is exactly why I am fighting Blaise, so that no one should have to die. Harry is doing everything to win this war, and these killings won’t stop until we make it stop. It is worth…”
“Every sacrifice, including yourself. And that is what I mean. You don’t care that your loved ones don’t want you to sacrifice yourself.” Blaise bit back exasperated.

She froze at the same time he did as his words rang back through his own ears.
“You…. You love me?”
“I… I don’t know… I just… you…” he ran a hand over head, now determined not to make eye contact with her. Then he repeated the motion and started to pace around in tight circles trying to keep the panic down. No, it could not be true. Not yet. It was far too early for such feelings. And what if he did? What then?

Blaise nearly jumped out of his skin when she lay a cool hand on his arm. He hadn’t even realised she had closed the distance between them.
“Blaise… please, breathe. You’re panicking. Breathe with me…”
He couldn’t stop the snort from escaping. As if he could breathe without her… fuck.
She ignored him though and started to rub small and surprisingly circles on his arm and… chest? How close was she?

He focused on her. Yeah, she was close, very, very close. His breath hitched. She looked up at him with those eyes. Without any effort she could pull him into their depths. But she told him to breathe. And he wanted to breathe. And he couldn’t breathe when she was this close. He forced himself to take a step back. The loss of contact hurt. He gave her a rye smile.
“I can’t breathe properly if you’re this close sweetheart.”

Despite all the warring emotions swirling around them, he was satisfied to see a blush rise on her cheeks and the hint of humour glitter in her eyes.
“Pity, I seem to breathe beter close to you.”
He couldn’t stop the prideful grin. When did breathing because so…arousing?

Merlin! He took another step back. She smiled and he frowned.
“I am angry with you.” He said and she gave an amused nod.
“Yes, I noticed.”
“I don’t feel you’re taking it seriously.” She schooled the smile from her face.
“I am. Your emotions are important to me. And I understand why you are angry.”
“I don’t like being angry with you.”
“I know Blaise.”
“I don’t love you.”

She gave a small flinch at those words but kept her face calm, her smile dimming but still remaining on her face.
“That’s alright.”
“I can’t, not now.”
“Maybe that’s for the best.”
“Why? Because you are on a suicide mission?”
“Not a suicide mission, but we are at war Blaise, I’ve accepted that.”

They looked at each other, really looked. Unsaid feelings, unsaid fears, everything seemed to rise to the surface. He couldn’t deal with this right now. The fear, the panic. The love. It seemed as if an Amortentia potion had crashed to the floor, and yet he desperately tried to pour the liquid back into the bottle and shove a cork on it, ignoring the leaking cracks. This was too much. She was right. It was war time. He needed to accept it and protect himself, even from her.

He kissed her. It wasn’t frantic but a deep kiss, one to burn into his mind. One to savour when everything went to shit. One he could think about when a killing curse came his way. And the way she responded, he knew she was doing the same. Could he let her go? Would he survive? Hell, he doubted it, but he would remember this kiss forever.

His fingers tangled in her hair as hers gripped his sweater, pulling each other closer. Feeling her body against his. Her scent engulfed his senses. Something sweet. He dragged one hand along her back to her waist and a soft moan escaped her. His control was so close to snapping, so close to throwing every caution to the wind. Fuck it all. Pretend nothing mattered but them both, here, together.

But he couldn’t. It was war. She had chosen a side. She was fighting on that side. And for better or worse he couldn’t throw himself off that same cliff. He pulled back, their breathing rapid. He looked into her eyes before resting his forehead to hers.

They stood like this, eyes closed, simply breathing. Before she rose onto her toes and planted one final sweet kiss on his lips, and left.

Chapter Text

Luna felt as if the flame that had constantly been burning in her chest had gone out. The spark of optimism that she could usually reach so easily and had become second nature to her, was missing. It wasn’t a break up, not really. But right now they couldn’t help each other. And although it was obvious both she and Blaise longed to be together for comfort, it could only last so long.

He wanted to protect his sister. And being in different houses made that all the more difficult. He knew he and his family were being watched. His mother was on the run from Lestrange abroad. And Magdalena was far too young and inexperienced to protect herself. The Carrows liked picking on those that were defenceless. And so Luna understood his insistence on keeping his head down to protect her.

Likewise, whether he liked it or not, he knew she wouldn’t stop fighting. She had committed herself to the cause, and would do anything to help her friends. Blaise didn’t want to see her hurt, and the past weeks had shown that there was no way she could promise that. She would get hurt, and she didn’t mind it either. It was her way of protecting others. To support Harry. To even support her father, who, she could read from smuggled in Quibblers, was still supporting Harry too. She was proud of him for it.

But it meant that their quiet moments together were no more. It wouldn’t be fair to either of them. And while she knew it was the right decision, she missed him terribly.
Glances in the Great Hall and in the hallways to class would break her heart every single time. She longed desperately to touch him again. To feel him against her. To kiss him. And she thought she could see the same desperate need in his obsidian eyes to whenever they would burn into her.

Several times she had found herself in the Room of Requirement, laying between the magical ferns on the forest floor, waiting. Waiting for the door to open and his deep voice to travel through the space. But he never did. Only once did she have a feeling he had been right there… but she would never be able to ask or prove it. It didn’t matter.

She hadn’t even realised how much he had affected her. How much joy she gained from him. Even Ginny seemed to have noticed something was off. Of course, anything could make someone depressed nowadays. The situation was dire. Neville had smuggled in a radio to follow Potter Watch and would relay the news to them. Good news was scarce. Just names and names of those dead or missing. It seemed an endless stream.

It did relight another fire in her. Emotions that usually didn’t rule her but now seemed to get the upper hand. Rebellion. Fury. Anger. Determination. She had always seen herself as a balanced person in tune and in control of her feelings. Or rather, she accepted her feelings and let them play out without taking over her mind. But now that seemed impossible. It was both empowering and overwhelming.

But ever since their last meeting in October, now time seemed to crawl by. November had appeared endless. Now halfway through December, there was hardly any joy to excite them for the Christmas holidays. Instead, everyday seemed another battle, standing up against the ruthlessness of the Carrow’s.

Of course the other teachers helped too, protecting them whenever they could. But emboldened by Neville, Ginny and herself, more and more students started to rebel. Even some of her house mates. Michael Corner for example was adamant to protect the younger students. They often got together in the evenings to check with the other students, to check if everyone was alright.

She stepped through the arched entryway into the Common Room after answering the bronze eagle’s riddle correctly. Looking around, she already spotted Michael speaking with a group of first years. She went to them and was immediately greeted by Magdalena, Blaise’s younger sister. She had promised Blaise to look out for her, and she had, forming a relationship with the younger girl. Looking into the girl’s dark eyes always brought a jolt to her stomach as they were the same dark eyes like her brother’s. Of course Magdalena didn’t know the extend of her relationship with Blaise. While she knew Magdalena spoke about her to Blaise, they never said they were friends. It seemed easier to keep the young girl a bit more in the dark than either really wanted. It was safer for her.

Nevertheless, Magdalena had latched herself onto Luna from day one. She had seen Luna wear her Spectrespecs and was instantly sure she had found an ally in the older girl, much to Blaise’s amusement. And Luna enjoyed her company. Magdalena was a bright and vivacious girl who had the misfortune to start Hogwarts at the worst time. But despite her initial lack of enthousiasm, getting to know her house mates and spending time together had relit her spark and passion for magic. Luna recognised the same quality in herself.

But this also meant she had begun feeling more apprehensive when Magdalena had become interested in all the causes Luna was currently fighting for. It was common knowledge now that she was part of Harry Potter’s inner circle of friends. That she had been part of the now legendary DA. That she had fought at both the Ministry of Magic and during the Battle of the Astronomy Tower. And her stance against the Death Eaters at Hogwarts was also met with staunch support. She enjoyed the encouragement of her classmates but also made sure that the younger students did not get into trouble. Both her and Michael led the resistance from Ravenclaw Tower, with Anthony Goldstein, Terry Boot and Padma Patil, as other DA members helping the cause.

Magdalena, or Maggie as she insisted Luna call her, became more adamant about helping too with every passing day. Luna felt herself grasping at straws to try and dissuade her. It was a conflict that raged within her to let Maggie help with a cause she was so passionate about, or keep her promise to Blaise. Whether they were together or not, she respected Blaise and would never want to break her promise. Maggie was too young to truly understand to consequences of her actions and the tremendous hurt that would follow. The Carrow’s had become more hateful and hurtful as the months passed, and as Christmas approaches they seemed to take pleasure in taking punishments to and over the limit.

“Hey Luna!”
“Hello Maggie. Did you have a good day today?”
The younger girl pulled an amusing face.
“It was alright I guess. The Carrow’s seemed a bit distracted so weren’t as terrible. And Professor McGonagall gave out Christmas toffee. Are you going home for the holidays?”
“I am glad to hear that.” Luna answered calmly but her mind was instantly racing as to what was distracting the death eaters. She stole a glance at Michael but he seemed relatively relaxed. Perhaps no reason to worry after all. She smiled at Magdalena.
“Yes I am going to celebrate with my father. I can’t believe it’s nearly Christmas. Will you go home too?”

Magdalena nodded.
“Yes, Blaise and I will celebrate with our aunt and uncle. Mum’s not able to make it. But first it’s Blaise’s birthday and I still have to get him a gift. I was hoping of finding something in Hogsmeade but…”
“That’s been rather difficult hmm.” Luna answered for her. “Ordering something won’t do. I doubt it will get past security. Why don’t we go to the kitchens the day before we leave and make a nice food basket? Maybe not what you had in mind but it’s something.”
Magdalena beamed at her.
“That’s perfect! Do you think they have peppermint toads?”
“Probably and I’ll ask Pitt’s for some dark chocolate cauldron cakes.”
“Those are his favourite!” Blaise’s sister beamed at her, before her large eyes suddenly narrowed at her.
“Wait, how did you know that?”

Luna was momentarily speechless. In all her excitement she had forgotten to watch her tongue.
“I… well… your brother and I have spoken…”
Magdalena folded her arms together, instantly looking years older.
“About your favourite dessert?” She raised a dark brow and looked so hauntingly like her brother it hurt Luna to look at her. Merlin, she missed him so much!
She tried to come up with some reply, but it felt as if someone had cast a tongue tied curse.
“You and Blaise are hiding something.” Magdalena stated simply, before frowning slightly. “I thought there was something I was missing from the beginning, I am not stupid.”
“You’re not stupid Maggie… I… well Blaise and I have been friends for a while… but we thought it best to keep that to ourselves.”
“Why?”

Luna sighed and pulled the younger girl with her to a quiet corner in one of the elegant window sills. She didn’t want anyone to overhear them. Just to be sure she cast a muffliato spell. Not even a new spell could distract Magdalena this time.
“Well?” She prompted and Luna braced herself, rapidly thinking about what she could say without breaking any of her promises.
“Like I said, your brother and I have been… friends… for a while. But even last year, it wasn’t a good time to share this. You know Blaise does everything to protect you and your family. And I… well you know I am not exactly popular with the Death Eaters…”
“I am old enough not to need Blaise’s protection all the time. And what you’re doing is super cool.” Magdalena countered.
“Maggie… I understand how you feel, but trust me, there is so much you still have to learn. And just because I’ve been fighting doesn’t mean it isn’t dangerous. Very dangerous.”
“Then train me.” She demanded and Luna shook her head.
“No.”
“Why not? You just said it was dangerous. I should be able to protect myself.”
“I made a promise Maggie, and I won’t break it. Besides, I don’t want to put you in more danger either. I am fighting to protect you and the other students.”
“Well, we are friends and don’t hide that. So technically that’s dangerous… why are you and Blaise hiding anything?”

Luna couldn’t help a smile of amusement before turning serious once again. She had to turn this around.
“Yes technically it is dangerous. But we are in the same house. Here, in the Common Room, we are relatively safe. But out there it’s more complicated. Blaise is constantly being watched by the other Slytherin’s. If they found out he and I were friends, he would become a target. You wouldn’t want that right?”
Magdalena’s eyes grew wide once again as she emphatically shook her head, curls flying.
“No of course not!”
“That’s the same reason why Blaise is trying to protect you. He doesn’t want you to become a target either. He knows you’ll be safe here, but can’t do much now that you are in different houses.”

Magdalena stayed silent for a while, turning to look outside. The past few weeks had be dreary. Not just emotionally but also the weather. The constant grey clouds and mist were cold, and now with December rolling around, frost had started to claim the grounds. Luna too looked across the grounds and along the tree line of the forest. She smiled when she saw a Thestral glide above the trees before diving down. She missed the creatures and wondered whether Blaise ever tried to spot them too. Despite everything, she was sure he would like her present.

“I guess I didn’t really see it like that before… or maybe I just didn’t want to…” Magdalena said softly, bringing Luna out of her thoughts. She lay a comforting arm around the girl’s shoulders and brought her in for a hug.
“I am sorry I didn’t say anything sooner about Blaise and I being friends. Had the situation been any different we would have, I promise.”
“I know… Can we still be friends or would that hurt Blaise?”
“We can still be friends. But I can’t involve in the protests. It would hurt you both.”
“I don’t like it. I want to do something.”
“I understand, trust me. But it’s small things that can make a big difference, even if it’s just personal.”
“It’s ironic…” Magdalena muttered darkly.
“What is?”
“Well for the past few months the Carrow’s have been harping about how powerful Purebloods are. But now it’s just limiting. I would rather been half blood or even muggleborn just to be justified to rebel. Or be selfless like you. Isn’t your dad worried about you?”
“My dad is rather a rebel too. All my friends are too… so there is no extra harm in it. But Maggie, you are lucky to be safe and a have family that tries their best to protect each other.”
“I suppose you’re right.”

Luna sprang from her seat and reached out a hand.
“Come on! I might have promised not to get you into trouble. But Michael was part of the DA with me and he is great at protective spells. He’ll teach you to protect yourself.”
Magdalena beamed and took her hand as they strode back to the group.
“My brother must really like you to trust you so much.” She quipped slyly.
“If you say so…” Luna tried to say nonchalantly but felt a blush on her cheeks. She didn’t miss Magdalena’s triumphant look.

A week later, they all readied themselves to get abroad the Hogwarts Express for the Christmas holidays. Luna had finished her gift for Blaise the night before. Pleased she had admired her own work. She had painted Blaise, his back towards the viewer, but clearly illuminated by the moonlight filtering in through the dense forest canopy. Surrounding him were the herd of Thestrals, their milky eyes soft and gleaming, obviously delighted by his presence. She hoped he would realise that she felt the same way. Happy and content in his presence even though people generally perceived her as odd. And their time together in the forest and bonding over the Thestrals were part of her favourite moments ever. The miniature Thestral he had given her still happily pranced along with her, often in one of her dress or skirt pockets. It had approved of the painting too.

All wrapped, she made her way over to the Room of Requirement. She had dropped him a note to meet her there before breakfast that Saturday morning. He hadn’t sent a reply but she had to trust he would come. Shivers of anticipation filled her and she felt nervous. She had rarely felt that way around him, and yet their distance had created a chasm. Her heart beat loudly in her ears as she entered the room, as always decorated like the forest floor.

Blaise wasn’t there yet, and so she placed the painting on the ground and sat next to it, among the soft ferns. She ran her fingers along the delicate frons and felt a wave of melancholy wash over her. How she would miss this place… which was an odd feeling. She could be back here in two weeks. There was no reason to miss it at all.

She tugged on her sleeves nervously. She had opted for a long sleeved red shirt beneath her favourite purple overals. Her father always liked baking dirigible plums in the Christmas pies and so she had taken up the tradition to wear such colours when she went home. Her plum earrings jingled softly, and she tied her hair back in the low ponytail to show them off.

She looked up when she heard the door open and got to her feet. Her heart pounded painfully as she took him in. A sharp emerald sweater clung to his broad shoulders and his legs seemed endless in sleek black trousers. As she took him in fully for the first time in months, she saw his cheekbones were more pronounced and he looked tired. And yet, when their eyes met, she saw heat flood those incredibly dark eyes and look of relief passed his haughty face.

She didn’t know who moved first, or even how but suddenly their limbs were tangled together as their teeth clashed in an uncontrollable kiss. The passion and longing they seemingly both had suppressed for weeks exploded and soon their lips found their original rhythm. His lips and tongue were demanding and hot as she relished the taste of him, hauling him closer to her. Her nails dug into his chest and scalp as his tangled into her own hair and held her hip so tightly she was sure it would leave a mark.

But Merlin, she didn’t care. She needed him, more than anything. That odd feeling of melancholy now morphed into desperation. What if she would never see him again? She wanted him branded on her skin so that his touch would always been with her. His tongue had been busy exploring her mouth until she shifted her mouth, and drew him in to suck on his tongue. A growl so primal escaped his chest and her toes curled in pleasure. Then suddenly he lifted her up, her legs wrapped around his waist. He moved them both until her back hit a tree. He pressed himself closer into her and she gasped as she felt him, all of him, hard against her. It send shocks of pleasure through her as he started to kiss her neck. She whimpered his name in near delirium. But at the sound, his lips suddenly stilled on her skin and he pulled back.

Staring at her, she saw his dark eyes had become glazed with desire, but now, as he blinked, that haze started to disappear. He nearly looked surprised to find their position as it was. She would find it thoroughly amusing if it hadn’t left her frustrated at the abrupt stop of sensations.

“Blaise?” She asked, this time clearer with an annoyingly hit of desperation in her voice. His now piercing eyes studied her face, before softly releasing her from his hold and lowered her to the ground.
“Luna… I… sorry, I kinda lost my… mind…”
She let out a snort, which seemed to surprise him.
“I wasn’t complaining.” She flashed him a smile, which turned even brighter when she could see a darkening of his cheeks. A satisfied smirk tugged at the corners of his mouth.

Then to her disappointment, he took a small step back. Barely inches and yet it felt like a ocean apart. Conflicting feelings roiled inside her until he ran a hand through his short hair. He only made that move when he was nervous. It was endearing. In fairness many things about him were, which was a problem, quite honestly.

He fixed his gaze back on her, the same conflict clear as his eyes kept looking down at her lips.
“As… as much as I would like to continue, I don’t want to maul you against a bloody tree.” His voice was hoarse and she couldn’t stop laughter bubbling out of her.
“Maul? Really” she laughed and was glad when he joined her. The tension eased.
“Devour then.”

She raised a suggestive eyebrow.
“That sounds better.” And then he reached out between them to hold her hand, bringing her knuckles to her lips.
“I… I missed you…” he said simply as his other hand come up to lift a strand of her hair out of her face before caressing her cheek.
“I miss you too.”
“Are you alright?”
“Yes.”
“You sure?”
“Of course. How about you?”
“I’ve been better, but fine in the circumstances…”
“Have you heard from your mother?”
“No, but no news is good news. I saw your fathers recent article…”

Her face lit with pride. It had been a strong piece, clear and factual while also scathing towards the Death Eaters. A voice that was so desperately needed in the avalanche of Death Eater propaganda.

“Yeah, it’s brilliant.” She told him with a grin, which faded when she saw concern etched into his face.
“I’ve been trying to lay low, which is good to overhear… whispers. Luna, they are really pissed off about the article.” He didn’t need to elaborate who they were.

Luna felt a wave of defensiveness come over her.
“Neither I nor my father care who we piss odd, especially not them!”
“No, I know, and I am not trying to tell either of you off. Just… just tell him to look over his shoulder more. The whispers I am hearing aren’t good. And I wanted to let you know…”
“I… I understand. Thank you Blaise, truly.”
She reached on her tiptoes and placed a kiss on his cheek. His arms instantly came around her, and he held her close to him.
She breathed in his scent, calming hearing his heartbeat drum in her ear.

“So… why did you summon me here?” He muttered softly in her ear. She gasped, having completely forgotten about her gift, and also the time. She reached down to his silver watch, a traditional gift for wizards when they turned 17.
“Oh we don’t have much time! I wanted to give you your birthday present.”

She untangled them from their embrace with a pang of reluctance and hurried to grab the wrapped painting. She held it out to him.
“Here! I made it, I hope you like it!” She beamed at him, especially when his look of surprise turned into one she could quite place but knew was positive. Gingerly he took it.
“You made me something?”
“Yes of course! And usually I would love to see you open it, but we really have to go Blaise.”

At this he too took in the time and blanched.
“Yeah, shit. Come on, let’s go!” He took her hand and marched them to the door. Before they went out, he pulled her back into him and gave her one final lingering kiss.
“Thank you Luna. I’ll treasure it. Keep safe during the holidays.”
“You too Blaise! Have a wonderful birthday and Happy Christmas.”
“You too sweetheart. Let’s meet here when we get back.” He winked.

Then with one more kiss, they opened the door and slipped out into the corridor.
“See you on the train.” He said before hurrying back down towards the Slytherin Common Room. She took several stairs at once to get back to the Ravenclaw Tower and was just in time to join the group of students being ushered out towards Hogsmeade station. Both Michael and Magdalena shot her curious looks but she lay a finger on her lips as response. Michael rolled his eyes while Magdalena gave a huff of annoyance but didn’t ask further. They obviously thought it had something to a a Death Eater rebellion. If only they knew…

Thankfully security back on to the train was far more relaxed then when they arrived, and Luna soon found herself settled together with Neville and Ginny in their usually compartment. Blaise had sent her a heated gaze as he passed them to his own compartment.

Ginny eyed her suspiciously.
“What’s going on with you and Zabini?” She asked sharply. Luna felt bad about lying to her best friend but knew that for now it was the better of two evils.
“Nothing, I’ve become friends with his little sister. She a first year.” She replied breezily while rampaging through her bag for the last Quibbler.
“Hmm, if you say so…” Ginny replied but from her tone, Luna knew there would more be questions later.

Thankfully though, she didn’t press it. Instead the three of them got into a heated discussion about where Harry, Ron and Hermione could be right now as the train started it’s journey back south. There had been very little information about their friends. Ironically not even Potter Watch had been able to tell them anything. The only recent news had come from Tonks, who had written Luna bits and pieces about an argument between Harry and Remus. And then their sighting at the Ministry had sparked far more questions than answers. But ever since then, they had disappeared off any radar. Which was probably for the best.

Neville had just launched into a tale about a Christmas dinner with his grandmother and uncle several years ago, when once again the Hogwarts Express came to an abrupt and screeching halt. Unprepared, the trio had been flung across the compartment. Several bangs and shouts started to fill their ringings ears. Hastily they rose to their feet, wands at the ready. The screams and opening of doors was becoming louder.

Neville made it out the compartment first, scanning the situation as Ginny and Luna followed him. He had grown so much in height and his shoulders the past two years, they both had trouble looking past him to assess what was going on. Death Eaters were once again combing through the train, searching.
“Merlin, they must really be desperate to try this again.” Neville scoffed before taking strides in their direction. Ginny danced behind him, obviously itching to send a few well placed hexes their way.

Luna was about to follow suite when she heard Blaise’s voice behind her.
“What’s going on Lovegood?”
She turned and found him and several of his house mates looking at Neville’s back apprehensively.
“Death Eater search.” She replied in the most flippant manner she could manage. Blaise didn’t respond but she saw the myriad of emotions in his eyes.

“Hey, losers! I told you last time, he’s not here!” They heard Neville declare loudly before a curse was cast in response and he was thrown backwards. Ginny screeched.
“How dare you!” And with a wave of her wand several bats assaulted the Death Eater that than cursed Neville. Sounds exploded as the other Death Eaters reacted. Luna started to run towards them but was stopped when a strong hand gripped her upper arm.

“Lovegood, don’t!” Blaise growled, his intense gaze going from her face to the active fighting now happening in the cramped corridor.
“They’re my friends. Let go!” She tugged. His grip didn’t loosen. Suddenly crucio was cried and she quickly looked back. Thankfully Ginny had blocked it. Desperate, Luna pointed her wand at Blaise’s face, which quickly gained a reaction from his classmates, Nott in particular, pushing past two others to come and defend his friend.
“Hey, watch it Lovegood!”

But Luna ignored her, focusing everything on Blaise and his stubborn set jaw.
“Release me Zabini! Now!” He saw that she was completely serious. With a groan, his gasp loosened and she tugged free. With one last glance over her shoulder to him, she started to run to her friends, casting several protego charms their way. But the fight had advanced closer to their compartment, and at the sight of her joining in, the Death Eaters suddenly seemed to stop their attack. One gave her a bone chilling look, one of glee. What was going on?

“Oh I see…” the man drawled, “ trying to protect your little friend. Well that’s not going to work, I have my orders.” He didn’t give them time to settle their confusion and sent two body binding curses at Neville and Ginny. They were too late to react and slumped to the floor. Luna didn’t have time to process that either before the men advanced on her too. Thankfully she was quick and blocked a curse going her way. And another, and another. What was happening?

She receded back down to where Blaise was.
“Hey, what’s the meaning of this?” She heard him call out, worry in his voice, before he snapped. “Nott, let me go!”
She had no time to turn around, to busy blocking the incoming fire. Michael too tried to help, trying to distract one of the Death Eaters.

“Nothing for you to get involved in Zabini. Lovegood needs to be learned a lesson. He thinks he’s untouchable. Well, we of course know he’s not. Isn’t that right little girl?” The Death Eater answered and Luna felt her blood run cool. Her father was in danger.
“What… what are you doing to my father?” She breathed, fighting to keep upright under the onslaught. The man laughed cruelly.
“The real question is, what are we going to do with you?”

The shock of the statement halted her step, making her trip backwards and a sickening smile passed over her attackers, knowing they had won.
She dimly registered Blaise roaring behind her, her own name ringing in her ears before a curse hit it’s mark and her world enveloped into darkness.

Numb Blaise entered his bedroom. There were so many emotions raging through him, trying to get out, it was a miracle he had managed to relatively control himself in the train and on the ride home, as Magdalena had sobbed quietly.

Now, alone, he was finally able to let go. The first to take over was anger. Rage unlike anything he had felt before, exploded from him. He roared and shouted, first flinging his trunk across the room, soon followed by anything else he could grab on to. He didn’t even recognise the objects he was hurling at the walls, only wanting to hear everything smash and scattered around him, just as his heart had done.

Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! They had her! They took her! Fucking abducted her! His Luna! His beautiful and precious Luna. And he hadn’t been able to protect her.

Shame now overtook the anger as he sat on his bed, head in his hands. He would have done anything, anything to stop them. But he had failed. He had failed her. And now she was gone…

Tears started to stream down his face. He couldn’t remember the last time he had ever cried like this, but he tried to get everything out. All the pain. The worry. His frustration. His desperation. And the fear. He had tried so hard to keep his family safe. Tried to somehow keep her safe too. He had known the Death Eaters would go after Xenophilius Lovegood, especially after his last piece. And while he had warned her, his stupid mind hadn’t even connected that she had become the main target. He was an idiot. Of course she would be a target. She had fought against You-Know-Who and his followers for the past years. One of Harry Potters best friends. And now they had her…

Feeling defeated for one of the first times in his life, Blaise looked around the chaos of his room. He didn’t feel a lick of remorse. He would order the house elves not to clean it. He needed to see this rage for a while longer. It was only then that he noticed his truck, blown open by the force of hitting the wall. There, sticking out was Luna’s gift, shimmering wrapping paper that reminded Blaise of the dress she wore last year. That fateful night when he first truly met her seemed a life time ago.

He hadn’t thought his heart could sink any longer. But he was wrong. His blood ran cold in anticipation as the rest of his body felt leaden. With great effort, he tore away the paper and looked down at Luna’s creation. It knocked the breath from him. It was fine, he practically felt dead anyway.

There, in his lap lay a marvellous scene, a delicately painted scene in the Forbidden Forest, himself in the frame, looking out at Thestral herd at night. With their milky eyes, the creatures were haunting but also graceful and Luna had painted them so realistically, he imagined he could reach out and feel their leathery skin beneath his fingers. While he could only he his back view, she had also captured his awe and calmness as he had gotten to know the herd. Memories of them there together now painfully flooded his mind, before being immediately followed by the quick flicker of fear in her eyes as the Death Eater finally stunned her today.

Quickly he rose, trying to once again rein in him emotions. He had cried enough and his tears wouldn’t lead to anything. Instead he strode over to the wall by his desk, directly opposite his bed. With a few quick wands movements, he finally hampered a nail into the wall and hung her painting there, pride of place.

There he sent out a prayer that she would be okay, before vowing that he would make them pay for everything they did to her, his Luna!

Chapter Text

Slowly Luna started to come awake. She was disoriented and her vision kept spinning and blurring. Every muscle felt sore on a cold and damp stone floor. The left side of her head throbbed. Blinking, she tried to clear her vision, trying to make sense of all the dark walls.

“Ah, welcome back to the world of the living my dear.” A voice, old and fragile, and somehow familiar filled the space in a whisper.

She blinked away before trying to lift herself off the icy ground, which turned to be rather difficult with her hands bound. She felt a hand on her shoulder, which held the same quality as the owners voice, and yet she could also feel its strength.
“Slowly my dear. You’ve been out for a while. They weren’t kind to you when bringing you here.”
She definitely recognised that voice and despite his advice, she spun around to confirm herself. Her head didn’t like the movement, and yet she still managed to gasp as she saw the blurred figure of Garrick Ollivander, the most famous wandmaker is Great Britain.

“Mr…. Mr Ollivander?” Her throat was horribly dry and rough and it barely rose above Ollivander’s own whispers. But she was understandable nonetheless and she thought she saw a spark in his pale grey eyes at her recognition.
“Yes… I am still here. Don’t ask me how.” He said softly, with just a sliver of humour lining his voice. He gasped her upper arm to help her sit up. “Come, there’s a wall here you can lean on.”

They shuffled together until Luna felt her back hit another cold wall. It wasn’t nice to lean against, but at least helped her sit up and assess her surroundings. The dark vaulted ceilings came into view. They were in a cellar made dungeon. Ollivander’s cold thin fingers started to run along her bond wrists.
“I found a nail, it might take awhile but gets the job done.” He whispered hoarsely and got to work, plunging a rusted nail through the rope, back and forth.

Luna wasn’t sure how long it took, but eventually she started to feel the rope slacken before falling away completely. Experimentally she wiggled around her fingers, realising that the numb feeling hadn’t just be due to the cold. She breathed through the stinging feeling. Ollivander mean while brushed away perspiration away from his brow with a filthy shirt sleeve. It was obvious he was in very bad shape.

“Have you been kept here since last summer?” She asked him and he gave a sorrowful look.
“For the most part yes… I hardly realised it has been so long. Days start to blur you see.”
“Why did they take you? What did you do wrong in their eyes?”
“It’s nothing I did my dear. I prefer to keep to myself and my family as much as possible. No, it’s about what I know.”
“What do you know?”
“I would rather not tell you. It’s best you don’t know. They won’t be able to use it against you or torture it out of you.”
“I understand. Though I am quite good at handling the cruciatus curse.”

Ollivander looked at her in shock.
“Why would a young person such as yourself have dealt with that horrible magic?”
“Harry Potter is one of my best friends.” She stated simply, not able to resist the proud grin creeping up her face. But immediately tried to dampen it when Ollivander’s face paled even further, resembling ghost far more than man.
“Please… don’t mention him… you don’t know what they’ll do… what he will do…”
“It’s why they took me sir. Because I am friends with Harry and because my dad and I support him. But I would like to know who they are? Where are we?”

Ollivander still looked shaken and obviously haunted by what they had done to him. Luna reached over and took a fragile hand in her own.
“Please sit next to me and tell me anything you are comfortable with.”
He gave her a weary look but did scoot over next to her, against the wall.
“Sharing information is dangerous these days…” he mumbled softly.
“Yes, but these are dangerous times regardless. I’d rather know what I can to prepare and predict than know nothing at all.”
“They have tortured out everything I know I am ashamed to admit.”
“No one would hold you in any lesser regard sir. In fact I think you are very strong. You have persevered for more than a year. Not many will be able to claim the same.”
“That is very kind of you to say, although I have trouble believing it myself.”
“That will come in time.”
“Time… I don’t know how much time I have left. I hope fate will not be as cruel to you. Such young life, full of dreams and aspirations.”
“Surely you have those still?”
“No… nothing…”
“Then I will help you get some dreams back. We have to stay hopeful Mr Ollivander. There’s a lot to be hopeful for. Would you like me to tell you some news.”
“No! Please! I can’t know! The less I know, the better.”
“Alright. Then would you like to share some news with me?”
“I am afraid to. It could be deadly.”
“Please, I am not afraid. And I think they, whoever they are, will care about us sharing information for now.”

He stared at her and she could see the thoughts churning in his mind, like old wheels in a clock. She was quite sure he would decline, which would be alright. She had a feeling they would spend quite some time together. She would try again tomorrow. But then, in a hoarse whisper, Mr Ollivander spoke.
“We are at Malfoy Manor, one of the Death Eaters headquarters.”
Now that piqued her interest.
“Malfoy Manor. Draco’s home?”
“The son? Yes. He’s been here all year. Poor boy. Doesn’t look to good either, neither do his parents.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well… I never expected to be here of course… but being at a Death Eater Headquarters with… him… I expected them to be proud. They have always been a proud folk.”
“Haughty even!” Luna chipped in and the faintest of grins graced Ollivander’s face.
“Yes haughty. But instead there is fear, you can feel and smell it. I expected I would be the only one feeling those emotions. Instead this house is full of it.”
“That is very interesting. Do they not like having You-Know-Who as a guest?”

Ollivander gave a shiver at the name, the haunted look back in his grey eyes.
“I don’t think so. In fact, I don’t think they like having any guests at all.”
“Honestly fascinating. I thought they would see it as a highest honour.”
“Perhaps they did once… but not anymore.”
“That might work in our advantage.”
“For what my dear?”
“For staying alive!” He gave her a small smile.
“I am glad for your optimism. I am afraid I haven’t felt that since I arrived here.”
“I understand. But I promise you, there is enough to be hopeful for and I trust we will get through this.”

His gnarled hand reached for her and gave it a soft squeeze.
“Thank you. You remind me of my granddaughter. She is also so full of life.”
He was going to say something else when there came a loud bang, followed by hurried steps and rattling at the iron gate.

Immediately Ollivander started to shake, a panicked look of fear crossing his gaunt face. Luna looked past him only to recognise the small sniffling man fumbling the key in a silver hand. Peter Pettigrew, the man who betrayed Harry’s parents and framed Sirius Black. How interesting that he was here.

“You’re finally up. There’s a welcoming committee waiting for you miss Lovegood. You’re lucky tonight Ollivander, we won’t require you.” Pettigrew said, disdain clear on his face as he drew closer, his wand clasped tightly in his sleek hand. He obviously felt superior in their presence, a weak Ollivander and teenage girl. If only she had her wand with her. At least she still had her mind. Before he could give an order, Luna braced herself up right, pushing past the blackness surrounding her vision at the sudden exertion. She caught Ollivander’s eye and gave him a small smile. He returned it and among the fear, she was proud to see admiration in his gaze.

Pushing her tangled mane out of her face she gave Pettigrew a challenging look.
“Shall we go then?”
It was obvious he hadn’t expected that. She wasn’t crying nor showed her weakness. This was a mental game and she was always rather good at those.

With a flick of his wand, her hands were shackled together with an end for him to pull. He gave a tug.
“Come on.” And walked her out of the cellar though his walk was far less confident than it had been coming in. Good.
They ascended steps until they reached a large foyer. Black and white marble slabs covered the floor with more tiles adding decoration. The ceiling were tall with magnificent chandeliers and dark panelling framed the space. And yet for all the splendour it felt cold, empty and grey. Nothing like the luxury she had expected from the Malfoy Estate.

She was dragged to another room, surprised to enter a fancy dining room with long dark wooden table and large fireplace. Several people dressed in black robes sat at the table along with the Malfoy family. As Ollivander had said, neither Lucius nor Narcissa Malfoy held their usual proud or haughty exterior. Luna hardly recognised Draco Malfoy, who stared at her in shock with large silver eyes. He looked both too old and too young all at once.

“Hello Draco. Good to see you again!” She quipped into the space. Everyone stared at her in stoney silence before turning to Draco who gaped.
“Draco? Why is this blood traitor addressing you?” A high voice said and Luna saw Bellatrix Lestrange entering the dining room from another door. She was the only one who seemed genuinely content, a happiness radiating off her as she sauntered over to her nephew, her wand twirling in her mass of black curls. Yet her deep set dark eyes fixed on Luna. She supposed to ought to feel fear. This woman was a maniac. You-Know-Who’s right hand and a killer. She had tortured Neville’s parents into insanity. Knowing that, Luna only felt a deep seated hatred towards the witch, and that was an emotion she didn’t feel often.

“I… I don’t know…” Draco gave a stammer, he too still staring at her in shock. And there was something else Luna thought she saw. Was it a plea? Was he afraid… for her?
“The… ah.. prisoner is awake…” Pettigrew mumbled stupidly behind her.
“Yes, we can see that. Take her to the tea room. We are going to have a lovely chat about your father and you are going to tell me all about where Potter is.”
“Oh I don’t know where Harry is. Glad to hear you don’t either.” Luna retorted breezily, even managing to give Bellatrix a smile.

Bellatrix’s face instantly contorted in rage and with flick of her wand, Luna felt an invisible hand strike her core, making her fly backwards and hitting a wall. She gritted her teeth together not to groan in pain. As she opened her eyes, Bellatrix was hovering above her slumped frame.
“We will see about that!” The witch shrieked and grabbed a handful of her long hair, yanking her up. This time she couldn’t stop the yelp of pain.
“Exactly, it will be a wonderful conversation.” Bellatrix said as if in response, and vanished the shackles. “We won’t be needing those. Unlike you, Wormtail, I can control my prisoners.”

And with some more yanks, she dragged Luna away from the room, though not before Luna was able to give Draco a final smile. Maybe he could tell her if Blaise was alright.

The tea room would in ordinary circumstances been very lovely. But now here too everything seemed drab. There was broken furniture strewn around as if a fight had taken place not too long ago. There was even some blood on the carpet. Maybe that was why Narcissa Malfoy looked so unhappy. Her whole interior seemed destroyed, and Luna always got the impression Narcissa Malfoy loved beautiful things. Nothing in here was truly that anymore.

As soon as the door was shut behind them, Bellatrix started her assault, firing curse after curse while drowned her in questions. Where was Harry? Where were his friends? What was her father thinking? Did he think he could continue his writing? Where was he hiding Harry? She even asked about the whereabouts of some of her other friends that had gone into hiding. Luna tried to fix her mind as she had done during the interrogation after Bill and Fleur’s wedding. It helped to distract her from some of the pain.

“Crucio!” Bellatrix cried again and she tried to push past the awful stabbing pain. She didn’t want to think about how long she had cursed Neville’s parents for them to loose their minds.
“Come on, speak silly girl! You thought you could address my nephew, you filthy blood traitor! You can speak to me now. Where is Potter?”
“I… don’t… know…”
“Why? Did he not think you important enough?”

That somehow gave Luna pause. It had driven Ginny mad that Harry, Ron and Hermione hadn’t shared their whereabouts with them. They had said nothing to anyone. Not even to Remus when he had visited them in Grimmauld Place. No, it had nothing to do with importance. But it was their mission, and in a way, this would keep the rest of them safe. From what though? It had to do with You-Know-Who’s defeat. That’s why there as a small group of people who knew. More people would lead to danger and exposure, even unwillingly.

Knowledge! Harry’s mission was about knowledge he had. Perhaps the very reason why they had been torturing poor Mr. Ollivander for the past year. The reason why they were torturing her now. Had her father known something, perhaps even accidentally?

She barely felt the curse hitting her, so lost in thought. She had ended up on the floor, staring dazedly at a blood stain. Was she bleeding? Coming back to her surroundings, she also felt exhaustion blanket her body.
“Well shall we try again?” Bellatrix hissed and once again yanked her hair, lifting Luna’s head from the ground. “Get up stupid girl.”

Suddenly the door open and Draco appeared. Her vision was hazy, and Luna was sure that she was bleeding, feeling something trickle down her face. There was someone behind Draco although she couldn’t make out who it was.
“Aunt Bella…” Draco started but his aunt screeched in fury.
“What did I tell you about disturbing me Draco?” He gave a small flinch before schooling his features in a near bored expression. His eyes lazily tracked over Luna before he looked back at Bellatrix.
“They have arrived. He is on his way.”

Instantly Bellatrix’s form changed.
“Well then, quickly, get her back downstairs. Find Wormtail and take Nott with you. We don’t need gawkers.”
She ripped her hand and long nails out of Luna’s hair, taking several strands with her. Luna gritted her teeth against the sharp pain, before her head was pushed back to the ground.
“We will have another chat soon.” Bellatrix drawled before whirling out of the room.

Luna lay on the carpet, taking the short moment of silence to gather herself and test her limps. She could still move, nothing appeared to be broken. And she was alive, which not everyone could say after an encounter with Bellatrix Lestrange.
“Stay here, I’ll get Wormtail.” She heard Malfoy say and his shoes rang through on the marble floor outside.

All was silent until she suddenly felt a hand on her shoulder, and nearly jumped out of her skin.
“It’s okay. Can you turn around and get up Lovegood?” Nott’s voice was soft yet hurried.
She gave a nod and bit back a groan as she turned herself on to her back, Nott helping her. Quickly he supported her to sit up. She blinked as her vision blurred. She heard him curse softly.
“You look like shit. Here, quickly before they get back… Episkey!”
There was a tugging sensation on her scalp. So that was where the blood must have been coming from.
“Can’t clean you up, they’ll see. But Merlin Lovegood… what the hell? Did they take you here?”
She could only nod at him, now able to fully look at him. Everyone seemed far older for some reason. Nott always held a boyish charm with his hazel eyes and brown curls. But everything seemed dull, his eyes serious.
“How long have you been here?”
“I… I don’t know…”
“Guessing this whole time then. Merlin…”
“Is he okay?”

She couldn’t stop the question and Nott looked at her silently. She was sure he could see the desperation in her eyes. Then footsteps were back, coming quickly.
“Yes.” He breathed before taking several steps back and stood perfectly stil as Draco and Pettigrew entered the room.

If Draco was surprised seeing her sitting up, he didn’t mention it but looked on bored as Pettigrew shuffled over and started to manoeuvre her back to the dungeon. She decided not to give Nott another look, more for his sake than her own, especially if You-Know-Who was going to be here.

As she descended back down the cold damp steps, everything was running through her mind, waiting to be reflected on. She had learned a lot of useful things that could help her later on. But for now she was content knowing that Blaise was ok and from Bellatrix’s interrogation, so it seemed were the rest of her friends. That gave her hope.

---

The gloom around Hogwarts seemed to have only increased during the Christmas break. Not that the Christmas break had been anything to look forward to. All the happiness and festivities seemed to have been sucked from the world. Which, Theodore Nott, assumed was probably true will all of the Dementors around. The feast at Malfoy Manor had been the only special event, which his father had been ridiculously excited for. Nott wished he could have skipped the whole damned thing. He now understood his classmate Draco’s decline. Having spent one evening in the presences of the Dark Lord was fear inducing enough, especially after you’ve been helping prisoners.

That was another image Nott couldn’t get out of his head. Luna Lovegood, bloodied and limp on the carpet floor. For one horrified second he has thought she was dead. He didn’t know how he would have processed that. Of course he knew people died, even his fellow Hogwarts students. The papers might not mention it, but he heard enough around him to know. But knowing and actually seeing it, were two completely different things. And despite the fact he had warned Blaise about his relationship with the girl, she didn’t deserve this. And so he has helped her up, healing the cut in her head. He had hoped that had his and Blaise’s positions been switched, Blaise would have done the same.

Nott rounded the corner in one of the castle towers and found the man he was looking for, Blaise Zabini. He sat by the window, gloom and sadness seeping from him as he looked over the school grounds. His dark skin had gotten a grey tint, his eyes dull and like seemingly everyone, his face had turned gaunt. After they took Lovegood on the train, Zabini had slipped away into the dark corners of his mind. He appeared to care about nothing at all. Nott had tried his best to keep the Carrow’s from coming after him with his dismissive attitude towards them. Nott had even had brief conversations with Magdalena Zabini. The young girl eyes seemed to follow her older brother everywhere, watching him, assessing if he was okay. He was very obviously not okay.

Nott knew he had to do something. There was no way he was going to let his only friend suffer and become a target. There wasn’t much Nott felt strongly about except loyalty among friends and family. Without taking care of your own, you were nothing.

Zabini didn’t greet him as he sat down opposite him by the window. Merlin, it all was bloody cold here. The only way Nott knew that his friend was aware he was there was the movement of his long legs to give Nott some more room.
“Thanks mate.” He mumbled, still trying ti get used to this new way of communication. He took a deep breath, still unsure how best to share his news, but figured there wasn’t going to be a good way so he decided to start with the most important.
“I saw her. She’s alive.”

His words seemed to travel the small space between them, slowly entering his friend and Nott could practically see the gears in his mind try the grasp what he had said. And then Blaise’s face snapped towards him, a look of utter desperation in his eyes that Nott in any other circumstance would have found pathetic.
“She’s alive…?” Zabini’s deep voice was rough and hoarse.
“Yes.”
“How…? How do you know?”
“I saw her.”
“Where?”
“I can’t tell you that mate.”

Anger flared in his friend’s face.
“Where Nott?” He gritted out and Nott was surprised to see him gripping his wand threateningly. He needed to calm him.
“It’s safer for her if you don’t know, trust me.”

Once again silence settled as Zabini processed his words and Nott was relieved to see his wand lowering. His friend ran a hand through his cropped hair, sighing as some of the cold tension felt his body. He stared out of the window again, questions obviously whirling through his mind. Finally he seemed to settle on one.
“Is she okay?”

Nott couldn’t stop the smile on his face as his friend repeated her exact words. He shrugged his shoulders in response.
“Most wouldn’t be but she’s Lovegood, so she’ll be okay.”
A tiny proud smile lifted Zabini’s face.
“Yeah, she will be.”

Maybe it was Nott’s imagination, but it seemed as if some of the depressing fog around them had lifted.

Chapter Text

Days blurred into weeks and weeks into months at Malfoy Manor. The dungeon was cold and drafty almost to the point that Luna nearly felt glad being brought upstairs for another torture session with Bellatrix. At least the haunted tea room was warm.

To her and Ollivander’s relief, since her arrival, they had seemed to forgotten about their other prisoner, which meant that Ollivander had some time to recover. He was still very weak and fragile and none of the food they were given would help with that but at least mentally he had gotten better. More than once he would praise Luna, convinced that without her, he would not have survived the winter. Luna was glad to know that she had been able to make a difference in his life and their survival. And as battered as her body felt, the fact Bellatrix still summoned her upstairs meant they hadn’t gotten to her father or Harry. And she was able to obtain hope from that fact.

She often thought of her friends. She wondered what Harry, Ron and Hermione were up to. She wondered how Neville and Ginny were faring at Hogwarts. And of course her thoughts went to Blaise, sometimes more often than to her friends. Which had probably helped her survive the cold. Whenever she thought of him, of their last passionate embrace in the Room of Requirement, heat would flood her body, making her tingle all over. If only she could see him, hold him, simply talk to him.

It was difficult to assess how he might be doing. Of course Nott had told her he was doing fine, but that was many weeks ago. And she couldn’t be certain that Nott helping her didn’t have any consequences to him or Blaise. She hoped it didn’t. It was difficult enough to do the right thing in the best of times, and it certainly wasn’t the best of times, not even for Nott. And so to go against his father and help a blood traitor, as Bellatrix liked to refer to her, was a big step. She doubted it was for her, rather for his friendship with Blaise. But regardless, she was grateful. She wasn’t sure how she would have done, had she still had that nasty gash in her head.

Thankfully, the first session with Bellatrix had definitely been the worse and most brutal. Her captor seemed to have decided she was worth more alive than dead. She tried to use her time in the cellar to find any method of escape, despite Mr Ollivander’s insistence he had tried everything. She even tried her hand at Disapparation, but it hadn’t worked. And so it meant that most days were passed with nothing of interest except for the arrival of water and food. It was one of the only ways they were able to judge the time.

They were soon shaken up when there was a commotion above stairs, followed not long after with heavy steps on the cellar stairs. Luna had helped Ollivander rise. Standing up had always presented a stronger front. But they were surprised when two figures were pushed in, one very tall and lanky, the other so short, Luna immediately knew it had to be a goblin or house elf. Both had sunken to the ground close to the door, obviously in pain and exhaustion.

Luna cautiously walked towards them, holding her hands out and speaking as softly as she could so not to frighten them.
“I hope you are alright. My name is Luna. I’ve been here a while and will try to help you.”
She has arrived close enough to make them out. A goblin lay against the wall, cuts and bruises all over him. It was obvious he had been on the run for a while. He eyed her with extreme suspicion with dark beady eyes. But the other figure was so familiar she felt a surge of happiness!
“Dean? Is that you?” He too was battered, scraps over his face and his clothes dirty and worn thin. But his dark eyes and wide grin were instantly recognisable, even now.
“Luna? I can’t believe it! You’re alive!” And before she could stop herself, she knelt down and hugged him!

He obviously hadn’t expected that but soon hugged her back, relief seeming to pass over him. Whether to see her or just have someone familiar and a hug, Luna didn’t care. And then he started to weep, shocks wracking through his tall frame.
Luna started to make soothing circles on his back.
“S… sorry…” he managed to stutter but she held him tighter.
“That’s okay. You’ve been through a lot, I am sure. I am glad to see you too.”

They didn’t speak after that, but just held each other and Luna realised she had needed this too. As much as she was glad for Ollivander’s company, she has done the soothing and now in the strong arms of a friend, there was some comfort too.

She became aware of shuffling beside them and looked up to see Ollivander had joined them, his trusty nail in hand. Both he and the goblin were assessing each other.
“May I assist you Griphook?”
“With what Ollivander?” The goblin eyed the nail wearily.
“It is to cut through any bounds, if you have any.”
“They didn’t need to bind us. There was no chance to escape.”
“I am sorry to hear it.” Ollivander said, his tone far more distant than Luna had ever heard it. It was obvious they at least knew each other too.
“You are still alive.” Griphook stated, lacking emotion.
“Yes, I am, barely. But all due to this young lady.” He said and gestured to Luna. Both she and Dean released each other and Dean beamed at her.
“Blimey Luna! How long have you been here?”
“They snatched me from the Hogwarts Express during Christmas Break. Not sure how long it’s been…”
“It’s March now! That’s a long time…”
“Oh, I didn’t think it had been that long.” Luna looked to Ollivander and gave him a smile. “Means spring should come soon and it will get a bit warmer here.”
Ollivander looked at her affectionately.
“Always the endless optimist. Thank you my dear.”

She turned back to Dean.
“But what happened to you? You’ve been on the run this whole time?”
“Yeah… since the summer, when they issued the decree. I can’t prove anything, never knew my father you see, so figured to make a run for it. Joined a group…” he fell silent, sorrow etched onto his face. Luna reached out to squeeze his hand and saw there was a look of sympathy crossing the goblin’s face.
“Did you travel together sir?” She asked him and this time his dark beady eyes assessed her.
“Yes…” he said finally, “my travel companion Gornuk and I met Dirk Cresswell and travelled together. We met Ted Tonks and Dean here and have been on the run until… we were attacked… Snatchers!” He spit the last word, anger seeping from him.”
“They killed Ted, Dirk and Gornuk.” Dean finished for him, a haunted look on his face and they all fell silent.

Not even Luna was able to say anything. Ted Tonks, Nymphadora Tonks’ dad, was dead. She had met him. He had been a nice and charming man. And now he was gone, having not even met his grandchild yet. Her heart ached for his family. Poor Tonks!
She gave Dean another hug.
“I am sorry you had to go through that. It will take time to heal.”
Dean scoffed miserably.
“From the frying pan and into the fire. I doubt I will last much longer in this place.”
“I’ve been here for months and Mr. Ollivander has been here for over a year. Odds seem good.” He looked at her, despair in his eyes.
“Is it all worth it Luna? Is surviving better choice?”
“Of course it is! We’ve been so strong against him and I know Harry will find a way to defeat him.”
“We’ve been losing a lot of people Luna. Ted and Dirk among them, but so many more…”
“I know. But we’ve won before and we’ll do it again. For good this time.” Griphook made a derisive noise but Luna ignored him.
“Do you really think Harry is alive and has been trying to find something? I haven’t heard anything about him, except for what Ted could tell me.” Dean asked, she could hear the wavering in his voice and so she gave him the most cheerful smile possible.
“I won’t be alive if he wasn’t!”

The four of them found a rhythm together the next few days in the cellar, although four wouldn’t be fully accurate. Griphook tended to isolate himself as much as possible. Luna supposed he felt uncomfortable being locked up, surrounded by wizards, especially having just lost who she supposed was his friend or at least someone of his kind. She could sense it annoyed Dean and Ollivander and so she decided to do most of the interactions. Perhaps her overt enthusiasm and positivity annoyed the goblin even more, but Luna pushed through him. She could kill with kindness if necessary.

But their interactions were cut short when once again commotion came from upstairs. Many footsteps, followed by excited mutters, until Bellatrix’s angry shouting pierced through the floor. Then more screaming followed in a loud male voice.
“No! You can have me, keep me!”
Luna turned towards Dean, who look at her as well, the same question in his eyes. Was that Ron?

Their question was soon answered when heavy footsteps descended and both Harry and Ron were flung into the cellar by Greyback as Hermione’s screams started to ring through. It took Luna a second to truly understand what was going on. She assessed her friends. They looked haggard but in far better condition than Dean and Griphook had been. Both of their hands had been tied too and Ron was desperately struggling against them, shouting Hermione’s name over and over. Harry seemed to be trying to get him to listen.

“Harry? Ron? Is that you?”
They both fell silent, peering into the darkness, obviously not seeing her yet. She tried again, stepping closer.
“Harry? Ron?”
“Luna?”
“Yes, it’s me! Oh no, I didn’t want you to be caught!” She saw Harry’s thoughts process her presence before leaping back into action, as he always did. He was very predictable in that way.
“Luna, can you help us get these robes off?” He asked and she couldn’t help but grin.
“Oh yes, I expect so… there’s an old nail that we use if we need to break anything… just a moment…”

She made her way back to the otherwise of the cellar, where Ollivander was lying and Dean was staring at her curiously. she rummaged around the floor to find the nail, trying to block out Hermione’s screams and Ron’s in return.
“Mr Ollivander, have you got the nail?” She asked him as he stared at the newcomers in a dazed and terrified way. “If you just move over a little bit… I think it was beside the water jug.” And as he complied she saw their only useful tool next to him. She gingerly picked it up and made her way back to her friends. Ron kept yelling and moving around frantically.

“You’ll need to stay still.” She told them calmly as she started to dig through the rope fibres.
Bellatrix’s interrogation continued, something about them finding a sword. Was that the sword of Gryffindor? Had they managed to get it despite her, Ginny and Neville’s failed attempt at getting it for them? The question to ask lay on the tip of her tongue, but Hermione’s answering pleas and Ron’s reaction made her dig the nail into Harry’s wrist. It was hard enough in the dim light of the cellar to see.

“Ron, please stay still. I can’t see what I’m doing-“ She whispered, once again trying to calm him but he cut her off.
“My pocket! In my pocket, there’s a Deluminator, and it’s full of light!”
She stuck the nail firmly into the ropes to secure the nail before deftly trying Ron’s pockets. Her hand found a small, cool metal object. Holding the lighter like object close to inspect it, she flipped the top, and out burst several tiny light orbs that floated into the cellar, flooding the space in light. She had to squeeze her eyes to adjust to it before looking around and for the first time truly seeing her surroundings. Perhaps it had been a blessing in disguise to not been able to truly see Mr Ollivander’s and Griphook’s weak condition. Nor to see all the grime that covered her.

“Oh, that’s much easier! Thanks Ron.” She tried to bring some levity into the situation. At least they could fully see each other. She felt both Harry’s and Dean’s assessing gaze as she got back to work try to loosen the ropes. She caught Dean’s eyes again and gave him a grin, wondering if her own face was as gaunt as his was.
“Hello Dean!”

Her attempts at lightheartedness were immediately cut short as Bellatrix’s shrieking voice came again.
“You are lying, filthy Mudblood, and I know it! You have been inside my vault at Gringotts! Tell the truth! Tell the truth!”
Another one of Hermione’s terrible screams followed as Ron once again bellowed her name.
“What else did you take? What else have you got? Tell me the truth or, I swear, I shall run you through with this knife!”

Right at that moment, Luna felt the rope fall away.
“There.” She stated simply and took a step back. Harry started to rub his wrist while Ron immediately started to run through the cellar, desperately trying to find an escape. unable to find anything, he started to try to Disapparate.
“There’s no way out Ron. The cellar is completely escape-proof. I tried at first. Mr Ollivander has been here for a long time, he’s tried everything.”

Hermione started to scream even more as Bellatrix had seemingly given up the knife and had started to Crucio her. Harry now joined Ron in his desperation to get out and save her. Another scream and Ron broke down sobbing. Luna felt her heart break seeing him like this. She went over to him, crouching down, to lay on hand on his shaking shoulders. He didn’t appear to notice but it was better than nothing.
Harry was beside them and had started to pull out a piece of broken glass out of a pouch around his neck… and started to shout at it…?
“Help us! We’re in the cellar at Malfoy Manor, help us!”

The interrogation continued and Lucius Malfoy’s voice was heard interfering.
“But we can find out easily. Draco, fetch the goblin, he can tell us whether the sword is real or not.”
That those words, Harry wiped around and ran towards Griphook, whispering on his ear.
“Griphook, you must tell them that sword’s a fake, they mustn’t know it’s the real one, Griphook, please…!”

They could hear someone come over to the cellar door before Draco’s shaking voice passed through, and Luna felt sympathy shoot through her.
“Stand back. Line up against the back wall. Don’t try anything, or I’ll kill you!”
She didn’t believe a word he said but they all complied nonetheless. Before he opened the door, Ron clicked the Deluminator to extinguish the lights. Draco strode in, his pale face highlighted in the darkness. Without a word, he grabbed Griphook and dragged him out of the cellar with him.

He slammed the door behind him but the slamming sound was swallowed by another loud crack. Ron’s Deluminator returned the floating orbs to reveal a house elf! Luna blinked but the house elf was still there, staring expectingly at Harry, with large tennis ball eyes.
“DOB-!” Ron’s shout was immediately silenced by Harry.
“Harry Potter, Dobby has come to rescue you.” Dobby, the house elf, squeaked, excitement quivering his voice.
“But how did you…?” Harry started before another one of Hermione’s screams echoed from above. Luna hoped fervently her friend would be okay.

“You can Disapparate out of this cellar?” Harry asked instead, and Dobby nodded. “And you can take humans with you?”
He nodded again and Harry turned to look at Luna.
“Right, Dobby, I want you to grab Luna, Dean and Mr Ollivander, and take them… take them to…”
“Bill and Fleur’s! Shell Cottage on the outskirts of Tinworth!” Ron supplied and Dobby nodded again in understanding.
“And then come back. Can you do that Dobby?”
“Of course Harry Potter.” He squeaked before hurrying over the Ollivander to take hold of his hand. He then stretched out another hand to Luna and Dean.

But they didn’t move.
“Harry, we want to help you!” Luna whispered to Harry.
“We can’t leave you here!” Dean stated resolutely but Harry shook his head.
“Go, both of you! We’ll see you at Bill and Fleur’s!” Then his face crumpled as if hit with something. He gritted his teeth and Luna recognised it as a vision that he could have sometimes.
“Go! Go! We’ll follow, just go!” Harry pressed and with one look at Dean, Luna joined her hands with him and Dobby.
“Whenever you’re ready sir.” She told the elf kindly, unable to stop the anticipation of finally leaving this prison.
“Sir?” Dobby beamed, “I like her very much!” He squeaked and then with a loud crack, they were gone.

Luna felt a sea breeze hit her face, and looking out over a blue horizon, she took her first deep breath in months. Freedom!

----------

Blaise Zabini marched resolutely from the hospital wing back down to the dungeons and towards his common room, hold his head high. He refused to hide the bruise marring his high cheekbone. It was fading rapidly, but not fast enough for other students not to get a good look at when passing him. Of course, being a Slytherin 7th year, they couldn’t be sure how exactly he had gotten it. They didn’t need to know it was in punishment for taking on a first years beating. It had been either him or his sister and her friends. Well, it had been her friends that had acted out enough for the punishment from the Carrow’s, but Blaise knew they wouldn’t be picky in which students to ‘discipline’. And so Blaise had stepped in, resulting a several lashings, one of which, to his face.

Last year, his pride would have weeped at the strike but these past few months had rid him of all of those feelings. Everything felt numb. He hardly even felt pain. Even welcomed the stringing sensation as it was better than nothing.

He entered the Common Room. The usual sounds of excited chatter and laughter had stopped at the start of the year. Now only hushed whispers would greet him, souring the mood entirely. He was sad to admit that the space that had felt like a second home to him, now was depressive. Getting out everyday for class or meals was the only form of release he could find, not that the rest of Hogwarts was any better. Not even the Room of Requirement seemed available anymore. It didn’t matter, it wouldn’t be the same without her anyway.

His heart clenched as he thought of Luna. No day or hour passed without his mind wandering to her. It was driving him insane. Months ago now, Nott had told him she was alive and being held at Malfoy Manor. But ever since that day, nothing more. No snippet of information. No hint about her well-being. Not even a whisper about her demise.

He knew he couldn’t press his friend about it, and Nott’s honest demeanour made it clear he was not being kept in the loop about anything. And so he could only wait and hope with everything he had, that she was alright. He had dumped his tiny Thestral model with Magdalena, needing to rid himself of any reminders of her, just in an effort to stay sane.

“Zabini? Zabini!” There was a rough pulling in his arm and Blaise turned to find Nott trying to get his attention. His friend’s eyes instantly grew as he saw the purple bruise.
“Merlin, mate! What happened to your face?” Blaise was halfway through a shrug before Nott interrupted him.
“Nevermind! Don’t need to know. Come on! Quickly!”

Surprised, Blaise half staggered behind him, apprehensive as Nott dragged him to their dormitory. He quickly glanced inside, checking its occupants before shoving them both inside and locking the door and casting the muffliato charm.

“Nott, what the hell?”
“No time to question me, I’ve got to tell you before those goons come in here!”
“What…?”
“She’s gone! She got out!”

Blaise heard himself suck in a breath as those words and their meaning started to enter his mind.
She was gone. She got out.

“She…. She’s okay?”
“Well, I don’t know. I only know she… and others… got out… out of there…”
“I…. Luna… escaped?”
“Yes.”
“You… you are sure? You’re not…?”
“Yes I am sure and I am not fucking with you mate. I don’t know anything else but that she got out.”

Blaise stared at his friend, who stared back at him unflinchingly with hazel eyes. Nott gave a small shrug.
“I wanted you to know.” He said simply and then Blaise did something he had never done in his life.

He buried his head in his hands and weeped in relief.

Chapter Text

Luna didn’t recognise the young woman staring back at her in the mirror. She supposed it had been a blessing to not see the extent of decline her body had gone through these past months. But she now understood both Harry’s and Dean’s shocked expressions when Ron’s Deluminator had given light on her situation, literally. It had only been after burying Dobby and sipping up a warm cup of broth from Fleur, that she had managed to go into the bathroom to clean herself up.

She had carefully peeled off her clothes and had only caught a glimpse of herself before spending a long while under the hot water, scrubbing every inch of herself until her skin felt raw. Fleur had taken her clothes away to be washed and laid down some of her own clothes for Luna to wear. But standing naked in front of the mirror, she had time to reflect on her condition. The grime had certainly hid part of the damage.

Now two enormous pale blue eyes stared back at her from deep sockets. Her cheeks were gaunt, making her high cheekbones stand out. Her nose too seemed somehow more pronounced. Her skin deathly white with a greyish tint. Her regular slim body, now was skeletal. She reminded herself of a Thestral, which was the only humorous thing she could think off. Her hair was a matted mess of wild white blonde strands and she had tried to shampoo and condition it as much as she could. Combing it would be the next challenge.

She had just slipped on Fleur’s jeans and blue sweater that hung heavy on her shoulders, when there was a knock on the bathroom door. It was Fleur, who looked her up and down. Luna was grateful there was no pity of the woman’s face but rather determination.

“Come on cherie. I will ‘elp you with zat.” She said and led Luna downstairs to the kitchen dining table. Bill was busy stirring soup on the stove, with Dean sitting by the window. He was covered in bandages and was wearing one of Bill’s jumpers. He looked up when they walked in and gave her a small smile. She felt his dark eyes assessing her and was suddenly reminded of Blaise’s dark gaze. It sent a shiver down her spine.

Fleur set her down on a chair and pushed a bowl of soup with a slice of warm bread towards her.
“Eat. We need to get your strength back. I’ll fix thees.” She said and produced an elegant silver brush.

As Luna started to take small spoonfuls of soup, Fleur meticulously started to tackle the tangles in her hair. She was both gentle and firm and tried to make the difficult process as painless as possible. Her own long silver blonde hair cascaded down her back, shimmering in the light. Luna wondered whether this was what having an older sister felt like. As if reading her mind, Fleur started to tell her stories about her sister Gabrielle. Luna particularly enjoyed her recount of a time when a chocolate frog and toffee had tangled themselves in her sister’s hair and Fleur had watched their mother Apolline tried to get all the candy out as her sister sobbed.

Dean, who had remained quiet, watching their process, snickered at this. He had four younger sisters and joined in to tell stories about hair mishaps at muggle schools, most involving bubblegum. And for the first time, in a long time, Luna felt her spirits lighten. It wasn’t the same as the relief she had felt when escaping Malfoy Manor, nor when she had heard that Blaise was alright. No, she actually felt joy bubbling inside her and laughed. It sounded a bit rough to her own ears, but she would treasure that sound nonetheless. Dean, Fleur and Bill joined in her laughter and with it even the kitchen seemed brighter.

Once done, Fleur left to help Hermione and tend to Griphook and Ollivander more thoroughly, while Bill prepared dinner. He extracted as much information as he could from Dean and Luna while giving them grim reports on the state of the wizarding world.
Luna was relieved to hear that Ginny was safe. Her friend, with the rest of her family, had gone into hiding after Easter. There was of course no way to ask about the Zabini family, so instead she tried to discern as much as possible from accounts that Neville managed to get through to the Order. She felt a surge of pride on how he was coping alone at Hogwarts. Gone was the insecure boy that had fumbled his way into becoming her friend. Now his bravery was irreplaceable to the war effort.

Only Harry and Ron joined them for dinner. Hermione, Griphook and Ollivander remained upstairs. Bill and Dean couldn’t hide their annoyance as the other boys refused to go into further detail on what exactly they were doing. But Luna understood they are on a dangerous mission and that had priority over everything else. The less other people knew, the less likely Voldemort would find out. And the less Death Eaters could extract from them. Frustrating yes, but understandable. And so she tried to lighten the conversation, telling them about her adventures at Hogwarts during the first half of the school year and the protests against the Carrow’s. Dean seemed happy to receive at least some news about how Seamus Finnigan had been doing.

Harry, Ron and eventually Hermione all remained tight lipped throughout the next few weeks. It was obvious they were planning something at Gringotts, having several conversations with Griphook and listening mutely to Bill’s warnings.

Ollivander remained bedridden and so Luna and Fleur took turns to aid his recovery and keep him company. Once he had regained some of his strength he had set out to make Luna a new wand. It was a long process, but as much as Luna insisted that it wasn’t necessary, Ollivander was adamant.
“I wouldn’t be here without you, my dear.” He kept saying and so Luna watched in awe as his old hands nimbly craved the wood and inserted its core. A Beech wand, 11 inches, inflexible with a unicorn hair core. Shaped into a whimsical tulip design.

As soon as she held the wand in her hand and golden sparks flew from its tip, she finally felt whole again. She spent the rest of the day in the dunes, practicing her magic. Once the sun had set and darkness started to descend she lay in the grass, twirling the wand in her wand. Luna wondered what would happen if she cast a Patronus charm. Would it be different than her hare? She had never been afraid of change but now she was hesitant. It would be a confirmation that she herself had changed to her core. She knew Tonks’ patronus had changed for her love of Lupin. Luna didn’t believe her feelings for Blaise would be strong enough to warrant it. And in Tonks’ case it had been her sadness and unrequited love initially that had caused the shift.

She took a steadying breath before letting the spell fall from her lips. A silver hare shot from her wand and hopped around her head in the darkening starlit sky. It took a while for her to realise she was crying as she beamed up at it.

Days passed slowly. The house was cramped with all its guests. And so Luna and Dean often ventured outside, breathing the fresh air and gathering firewood. That way they could make themselves helpful. The bubbly Dean that Luna had gotten to know in the D.A. was gone, or at least hidden. He too had seen more than enough during his time on the run. Luna therefore often dove into tales of her childhood and her father. It had been difficult at first after hearing Harry, Ron and Hermione’s recount of how her father had tried to hand Harry over to Voldemort in order to get her back. It hadn’t surprised her as much as she thought it would. Her father had always made it very clear that his loyalties lay with her first and foremost. But she was disappointed and now had to worry about his safety all the more. Ron had suspected they would have brought her father to Azkaban. She wasn’t sure what she hoped because surely that would be an excruciating death sentence for her father?

She launched into happy tales about different creatures and her father al the more. Both her and Dean had gathered driftwood that day on the beach, and entered the dining room where Ron and Hermione were setting the table, Harry bringing in pumpkin juice. This evening Mr Ollivander would leave to Ron and Bill’s aunt Muriel to fully recuperate.
“If you ever come to our house I’ll be able to show you the horn. Daddy wrote me all about it but I haven’t seen it yet.”
“Luna, we told you, that horn exploded. It came from an Erumpent, not a Crumple-Horned Snorkack…” Hermione called over to her. Luna gave her a serene smile.
“No, it was definitely a Snorkack horn. Daddy told me. It will probably have reformed by now, they mend themselves you know.”

Before they could continue, Bill appeared along with Mr Ollivander, clinging to his arm, a large suitcase in tow.
“I am going to miss you Mr Ollivander.” Luna said, approaching the old man. He patted her shoulder fondly.
“And I you, my dear. You were an inexpressible comfort to me in that terrible time place.”

Fleur joined them and gave Mr Ollivander kisses on both cheeks.
“So, au revoir, Mr Ollivander. And I wonder whezzer you could oblige me by delivering a package to Bill’s Auntie Muriel? I never returned ‘er tiara.”
“It will be an honour. The very least I can do in return for your generous hospitality.” He said with a little bow.

Fleur drew out a worn velvet case, which she opened to show him. The tiara sat glittering and twinkling in the light.
“Moonstones and diamonds. Made by goblins I think?” Griphook raspy voice said, and Luna was surprised he had joined them.
“And paid for by wizards.” Bill told him firmly before guiding Mr Ollivander outside to Disapparate.

The rest started dinner, although Fleur was obviously tense, waiting for Bill to return. Thankfully it didn’t take too long before his windswept form reappeared.

“Everything is fine. Ollivander settled in. Mum and Dad say hello. Ginny sends you all her love. Fred and George are driving Muriel up the wall. They’re still operating an Owl Order business out of her back room. It cheered her up to have her tiara back, though. She said she thought we’d stolen it.” Bill told Fleur after an embrace.
“Ah, she eez charmante, your aunt.” Fleur said crossly before clearing away the first course.

“Daddy’s made a tiara. Well, more of a crown really.” Luna told them excitedly. “He’s trying to recreate the most diadem of Ravenclaw. He thinks he’s identified most of the elements now. Adding the Billywig wings really made a difference…”
She was interrupted by a loud bang on the front door. Everyone immediately tensed. Fleur came out of the kitchen and Bill jumped up towards the door with his wand, Harry, Ron and Hermione following him. Even Luna had immediately grabbed her wand, once again feeling relief how right in felt in her hand.

“Who is it?” Bill called and the voice that answered send such joy through Luna.
“It is I, Remus John Lupin. I am a werewolf, married to Nymphadora Tonks, and you, the Secret Keeper of Shell Cottage, told me the address and bade me come in an emergency!”

Luna’s heart leapt into her throat as Bill opened the door and Lupin stumbled in. He was pale, his greying hair windswept and wrapped in a travelling cloak. At first glance she would have thought he looked the worst she had seen him, but there was a spark in his eyes and she knew his news before he even cried his next words.
“It’s a boy! We’ve named him Ted, after Dora’s father!”

As everyone erupted, Luna felt Dean grab her hand at Ted’s name. He didn’t meet her eyes but she could see the heavy emotion within them. She squeezed his hand reassuringly.
“What? Tonks… Tonks has had the baby?” Hermione cried.
“Yes, yes, she’s had the baby!” Lupin shouted, elation pure on his face, making him instantly look years younger.
Congratulations were bouncing around the small dining room, as Lupin strode around the table and hugged Harry.
“You’ll be godfather?” Lupin asked at a dazed Harry.
“M… me?”
“You, yes of course. Dora quite agrees, no one better.”
“I… yeah… blimey…”

Bill had fetched wine and Fleur persuaded Lupin to have a drink.
“I can’t stay long, I must get back.” Lupin beamed before thanking Bill for a goblet.
Soon everyone raised their goblets for a toast.
“To Teddy Remus Lupin, a great wizard in the making!” The new father cried followed by a chorus of cheers.

“Oo does ‘e look like?” Fleur asked.
“I think he looks like Dora, but she thinks he is like me. Not much hair. It looked black when he was born, but I swear it’s turned ginger in the hour since. Probably be blond by the time I get back. Andromeda says Tonks’ hair started changing colour the day that she was born.” Lupin told them excitedly before allowing Bill to fill his goblet once more. His news had brought a wave of positive energy and Luna couldn’t wait until she could see mother and child. She had really connected with Tonks these last few years, both of them living to the beat of their own drum.

“No… no… I really must get back.” Lupin said at last, declining another goblet of wine before saying his goodbyes.
“I’ll try and bring some pictures in a few days’ time - they’ll all be so glad to know I’ve seen you…” He fastened his cloak, embracing them all, before disappearing into the stormy night.

The rest of them passed the evening in further elation, enjoying the feelings of hope that the news had brought. Luna stayed close to Dean that evening and the next few days. Both enjoying the sense of calm that had descended. However that calmness was soon disrupted when Harry, Ron, Hermione and Griphook went on their next mission into Gringotts. Neither she or Dean could convince them to come along and help. And now the calm and silence in the cottage turned eerie and restlessness entered Luna’s bloodstream. She was itching to do something!

Then the D.A. coin that she carried on her, started to burn.

Chapter Text

As soon as Luna read Neville’s message she got into action, gathering Bill, Fleur and Dean to her.
“Harry, Ron and Hermione are at Hogsmeade and going to Hogwarts. Neville believes this is the moment we’ve been waiting for to liberate the school.” Thankfully everyone trusted both her and Neville enough to not question it and got themselves ready.

Fleur sent out her patronus to send messages to her family and the Order to alert them. Luna stared in awe at the unicorn that pranced through the sky. Bill meanwhile apparated to the Burrow to gather and prepare the rest of his family. Luna and Dean put on their old clothes that had been washed and mended as best as possible. Dean, Luna noticed had never seemed as determined as he was now to cause damage to those that had hurt him. He had carefully locked all of those feelings inside but now, with a battle on the horizon, excitement was rolling off him.
“If only I had my wand.” He had mumbled several times as they gathered their gear.
Luna took hold of his hand.
“Don’t worry, it’s the first thing we’ll make sure to get.”
He gave a nod, but she wasn’t sure he really believed it. But nevertheless, wand or no, he would not be stopped to go back to Hogwarts. A true Gryffindor.

Once ready they hugged Fleur extra tightly. Who knew what would happen? And apparated themselves to the Hogshead in Hogsmeade. Aberforth Dumbledore, the pubs inkeeper had a permanent disgruntled look in his face, but was helpful nonetheless.
“Potter and his friends have gone through not long ago. You’re quick. Any more coming?”
“The whole Order should get here soon, probably in groups.” Dean told him and the older man gave a huff but guided them to a portrait of a young girl.
“I’ll send you through alone. It’s a passage to the room of requirement. I’m sure you know it.”
“We do!” Luna said, giving him a beaming smile, her own excitement setting foot back in the castle and that special room of all places.
“Well good luck. Mind yerselfs.”

And with that Luna and Dean climbed through the portrait and navigated through the dark tunnel, Luna’s wand guiding the way. She held Dean’s hand firmly as they walked on the uneven ground that twisted and turned. Once they reached the end and arrived at a door, a simple push was needed before the room they both knew well materialised in front of them, filling with hangmats, colourful banners and filled with students. Her eye immediately fell on the batter looking Neville as well as Harry, Ron and Hermione, who also looked rather worn in merely a day.
“We got your message Neville! Hello there your three, I thought you would be here.”

Seamus Finnegan, who was hardly recognisable with his bruised face, gave a roar of delight seeing Dean, and immediately ran up to him to hug him. Dean released her hand and hugged him back and Luna felt elated for him. She walked over to her friends, meanwhile seeing the faces of so many of her classmates, feelings of pride at their obvious deviance and bravery warming her heart.

“Hi everyone! Oh, it’s great to be back!”
“Luna? What are you doing here? How did you…?” Harry spluttered in confusion.
“I sent for her!” Neville said, beaming down at her and she hugged him tightly. “I promised her and Ginny that if you turned up I’d let them know. We all thought if you came back it would mean revolution. That we were going to overthrow Snape and the Carrow’s.”
“Of course that’s what it means. Isn’t it Harry? We’re going to fight them out of Hogwarts?” Luna said brightly but saw Harry’s face crumple.

“Listen! I am sorry, but that’s not what we came back for. There’s something we’ve got to do, and then…” Harry said, panic clear in his voice. People had fallen silent to listen to the exchange.
“You’re going to leave us in this mess?” Michael demanded angrily. He lay a comforting hand on Luna’s shoulder, obviously glad to see her.
“No! What we’re doing will benefit everyone in the end, it’s all about trying to get rid of You-Know-Who…”
“Then let us help!” Neville meanwhile shouted at Harry. “We want to be a part of it!”

Before any of her friends could reply, the door opened again and to Luna’s utter delight, Ginny climbed out, followed closely by Fred, George and Lee Jordan. She gave Harry a radiant smile before dancing over to Luna and engulfing her friend in a hug. Luna had never been happier to see her.

Meanwhile Cho entered to room too and went over to Michael.
“I got the message.” She said holding up her own Galleon.”
“So what’s the plan Harry?” George asked him and Luna could now clearly see the panic and pain in her friend’s eyes. He had no idea what he was doing.
“There isn’t one…” he muttered.
“Just going to make it up as we go along are we! My favourite kind.” Fred quipped.
“You’ve got to stop this! What did you call them back for! This is insane?” Harry turned to Neville angrily.
“We’re fighting aren’t we? The message said Harry was back, and we were going to fight! I’ll have to get a wand though…” Dean said and Seamus gave him an incredulous look.
“You haven’t got a wand…?”

Ron meanwhile turned to Harry.
“Why can’t they help?” And Luna was glad he was there to talk some sense into his best friend. She could always count on Ron for that. Both he and Hermione started to talk to Harry In fervent whispers. Finally with a resigned look on his face, Harry turned back to the group.

“There’s something we need to find. Something… something that will help us overthrow You-Know-Who. It’s here at Hogwarts, but we don’t know where. It might have belonged to Ravenclaw. Had anyone heard of an object like that? Has anyone ever come across something with her eagle on it, for instance?” He looked blindly towards the Ravenclaws present. Luna instantly brightened, having perched on a chair with Ginny.
“Well, there’s her lost diadem. I told you about it, remember Harry? The lost diadem of Ravenclaw. Daddy’s trying to duplicate it.”
“Yeah, but the lost diadem, is lost Luna. That’s sort of the point.” Michael said.
“When was it lost?” Harry asked.
“Centuries ago they say. Professor Flitwick says the diadem vanished with Ravenclaw herself. People have looked but… nobody’s ever found a trace of it, have they?”

Luna felt a pang in her chest… she was quite sure she would know about someone who would have seen it.
“Sorry, but what is a diadem?” Ron asked.
“It’s a kind of crown. Ravenclaw’s was supposed to have magical properties, enhance the wisdom of the wearer.” Terry Boot explained.
“Yes, Daddy’s Wrackspurt siphons…” Luna tried to say but Harry cut through, desperation in his voice.
“And none of you have ever seen anything that looks like that?”

Everyone fell silent and shook their heads before Cho broke it again.
“If you’d like to see what the diadem’s supposed to look like, I could take you up to our common room and show you Harry. Ravenclaw’s wearing it on her statue.”
Harry seemed to debate before stating to Ron and Hermione.
“Listen, I know it’s not much of a lead, but I am going to go and look at this statue, at least find out what it looks like. Wait for me here and keep, you know, the other one safe.”

Cho had gotten to her feet but Ginny bristled beside Luna and said fiercely:
“No, Luna will take Harry, won’t you Luna?”
“Oooh yes, I’d like to.” Luna chirped and skipped along with Harry and Neville to the exit, where there was a cupboard opening up to a steep staircase.

“It comes out somewhere different every day, so they’ve never been able to find it.” Neville said, gesturing towards the exit. “Only trouble is we never know exactly where we’re going to end up when we go out. Be careful Harry. They’re always patrolling the corridors at night.”
“No problem. See you in a bit.” Harry replied and they both hurried up the staircase.

It was long and winding like the tunnel from the Hogshead. Finally they reached a wall.
“Get under here.” Harry told her as he pulled his Invisibility Cloak from his pocket and threw it over them. Then he pushed at the door. They slipped out into a dark corridor. Fascinated Luna watched as Harry pulled out the Marauder’s Map and started to search their location.
“We’re up on the fifth floor.” He told her finally and she nodded and started to guide them to Ravenclaw tower through the darkness.

It was a small trek. Harry, Luna could tell was extremely anxious and so she kept as quiet as she could, stepping silently along the corridors. They kept checking the map on intervals and letting several ghosts pass. They climbed up in tight circles until they reached the familiar door with the Bronze Eagle knocker.

She reached out her hand and knocked once. The eagle responded with a question.
“What came first, the Phoenix or the flame?”
“Hmmm…” Luna mused and turned to Harry who looked at her in his amusing confused look. “What do you think?”
“What? Isn’t there just a password?”
“Oh, no. You’ve got to answer a question.”
“What is you get it wrong?”
“Well, you have to wait for somebody who gets it right. That way you learn, you see?”
“Yeah…” Harry said hesitantly, “trouble is, we can’t really afford to wait for anyone else Luna.”
“No, I see what you mean. Well then, I think the answer is that a circle has no beginning.” She responded seriously and was instantly rewarded by the knocker.
“Well reasoned.” It said and the door swung open.

They entered the wide and circular common room with its gracefully arched windows. The gold stars on the ceiling twinkled down on them and Luna instantly felt home again. The airy space was completely deserted and so they had no trouble making their way over to the white marble statue of her house Founder, Rowena Ravenclaw, wearing her diadem.

“Wit beyond measure is man’s greatest treasure.” Harry read aloud.
“Which makes you pretty skint witless.” The eerily familiar cackling voice of Alecto Carrow said behind them. They both whirled around, Harry falling to the floor and were unable to stop the Death Eater from touching her Dark Mark.
Luna didn’t think but fired. With a loud bang, Carrow hit the floor with such force, glass tinkled. Harry looked up to her in shock.

“I’ve never Stunned anyone expect in our DA lessons. That was noisier than I thought it would be.” She told him brightly. And surely, they could immediately hear rummaging above as students came to investigate.
“Luna, where are you? I need to get under the Cloak.” Harry said and she quickly let the Cloak fall back over them right before there was a stream of students, all in their nightclothes flooding the room. Luna recognised them all and saw Magdalena among them. Most were young, first and second years. Which made sense as most of the older students had to start hiding in the Room of Requirement.

As their surprised subsided, they shuffled around the prone body, before one brave young boy decided to prod her with his toe.
“I think she might be dead!” He shouted in delight.
“Oh, look, they’re pleased.” Luna whispered excitedly to Harry who mumbled a reply.

Suddenly there was a rap on the common room door and everyone fell silent. They could hear the knocker ask a riddle.
“Where do vanished objects go?”
“I dunno, do I? Shut it! Alecto? Alecto? Are you there? Have you got him? Open the door!” Amycus’ familiar snarling voice grew ever more panicked. It would have given Luna a feeling of satisfaction had her housemates not been afraid and obviously in trouble if he did find his sister in her current state with them all around. Should she warn them to leave?

Then several loads bangs sounded as Amycus was trying to force his way in.
“ALECTO! If he comes and we haven’t got Potter - d’you want to go the same way as the Malfoy’s? ANSWER ME!” The Death Eater bellowed and several Ravenclaw’s flew back up the stairs, which Luna was glad for. Magdalena unfortunately wasn’t one of them.
Then an other voice joined Amycus, and made Luna feel relief all over.
“May I ask what you are doing, Professor Carrow?” Professor McGonagall’s clipped tone could be heard.
“Trying to get through this damned door!” Amycus shouted. “Go and get Flitwick! Get him to open it now!”
“But isn’t your sister in there? Didn’t Professor Flitwick let her in, earlier this evening, at your urgent request? Perhaps she could open the door for you? Then you needn’t wake up half the castle.”
“She ain’t answering, you old besom. You open it! Garn! Do it now!”
“Certainly, if you wish it.” Professor McGonagall answered coolly before turning to the door knocker. Once again the door asked the riddle and this time was given an answer.
“Into non-being, which is to say, everything.”
“Nicely phrased.” The bronze eagle complimented before swinging the door open. The remaining Ravenclaw’s sprinted up the stairs.

Amycus stormed in, wand raised, shouting and yelling in fury as he saw his sister. Luna felt utterly repulsed at him, and gripped her own wand tighter. If he so much as looked towards the dormitories, she would strike him the same as his sister.

“What’ve they done, the little whelps! I’ll Cruciate the lot of them till they tell who did it! And what’s the Dark Lord going to say?” Amycus shrieked and started to hit himself on the forehead. Luna couldn’t help a smirk. “We haven’t got him, and they’ve gone and killed her.”
“She’s only Stunned. She’ll be perfectly all right.” Professor McGonagall told him impatiently, distain dripping from her face.
“No she bludgering well won’t! Not after the Dark Lord gets a hold of her! She’s gone and sent for him! I felt me Dark Mark burn and he thinks we’ve got Potter!”
“Got Potter? What do you mean ‘got Potter?’” Professor McGonagall asked sharply and Luna glanced quickly at Harry, who too was watching to exchange closely, ready to jump in if necessary.
“He told us Potter might try and get inside Ravenclaw Tower and to send for him if we caught him.”
“Why would Harry Potter try to get inside Ravenclaw Tower? Potter belongs in my house.” There was obvious pride in her voice and as Amycus explained he didn’t know why Harry would be her, Professor McGonagall looked through the room, and Luna was sure she made the briefest of eye contact, which ought to be impossible under the cloak.

“We can push it off on the kids. Yeah, that’s what we’ll do. We’ll say Alecto was ambushed by the kids, them kids up there.” Amycus rambled maniacally, pointing towards the star domed ceiling. “We’ll say they forced her to press her Mark and that’s why he got the false alarm. He can punish them. Couple of kids more or less, what’s the difference…?”
“Only the difference between truth and lies, courage and cowardice.” Professor McGonagall said in a soft but warning tone. “A difference in short, which you and your sister seem unable to appreciate. But let me make one thing very clear. You are not going to pass off your many ineptitudes on the students of Hogwarts. I shall not permit it.”
“Excuse me?” Amycus stepped closer to her, trying to appear threatening, while Professor McGonagall openly showed her loathing to him.
“It’s not a case of what you’ll permit Minerva McGonagall. Your time’s over. It’s us what’s in charge here now, and you’ll back me up or you’ll pay the price.”

And then, he spat in her face.

Harry’s reaction was immediate. He ducked beneath the cloak and bellowed. “CRUCIO!”
Amycus was lifted off his feet, writhing through the air, trashing and howling in pain. And Luna wondered briefly whether she had looked the same during her torture sessions. The Death Eater meanwhile crashed to the floor, and lay crumpled in a heap.
“I see what Bellatrix meant, you need to really mean it.” Harry seethed, and Luna agreed internally that she would probably know best.

“Potter! Potter… you’re here! What? How?” Professor McGonagall struggled in disbelief, clutching her chest. “Potter that was foolish!”
“He spat at you.” Harry said simply.
“Potter… I… that was very gallant of you… but don’t you realise…?”
“Yeah I do, Professor McGonagall, Voldemort’s on his way.”

Luna decided to use that moment to reveal herself.
“Oh, are we allowed to say the name now?” She said as she pulled away the Invisibility Cloak. This seemed too much for Professor McGonagall, who staggered back into a chair, looking at them both with wide eyes. Harry meanwhile turned to her.
“I don’t think it makes any difference what we call him. He already knows where I am.”
“You must flee. Now Potter, as quickly as you can!” Professor McGonagall whispered to him.
“I can’t, there is something I had to do. Professor, do you know where the diadem of Ravenclaw is?”
“The d… diadem of Ravenclaw! Of course not… hasn’t it been lost for centuries?” Professor McGonagall said with obvious confusion before she straightened. “Potter it was madness, utter madness for you to enter the castle…”
“I had to. Professor there is something hidden here that I’m supposed to find and it could be the diadem. If I could just speak to Professor Flitwick.”

There was a sound, Amycus was starting to come too but before Luna could act, Professor McGonagall pointed her wand at the Death Eater.
“Imperio!”

The Death Eater gathered his sisters wand and handed both hers as his own to Professor McGonagall before laying back down. A length of shimmering silver rope bound the pair tightly together.
“Potter, if He Who Must Not Be Named does indeed know you are here…”

She wasn’t able to finish her sentence, as Harry started to sway on his feet, and hand rushing to his scar. Luna immediately leapt up beside him and he reached out to steady himself on her shoulder. He then explained that he was acting on Dumbledore’s orders just as Luna had predicated. He managed to convince his head of house to evacuate the students from the school as the teachers would keep Voldemort and the Death Eaters at bay, for as long as they could for Harry to complete his mission.

The three of them left the Ravenclaw Common Room to alert the other houses. Luna and Harry were back under the Invisibility Cloak, running along with Professor McGonagall who produced three cat patronuses to run ahead and deliver news. They descended down into the castle before they came to a sudden halt, obvious that someone was there. As Professor McGonagall called out, Professor Snape appeared.
“Where are the Carrow’s?” He asked quietly.
“Where you told them to be, I expect Severus.” She answered coolly.

Again, Luna saw Harry stiffen beside her, ready to strike if necessary. They both watched the exchange between the two professors play out until Professor McGonagall and the world seemed to explode. Before Luna knew what was happening, Harry pulled her out of the way of descending flames. She couldn’t see much more as Harry shielded her from the spell onslaught. She heard Professor Flitwick and Professor Sprout join in the fray until glass broke and Professor McGonagall cried through the air.
“Coward! COWARD!”

“What’s happened? What’s happened?” Luna asked Harry repeatedly, starting to feel disoriented as he dragged her along with him towards a broken where the teachers were standing.
“He jumped.” Professor McGonagall told her, and as she and Harry discussed whether or not Professor Snape had survived, Luna saw his bat-like shape rise from the ground and fly towards the darkness of the forest. The teachers around her started to prepare a battle plan as Harry desperately started to question Professor Flitwick about Ravenclaw’s diadem. Luna wasn’t sure how to help him. Nobody had seen the diadem for centuries. Nobody alive knew about it… a thought came to her, but she didn’t get the chance to voice it
as Harry started pulled her along with him through the castle. But not before Professor McGonagall made it clear to Professor Slughorn that is was now time for the Slytherin House to decide where their loyalties lay.

They ran through the castle, passing many students who were making their way to the Great Hall. They all whispered and murmured in surprise at seeing them. Several then called out their names, but Harry didn’t stop. They reached the Room of Requirement and descended down the shallow staircase. There, they were greeted by more members of The Order.
Harry explained to them that the younger students would be evacuated and the ones who wanted to stay, would stay and fight, as Voldemort was fast approaching.

Luna say Ginny in a heavy argument with her mother, eyes blazing angrily as she wanted to join the others in the fight. Before she could go over, Dean came over.
“Come on Luna!” He called out, taking hold of her hand, and turned back to the entrance. He was holding a wand now.
“Wait, Dean, one moment. Harry!” Luna called out and Harry turned to her, a look of both panic and determination in his green eyes.
“Yes Luna?”
“Harry, it’s obvious isn’t it? Ravenclaw’s diadem?”
“What do you mean?”
“No one who is alive has seen it. You have to talk to someone that’s dead!”
“Wh… what?”
“The Grey Lady! Ravenclaw’s ghost. She’s shy and nice.” Dean tugged on her hand, obviously in a hurry as Seamus and Neville also gathered by the entrance. “Check the Astronomy Tower!” She called over her shoulder.

And with that she turned away from her bewildered friend, counting on him to take her advice and let herself be led back up the stairs with the other D.A. boys. Neville wrapped her in a tight hug when they reached the top and leapt back into the corridor.
“I am so relieved to see you.”
“Me too Neville!”
“Time to go get them this time. They have a lot to pay from!” Dean said, grinning at Seamus, and held her hand tightly as the four of them ran to the courtyard. They started to help the Order members and teachers apply all kinds of protection spells.

Luna hoped they could get as many students out of the school as possible. She fervently hoped Magdalena would be one of them. She hoped Blaise was alright. What would he do? How were the Slytherin students going to make their choices?

They didn’t have to wait long before the Death Eaters and Voldemort arrived. They had gathered together along with dark magical creatures, giants, spiders and dementors among them. Their attack was swift, combining their powers into attacking the protective barriers first. The onslaught was too strong to resist for long. As the barrier exploded so too did the battle. Neville, Seamus, Dean and Luna all looked at each other, all with the same determination.
“It’s time. Let’s get them.” Neville stated bravely. There were many more sentiments in his voice, but it was clear to them all. They were together in this, dead or alive. And if fate would strike, it would be defending everything they held dear. Dean squeezed her hand.
“Ready?” He asked.
“Ready!” She answered and he grinned.

The Battle of Hogwarts had begun!

Within no time, the battle was raging around her. Dean desperately tried to stay close to her but soon enough their little group was split apart as they were attacked. Luna flew around the castle, attacking and defending wherever necessary. She had passed Professor Trelawney, who was hurling crystal balls on to Death Eater trying to enter the castle. Giants and Dementors had joined in the fight. Particularly the last ones were causing trouble all around. They had been bred even stronger in all the misery of the past year. And not everyone could produce a powerful enough patronus.

Luna decided to follow them around, blasting them away from her fellow Order Members. It was that way that she had passed Kingsley and Lupin fighting Dolohov. Tonks had given her a huge fright as she passed her, running towards her husband. Luna had called out to her, but Tonks had only responded with a strained smile. And then time seemed to stop as the green killing curse from Dolohov hit Remus in his chest. Even from a distance, Luna could see the final look in his eyes as he looked at Tonks, love and fear emanating from him, before he fell back. Tonks scream rang out and Luna couldn’t stop the tears that started to stream down her cheeks. A cackling laugh broke through Tonks’ despair as she reached Remus’ body. Luna only had a second to turn her head towards the hauntingly familiar sound and saw Bellatrix’s own killing curse shoot out of her wand and hit Tonks’ back.

No! No! No! No!
Luna wanted to scream, but no sound came out as she fell back too, a wall now blocking her from the other Death Eaters. But she could see Tonks now slumped over her husband, as if asleep. Gone. Within seconds they were both gone…
Tears blurred her vision so terribly, she couldn’t see anything anymore.

“Run! Luna! Run!”
She didn’t know who shouted it at her. Somehow her body responded and she stumbled further away, back towards another corridor. Another shout came behind her, but she felt disoriented, and barely noticed the wall exploding nearby. Rumble started to block her path. She managed to run through until dark shapes began to line her vision. Dementors were following her. Zigzagging through the hallway, she threw cursed over her shoulder to hinder any pursuers. Even hurling a broken cabinet backwards. But of course that wouldn’t stop the hoards of Dementors following. She could feel icy cold around her. Finally she turned around to face them.

There was no way she would be able to hold them all off. She was cornered in the hallway, trapped by debris and other Death Eaters around the corner, with an elated and trigger happy Bellatrix cackling in celebration after just killing her niece…
Poor Tonks… poor Remus… poor Teddy, who just lost both his parents in mere seconds. The last looks on their faces haunting her mind . Death… so much death…

There was no way she could cast her patronus now to protect her from all these Dementors. Their decaying hands stretched out towards her and she felt every ounce of happiness, usually so abundant inside her, getting sucked out. Darkness starting to edge her mind.

She raised her wand with a trembling hand and cast the spell but mere silver mist came out. She tried again but her mind couldn’t focus. Blood was pounding in her ears and she could only hear the faint cries and roars of battle nearby. The Dementor hand was now close enough to touch her, slowly curling around her cheek. A soft and intimate touch, the caress of Death…

Suddenly there was a loud roar and blinding light that made the Dementors pull away before a silver Thestral flew straight towards her.

Chapter Text

Blaise had been staring into the dying embers of the fireplace that evening. His mind had been too busy to sleep. He had felt anxious all throughout dinner. It seemed as if his body was screaming at him to stay alert. And so he had settled into one of the large leather armchairs in the common room, twirling his wand around and ignoring any attempts at conversation.

The light had grown dim, casting long shadows over the now nearly deserted space. An ember sparked suddenly, drawing Blaise in deep and for some reason his mind automatically went to Luna. It wasn’t strange. His mind found her more often than not. Ever since he heard she had escaped Malfoy Manor, both relief and further worry warred in his mind because now he had absolutely no idea how she was doing nor the ability to find out either. He vehemently hoped she was okay and safe. But not even Nott could slip information to him now.

As if summoned by mere thought, Nott suddenly burst rather loudly into the common room. There was a strange look on his face, his hazel eyes growing in size when he spotted Blaise. With quick resolute steps, Nott reached him. Something obviously was wrong, and Blaise didn’t know whether to be excited or scared.

“Zabini! Good you’re here…!” His friend then wildly looked around. A few random students were around, none seemed interested in them though. Still, Theo lowered his voice and shuffled close. Blaise had to focus hard to hear him.
“Listen… he has been spotted in Hogsmeade and he’s sure that… he’s here… and he is coming… you…”
“Wait… what? Who’s he?”
“He! Potter of course. And he’s coming for him…”
“And who is he? Oh! I… so, what…? They are both coming…?”
“Well yes… so you need to get Magdalena and get out.”
“What do you mean? And how do you know? Are you sure Nott?”

Theo raised a mocking eyebrow at him.
“Honestly, you should trust my information by now.”
“But…?” Blaise’s mind was reeling from the sudden information overload. Potter had been seen…. And so now He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named was coming… here? To Hogwarts?

Nott could apparently see all of this whirl in his mind and he firmly lifted Blaise out of the armchair and pulled him into their dormitory. No one was there. Still, as had become a custom, Theo cast muffliato at the dorm before turning to Blaise, urgency now in his voice.
“Listen to me Blaise! I know this sounds bloody mental, but I got a warning from my father. I don’t even know if he was allowed to say anything. But they’ve received message from the Carrow’s that Potter was here. I don’t know why he’s here with his friends but they’ve all been summoned. And we have to get out. You especially. The Lestrange brothers are coming too and if they recognise you… well… you know them. They get high on this stuff.”
“This stuff?”
“Fighting of course. Potter and his gang won’t be going down without a fight and neither are they. Blaise?”
Blaise’s mind had halted on hearing on friends and Potter’s gang… because could that mean…? Could Luna be here?

Theo groaned.

And then suddenly, Blaise’s head was whipped to one side, his cheek stinging from the impact. He reacted in a flash, grabbed hold of Nott’s collar and shoving him against a dorm closet.
“What. The. Hell! Why the FUCK did you hit me?” He yelled. His friend didn’t even flinch but stared back at him with blazing hazel eyes.
“I just told you to get out of here. NOW! The Dark Lord and the Death Eaters, including your mother’s crazy stalker is coming here to fight and KILL! And you aren’t even listening to me!”
“I was listening!”
“Yeah, until your mind went back into the gutter. I don’t know if your girlfriends coming, but you and your baby sister need to get out!”
“She’s not my…”
“I don’t bloody care okay? That’s not the point. I’ve seen her tortured, she’ll be fine. But Maggie won’t, and neither will you if Lestrange sees you.”
“What have you heard about my mother?”
“Nothing, and it has pissed Lestrange off.”
“And you’re telling me this, NOW?”
“It wasn’t necessary before, but it is NOW! So GO Zabini!”
“I can’t just Apparate out of here and Maggie…”

Right then the voice of Professor Slughorn boomed through the space.
“We are to evacuate the school immediately! Pack merely the essentials. I expect you all in the Great Hall in 20 minutes! NOW!”

The two friends stared at each other, and Blaise finally let go of Theo, who gave a small sigh of relief.
“I am sorry…” Blaise mumbled checking if he had done any damage.
“Me too… I shouldn’t have hit you.” Blaise traced his still stinging skin.
“If we get out of this mess and it scars, my mother will kill you.” That earned him a grin.
“Can’t have that. Come on, we don’t have much time.” But before Theo could turn away, Blaise grabbed his shoulder and looked down at his friend.
“Thank you Nott… For everything.”
“That’s what friends are for Zabini. Now get on with it. And if we are all gathering in the Great Hall, Maggie will be there too.”

Blaise turned to his belongings in front of him and felt dread and numbness spread through his body. What the hell was going on? And what could or should he bring? He would be fleeing from battle… To where? His estate? Would that be safe? Would his uncle be safe? His mother…

Theo’s gathering was loud and brought him out of his thoughts. He needed to be quick and practically. He gathered his sneakers and jeans, dressing quickly while throwing on a shirt and sweater. It was May and had started to warm up, but if it was going to be messy he needed to be covered and his robes would get in the way. He stuffed his spare coins and keys into his pockets and grabbed his wand. The rest of his trunk with spare clothes and books were unnecessary for now. They were all replaceable. His eye fell on his Magical Creatures book and the letter that stuck out from it. It was Luna’s first letter to him, that he had hidden in the book. It too he stuck in his pocket and turned to find Nott ready as well, wearing a cloak and bag slung over his shoulder.

“Where will you be going?” Blaise asked him and Nott looked away as if embarrassed.
“Not sure yet. My aunt said…”
“Come with me and Maggie to my family’s Estate. For now, until we know… well what happens.”
“I am not sure…”
“Please, Nott. You’ve helped me a lot and I know your home situation is far more complicated then you’ve ever bothered to explain. Let me do this.”
“Alright, if you insist.”
“I do. Come on, let’s go!”

They joined the rest of their house mates and strode hurriedly to the Great Hall. The school was both calm and yet buzzing with energy. Random wizards and witches, along with guard statues were gathering outside to barricade the school. The Prefects had quite a job getting all the younger students to keep moving. Finally, Theo and Blaise reached the doors off the Great Hall. As they entered, Blaise heard hurried footsteps behind him and turned. He froze.

There, running past him, out towards the courtyard, was a mass of long pale blonde curls. He had barely managed a glimpse of her pale, and terrifyingly gaunt, face. She hadn’t seen him, running along behind another tall dark skinned boy, who held her hand and was pulling her along. Both Luna and… Dean Thomas… the missing Gryffindor boy that had fled the Snatchers, had their wands raised as they rushed outside. Holding hands! Neville Longbottom, whom Blaise hadn’t seen for weeks, had a bloody face but was grinning ferociously as he followed them. Blaise couldn’t really comprehend what he was seeing other than the fact that she, his Luna, was alive and here! Off to fight in whatever battle was going to take place. Blaise had no doubt about that.

It took everything in him, not to immediately turn back around and follow her. Shout her name. Feel her back in his arms. But no, he had another mission. Get Nott and Maggie out of here. And so he sat down with Theo at the Slytherin table, relieved to see Maggie with her friends. She smiled bravely at him, a gleam of excitement in her eyes. She always gave him that look when she wanted to tell him something. Obviously she had witnessed something today. He was sure he would find out soon enough.

He barely listened to Professor McGonagall’s evacuation plan, apart from that it would be overseen by Mr Filch and Madam Pomfrey. He could see Harry Potter and several of the Order and his friends sitting at the Gryffindor table. It was odd to see him again after so many months. A Hufflepuff boy cried out.
“And what if we want to stay and fight?”

Applause followed his brazen statement.
“If you are of age, you may stay.” Answered Professor McGonagall before a Ravenclaw called out.
“What about our things? Our trunks and owls?” Blaise snickered as he saw Maggie roll her eyes.
“We have no time to collect possessions. The important thing is to get you out of here safely.”
“Where’s Professor Snape?” Daphne asked from a few places beside him. Blaise had been wondering about that too, but no one had been able to give him an answer until now.
“He has, to use the common phrase, done a bunk.” Professor McGonagall said and all the Gryffindor, Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw students broke out in cheers. Blaise wasn’t sure what he thought about this. Professor Snape had, despite being his Head of House, never felt approachable to Blaise. Their relationship was perfectly adequate to get him through his school years. But he had never come across to Blaise as a coward.

It didn’t matter now though, as Professor McGonagall explained the extra protection that had been put into place before reiterating the importance of them all evacuating as quickly and calmly as possible. But suddenly she was interrupted by a high, cold and clear voice that seemed to cut straight through him. Blaise felt shivers run along his entire spine. Terrified screams now filled the Hall but were unable to drown out the haunting voice.
“I know you are preparing to fight. Your efforts are futile. You cannot fight me. I do not want to kill you. I have great respect for the teachers of Hogwarts. I do not want to spill magical blood.”

There was a brief chilling silence that spread through out. Blaise held Maggie’s terrified gaze as he sat in disbelief, having heard his voice. Voldemort’s voice.
“Give me Harry Potter, and none shall be harmed. Give me Harry Potter, and I shall leave the school untouched. Give me Harry Potter, and you will be rewarded. You have until midnight.”

Once again the following silence was deafening as everyone fixed their gazes on Potter. Then Parkinson rose from Blaise’s table and raised a shaking arm towards Potter.
“But he’s there! Potter’s there! Someone grab him!” Her voice was shrill and pathetic. Blaise himself had no time to react because all the students from the other houses rose and turned to face Parkinson. Even Maggie was among them, glaring daggers at the girl, with like the other students, her wand out. He had to get her out of here.

“Thank you, Miss Parkinson. You will leave the Hall first with Mr Filch. If the rest of your house could follow.”

They all rose and started to file out of the room. Blaise called out to Maggie, who gave him a furious look. At first it seemed he would have to drag her out, but thankfully, students from her own house started to leave too. The teachers were firm with younger students, including Maggie. Blaise kept his eyes on his sister as they left the Hall and grabbed her tightly as soon as he could. They were marched towards the Room of Requirement that had become the evacuation point. Maggie complained loudly to him the whole way.

“Blaise, this isn’t fair! I saw him! I saw Harry Potter and even Luna! She’s back. And she’s fighting and I want to fight too!”
“You’re too young. You won’t last a second.”
“But Blaise…!”
“NO! This isn’t negotiable Maggie. I promised everyone, including myself that I would keep you safe. You are not going to fight anyone.”
“I don’t want to be a coward like you and mum.”

That made something snap in him and Blaise pulled them both out of the growing line in the evacuation hallway. Theo had noticed and joined them. No one else seemed to pay attention, either desperate to get out, or having similar arguments with family members.
“Don’t assume you know everything.” He bit out harshly to his sister. She flinched at his cold tone. “Mum has been fleeing to protect us from a lunatic. I have been doing everything here this year to keep you out of harms way. You might not see it or like it, but protecting family is never cowardice.”
“But you’ve never fought them!”
“That’s not true Maggie.” Nott interjected. “You should have seen his face when he got you and your friends out of trouble.”

Her horrified eyes turned back to Blaise.
“W… what is he talking about?”
“It’s not important. You know I’d do anything for you Maggie.”
“Yes… but not… why didn’t you tell me?”
“Because I knew you’d get angry and hurt them back. And that would get us into more trouble.”
“We could fight together!”
“Magdalena, please. You can’t. Had you been older I have no doubt you’d be great. But you’ve just started Hogwarts, and had a fucking terrible start too.” Theo nodded his agreement.
“It’s not the right time.” He supplied helpfully.
“But my friends…!”
“Most of your friends have to leave too.”
“But Luna is fighting, as is Michael and so many others!”
“They are old enough.”
“But…!”
“Maggie, I swear on Merlin’s balls if you continue, I will carry you away. Do you understand me?”

She glared daggers at him as he stood to prepare himself to swing her over his shoulder and march out of there.

Just then a Lynx patronus flew past them to a group of Order Members. It spoke loud enough for their little group to hear.
“Need back-up by the Astronomy Tower! Dean, Luna and Remus are being cornered!” It was Kingsley Shacklebolt’s deep voice and Blaise felt everything drain from him. The desperation of evident in the man’s tone. They were in trouble. Deep trouble. His head moved towards the direction of the tower automatically as if there was anything he could see. She was in trouble. She could die. He clutched his wand so tightly he was surprised it didn’t break.
Then he looked back at Maggie defiant face. Fuck, what the hell could he do?

Nott seemed to have assessed the situation too and came into action. He quickly gripped Blaise’s shoulder.
“Go! Quick! And don’t get killed. I’ll bring her home.”
And then before either Zabini siblings could react, Nott lifted Maggie up, on to his shoulder and marched her resolutely to the exit.
Maggie screamed and shrieked hysterically.
“BLAISE!!! BLAISE DON’T LEAVE ME! DON’T LET HIM! BLAISE!! NOTT PUT ME DOWN! PUT ME…!” and then they both disappeared from his view.

Don’t get killed!

Blaise turned and ran as fast as he could to the Astronomy Tower, evading any debris and by now bodies that were now in the way. He tried to block everything out and find her. Luna!

As he entered the mayhem several curses were hurled his way. Now, all the years of aloofness and singleminded focus came in handy. He had only one goal, find her. Everything else be damned and it seemed his body and senses were moving on their own accord. He blocked the spells and kept going, rounding several corners and down flights of stairs before climbing new ones, at least three steps at a time.

As he kept climbing The Astronomy Tower, the battle seemed more intense. More Death Eaters and Aurors were battling, destroying everything around them. He had narrowly slipped into a new corridor when screams entered his consciousness. From afar he saw several Death Eaters as well as two bodies lying prone on the stone floor. But that wasn’t relevant to him right now, because there she was. Luna, laying on the ground behind some debris. He was too far away to see her clearly or get her attention but even this glimpse made his heart lurch out of his chest. She was still alive!

He saw the celebrating Death Eaters that were far too close to her. He saw the Dementors that suddenly seemed to crowd the space in droves, straight at her. He screamed but heard someone else, probably Dean Thomas shout at her too, to run! And she did, scrambling to her feet before dashing into another corridor rather unsteadily. The Dementors followed her. Fuck!

He set off into a sprint, blasting away several Death Eaters that has also tried to set in a pursuit. One of them had been in a fight with Dean, who looked up in surprise when his attacker was blasted away and even more so when he saw Blaise.
“Zabini? What are you..?”
“Keep them away, I’ll make sure she’s safe!” He shouted back no bothering to explain any further. She needed him!

The corridor seemed longer and darker than he remembered it being. He could see the Dementors surrounding her. Her weak puff of a patronus unable to make a difference. He saw the skeletal hands reaching out. No fucking way!
He halted, pointing his wand directly at the mass in front of her. Some of the awful creatures sensed his presence and while his body reacted to the icy cold and dread that hung in the air, he was too angry to care.

No one would hurt his precious Luna Lovegood. He would make sure of that for the rest of his fucking life.
“Luna! Expecto Patronum!”

The force of his spell sent him stumbling several steps backwards as a large magnificent Thestral burst from his wand. It was blinding and he had to squint to see it fly fast and furious straight at the Dementors. They instantly scattered away, fleeing through the broken window at the end of the corridor. The one closest to Luna was flung back by the Thestrals wings and disappeared entirely.

Blaise now focused on her. She was slumped against the wall, looking in utter awe at the patronus. It’s light illuminating her face and her moonstone eyes. It highlighted the suffering she had endured on her face, and yet, there she was once again that ethereal being that had captured his heart, body and soul.

Then she turned to him, and for several precious seconds they just stared at each other, emotions rolling over them. And then, she was in his arms! He gripped her tightly to him. Her body, as changed as it now was, felt perfect and safe against his own.
“Blaise! Oh… I…” She looked at him, her eyes filled with tears that were now streaming down her face. Her voice was soft as whispers running down his skin. His mind couldn’t even attempt to speak and so he cupped her face and kissed her.
She probably deserved delicacy but there was nothing delicate about his ravenous kiss. Merlin, he wanted her! He needed her! He never wanted to be parted from her.

His hands tangled in her hair and he registered she gripped his shirt and shoulder tightly in response. Fuck. He pushed them both back towards the wall that had merely seconds ago seemed like a prison to her and inhaled her. She did the same. It seemed both longest and the shortest second he had ever experienced.
A bang came from somewhere down the corridor.

He pulled away, his body and mind screaming in protest. He looked at her. Her lips were puffy, her cheeks red and a look of dreamy elation that he wished he could capture. He held on to her, unable to let go, gripping her hands in his. His voice was hoarse as he spoke, delicately pushing a strand of her hair back behind her ear.
“Luna… I can’t believe you’re here and safe. I was… so… terrified…” he couldn’t continue and pulled her closer to him, kissing the top of her head and inhaling her scent.
“Me too Blaise…” she murmured softly against his chest.

“Luna! Are you… um… are you okay?” Dean’s voice made them both look up. He was standing several paces away, his face full of weary confusion. His wand was resolutely aimed at Blaise. “Is he hurting you?”

Blaise felt anger flash through him, stiffening instantly into anger and confrontation.
“What the fuck does it look like Thomas?!”
To his credit, Dean didn’t even flinch, ignoring Blaise and focusing on Luna.
“Luna?”
“It’s alright Dean, Blaise isn’t hurting me, he helped me.” Luna replied, her soothing dreamy voice seeming to have a calming effect on them both.

“Yeah, I saw him running here. Death Eaters have moved away. I think they’ve been called back.” Dean told hem, taking a step back and lowering his wand slightly. Blaise now too stepped away from Luna, annoyance bubbling up that he had too, but they weren’t safe yet. They couldn’t stay here. He lowered his wand too and reached out a hand to Luna to help her navigate around the rumble. Seeing their hands together made him think of seeing her hand in Thomas’. He pushed away the thought. He had to be glad there was someone else here that would protect her.

Dean didn’t mention it as they stumbled their way back to the hallway, obviously deciding to keep his questions to himself. They now reached Remus and Tonks, laying beside each other as if asleep. Luna crumpled beside him, dropping to her knees and sobbing as she softly brushed pink locks from Tonks’ face. Blaise was unsure what to do. How could he comfort her? Could she even grieve here?
“It’s not fair…” She mumbled, over and over.

Dean knelt beside her, laying an arm around her shoulders as he took care to straighten the robes of their fallen Professor Defense Against the Dark Arts. He didn’t bother hiding his own tears.
“I know Luna.”
“He… he was so h… happy…”
“Yeah he was.”
“P… poor Teddy… W… why did she come?”
“Look at them, they are always together…”
“Yes…but… why?”
“Death is cruel.” Dean’s voice was harsh now and Blaise was certain the boy had witnessed enough death. “But I’m sure Ted will be there for them… just like we will be there for Teddy.”
Luna looked up at Dean. Seeing the pain in her face, was like a stab in the heart to Blaise. He suddenly felt wholly inadequate and needed to do something.

He took a step back, and Luna instantly looked at him as his hand fell away.
“Take your time. I’ll make sure no one disturbs you.”
He turned to scan the area. Like Dean a Thomas had said, the Death Eaters had left. There was only one other body lying close by. The one Dean had been fighting and that Blaise had blasted away. He wasn’t sure if the man was dead or merely unconscious. He performed a body bind curse just in case.

He then registered that the sounds of battle had dimmed considerably. What was going on? Just then, Lord Voldemort’s haunting voice rang through the air. He felt himself flinch and cover his ears on instinct but it was pointless in keeping out the wizard’s chilling speech. He mockingly told them they had fought bravely and they had sacrificed much. He would grant them time to gather their dead and if Harry Potter would surrender himself then all would be spared.
Fuck, he didn’t know if he believed that, but if it meant getting Luna to safety, Blaise would take it.

He stood, trying to block out the rest of the Dark Lord’s words and started to gather two large pieces of debris. They would have to serve as stretchers. He brought them to Luna and Dean.
“Come on, let’s get them to the Great Hall where they can lay in peace.”
The three of them worked together and Blaise was reminded of his and Luna’s trip to the hospital wing with Professor Flitwick as they moved back down the to castle entrance, Remus and Tonks floating ahead of them.

Luna walked ahead of them, nimbly navigating through the debris as he and Dean strode resolutely behind. Blaise could feel the other boy’s dark gaze on him. He stared back confidently, for the first time realising the similarities they shared. Of course their dark skin was obvious and a distinction among their peers. But they were both extremely tall and lanky, well build for the Chaser positions they shared on their Quidditch teams. Dean, also was more subdued than the rest of the Gryffindor boys from his year, although he definitely wasn’t shy either. Quite a mystery, just how Blaise liked to be.

“What’s your deal, Zabini?”
And, obviously direct. Blaise liked that.
“My deal, Thomas?”
“Yeah, what’s someone like you still doing here? And what are you doing with Luna?”
“I am here to fight and protect those I love.”
“Didn’t think you’d fight on our side.”
“You don’t know anything about me.”
“I know you’re a Slytherin, a Pureblood and haven’t fought on our side before. I think my assumption about you is a logical one.”
“Well, obviously, it’s wrong.”
“Apparently, seeing as Luna likes you. There must be some redeemable quality about you. Although she is too quick to trust.”
“You think you know her well then?”
“I do know her well. We’ve been friends and fighting together for years. Even spend time locked up together. She never mentioned you.”
Blaise tried to ignore the sting that his last comment brought him, so he focused on the new information.
“You know where Luna had been kidnapped to?”
“Yeah, I got locked up in Malfoy’s Manor too, but months later.”

Blaise halted immediately, his blood pounding in his veins. Dean stopped beside him, a curious look on his face.
“Malfoy Manor…?”
“Yeah, didn’t you know?”
“What… no! Malfoy… are you sure?”
Dean actually laughed.
“Of course! I’ll always remember that depressing place. Thankfully I wasn’t there long. But Luna was there for months with Mr Ollivander. They tortured her daily. You might think she looks bad now, but you have no idea how….”

Blaise held out his hand to stop him.
“I understand…” he managed to grind out. Anger seethed through him and he desperately wanted to hit something. If he only caught a glimpse of Draco, he’d kill him on the spot. And he also now realised how Nott had known she was okay. He’d told him that he’d spent Christmas with his father’s friends. Obviously, the Malfoy’s.
“Blimey, you really didn’t know.” Dean said casually.
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Like I said, thought you were on the other side.”

They started to continue walking.
“I was on nobody’s side.”
“Why?”
“To keep my family safe. You were on the run right?”
“Yeah…”
“My mother is too.”
The surprise on Dean’s face was almost comical.
“What? I thought you were…”
“Pureblood? Yeah I am and my mother is too. But Lestrange was stalking and threatening her. She fled to protect us, my younger sister and me.”
“Ah see, I could tell you had a sister!”
“How?”
“I’ve got 5 younger sisters.”
“Merlin… I thought one was bad.”
Dean shrugged, laughing.
“You get used to it. I’d do anything to protect them too. You know, I don’t think you’re too bad, Zabini. Keep fighting for us and I might start to like you.”
“Don’t get your hopes up.”
“Fine, but if you hurt Luna, I’ll kill you. And I have witnessed enough to make sure you suffer immensely.”

Dean gave another smile, but his bright teeth looked rather menacing and threatening. Blaise returned his gaze.
“Likewise Thomas.”

They reached the Great Hall, where many students, teachers, witches and wizards were gathered. Many bodies had started to be laid out with care, people crowding around in grief and disbelief. The Weasley clan was gathered around one of their own. Blaise didn’t see who it was, but let Luna go to them. He positioned himself some distance from the gatherings. He felt awkward and out of place. No one really seemed to pay attention to him. Which was how he had always gone through Hogwarts, aloof and unreachable. Now, he suddenly felt lonely and panicked at the desperation around him. What the hell had he gotten himself into? He hoped Maggie en Nott were home safely. They were probably worried sick…

“Zabini? I thought you had gotten out my boy!” Professor Slughorn’s voice wasn’t as booming as it always was, rather softer. But Blaise nearly lost his balance when his Potions Professor clapped his shoulder, trying to show some comfort. He looked at Professor Slughorn, who for the first time looked frazzled. His robes were torn. Odd burn marks covered him and part of his mustache was missing. And Blaise had to admit he felt proud of this wizard in front of him.
“I stayed sir.”
“Not sure that was the wisest choice you’ve ever made, but it’s a good one. Are you hurt? I’ll get Madame Pomfrey here.”
“No, I am fine. Just a… taking some rest…”
Another clap on his shoulder. Perhaps now he did need some healing.
“Good lad! Your sister, she’s not here too…?”
“No, made sure she left!”
“Good, good! Now I believe there was some mead somewhere. Something to pick you up. It isn’t over yet… Ah! Miss Lovegood, 10 steps ahead of me as always. Good to see you again.”

Blaise whipped around and saw Luna stand in front of them, two mead goblets floating along her. She gave Slughorn a charming smile as she passed him a goblet.
“It’s good to see you again too Professor.”
She then turned to Blaise, handing him one. He reached out, letting his fingers brush hers, but he couldn’t get anything out, merely nod. Now, in the illuminated Great Hall, he could truly see her again. He was struck by both the obvious torturous months that were still etched into her, as well as her vivacious spirit that always shown through, even among this destruction. She gave him a smile and he felt entranced. He was hardly noticed Slughorn mumbling some excuse to leave.

“Hey Lovegood.” His voice was rough and nowhere near as smooth as he had hoped it would be. She giggled.
“Hey Blaise.”
“Sit with me?”

And she did. They sat together on one of the benches and silently overlooked the chaos in front of them. It was a sad scene, full of grief. Without a care about who could see, Blaise took her hand in his, hoping to offer some comfort and felt his heart jump when she squeezed back. He wished he could apparate them away from there, right then and there. But there was no way Luna would leave now, still in the midst of battle.

“Do you think he’ll do it?” He asked her after a long while.
“Mhmm who?”
“Potter. Will he go to him, to surrender?”
“Harry was just here. He’s here to win.”
“What does that mean?”
“He will do anything to win, and I know he will succeed. He has a special bond with Voldemort, you know? He knows how to defeat him when it is time.”
“I suppose that’s… reassuring.” He said, unable to stop the sarcastic tone but she merely turned to him with that radiant smile.
“Yes, it is isn’t it?” He smiled back, reaching out to push a strand of hair back behind her ear.
“Yeah, it is.”

He wished he could have kept it at that, but his conversation with Thomas rang through his mind.
“You were at Malfoy Manor?” He hated seeing the slight flinch as he asked the question.
“Dean told you?”
“So it’s true?”
“Yes…” her tone was soft, a shiver running through it.
“I am sorry.” She bravely shrugged her shoulders in reply.
“I am alive.”

He pulled her into a hug, and held her, everybody else be damned!

He wasn’t sure how long they sat together. Minutes… hours? All he knew was that it was past midnight when suddenly their peace was disturbed by Lord Voldemort once again. In a gloating cackle telling them all Harry Potter had surrendered himself in cowardice and was dead. They had to prepare themselves to surrender and he would show mercy to those that had fought against him.

Luna’s pale face turned a sickly shade of grey.
“No way. It cannot be! Harry would never…” She never finished that statement before rushing outside with many others to witness what they had just heard. Blaise ran after her, dread roiling in his stomach. And he realised that he was surprised and disappointed. Somehow, somewhere Luna’s optimism about them defeating Voldemort and winning the war had taken hold in him. And now that hope was vanquished and he suddenly felt panic. How would he be able to rebuild his life after this, with Voldemort and the Death Eaters truly in charge? What would that mean for him? For his sister? For his mother? For him and Luna? There was no way he would let her go, no matter what.

They gathered into the courtyard and came face to face with the Death Eaters and Lord Voldemort in their midst. Terror trickled along Blaise’s back seeing the red reptilian like eyes. Around him people were screaming as they saw Harry Potter laying motionless in Hagrid’s arms.

“Silence!” Cried Lord Voldemort followed by a loud bang. The cries stopped and the Dark Lord continued, his high chill voice unnatural. “It is over! Set him down Hagrid, at my feet, where he belongs!”
Blaise looked aghast as he saw his classmate being placed on the ground as the terrifying looking wizard paced by him. “You see? Harry Potter is dead! Do you understand now deluded ones? He was nothing, ever, but a boy who relied on others to sacrifice themselves for him!”
“He beat you!” Yelled Ron Weasley and then there was an eruption of shouts and screaming as Lord Voldemort desperately trying to shout above the noise.

Blaise found Luna’s hand and held it tightly as she shouted angrily herself, her wand ready for anything. He was glad he had because suddenly Neville Longbottom broke through and attacked before swiftly being disarmed by the Death Eaters. Luna was itching to join him as Lord Voldemort mocked her friend.
“I’ll join you when hell freezes over! Dumbledore’s Army!” Longbottom declared bravely and Luna roared in cheer and Blaise could feel the adrenaline pump through her. This could be it. If she joined the fight he’d lose her… but at that moment he knew he’d join her. Because this new world order wasn’t one he could be apart of.

Hell seemed to break loose! One second Neville Longbottom stond there in defiance, the second a burning sorting hat sat on his head and amid the screams of his friends to help him, a giant appeared trying to get to Hagrid. And when Blaise finally thought his mind had caught up with everything, Longbottom broke free and decapitated a gigantic snake with the sword of Gryffindor, and suddenly Harry Potter was gone….

“I knew it! I knew he wasn’t dead! We’re going to win this Blaise. Stay close to me!” Luna shouted in his ear as once again the battle exploded around them, as all sorts of magical creatures joined the fight. Luna grabbed his hand and deftly started to attack and defend, manoeuvring their way back into the castle. It didn’t take long for Blaise to find his senses, or rather, they seemed to react on their own. Firing curse after curse and defending Luna’s back.

The Great Hall filled up with battles. Voldemort was in the centre with the Death Eaters around him. But unlike the battle before, now it seemed the students, teachers and aurors had the upper hand. Death Eater after Death Eater fell. At one point Blaise and Luna become separated as Blaise fought alongside Dean Thomas bringing down another one. He then turned in horror to see Luna, with Ginny Weasley and Hermione Granger, battle Bellatrix Lestrange. Not even three on one seemed to fase the witch, who kept launching death curse after death curse, cackling through it all. Luna had sprung out of the way of one of them and Blaise desperately tried to get to her. Ginny Weasley missed one by barely an inch. Suddenly there was a roar beside him and Blaise felt himself flung out of the way as Mrs Weasley flew over to the battle, getting three girls out.
“NOT MY DAUGHTER, YOU BITCH!”

A battle ensued unlike Blaise had ever seen. It was obvious Bellatrix had hardened skills and was nimble but Mrs Weasley, who had just lost a son and nearly a daughter, had the motivation of a lioness protecting her remaining cubs. Quite quickly it became obvious that Bellatrix was finally outmatched. People stopped to watch both that battle as the one Voldemort was fighting with Professor McGonagall, Professor Slughorn and Kingsley Shacklebolt, entranced.

Blaise meanwhile managed to reach Luna and clasped her hand tightly as they watched. Bellatrix knew fighting wouldn’t be enough and started to taunt Mrs Weasley, but even that was futile. She was determined to end the Death Eater. And right as Bellatrix let out a cackle, Luna gripped his hand tightly. Blaise looked at her face. Trauma playing in her eyes, her sight fixed on the fight. Fury and anger Blaise had never seen on her face before radiated from her.
“Finish her!” She hissed and Blaise whipped his head away from her, to see Mrs’ Weasley’s curse hint Bellatrix’s chest before she toppled to the ground.

The elation in the Hall was cut through by Voldemort’s scream and immediate act of revenge to his own duellers. But before he could hurt any of them, a Protego so powerful rang through the hall, which subsequently erupted when suddenly Harry Potter appeared, very much still alive!

And then Blaise, holding Luna tightly, watched as Potter and Voldemort started to circle each other, wands drawn, ready to strike. And yet, they called, about how one couldn’t live while the other survived. About love and magic. About Dumbledore and Snape’s involvement. And finally about the Elder Wand and whom it belonged to, before Voldemort cast Avada Kedavra and Potter countered with Expelliarmus. A blast lit up the space until Voldemort fell to the floor… now defeated in death.

Everyone erupted in tumultuous cheer and celebration as the realisation hit that they had won. The war was over! Voldemort, the Dark Lord was gone! The celebration that occurred was a blur to Blaise. He drew Luna close for a kiss before hugging students and teachers, some he didn’t even know! He just let his feelings of elation move him. He no longer had to pretend to be strong or impassive. He could feel!

Moving through the Hall seemed endless as people crowded around them, especially when they were close to Potter and his friends.

Luna and Harry shared a few whispers at one point.
“I’d want some peace and quiet, if it were me.” She told him.
“I’d love some.”
“I’ll distract them all. Use your cloak.” And then she cleared her voice and pointed at the window. “Ohhh look! A Blibbering Humdringer!”
Blaise laughed as the people around them turned around and Potter slipped beneath his invisibility cloak. He himself laced his fingers through hers.
“Shall we take a moment too?” He asked softly and she nodded and they slipped out of the Great Hall together and outside, watching the sunrise light up the school grounds.

There was absolute chaos and debris around them but Blaise could look through it all. It would all be repaired at one point. Instead he felt relieved feeling the soft grass beneath his feet as he and Luna made their way to the Forbidden Forest. They didn’t have to speak, both knowing exactly where they wanted and needed to go. Thankfully it didn’t take long to find to herd of Thestrals. They had remained close to the castle.

They didn’t erupt, but flapped and snorted with excited little spurts as he and Luna entered their space. With her hand tightly in his, Blaise pulled Luna into his arms, holding her close as the Thestrals surrounded them in welcome. He felt her cool hand on his face and realised that tears were streaming down his face, and down hers too. Relief and happiness radiated from them and Blaise had never felt this magical.

“We’ve done it!” Luna whispered excitedly.
“We did. We’re free now.”
“We are… Blaise, I am so happy.”
“I am so glad you’re here with me. I was so afraid I’d lose you. I’ll have you know Lovegood, I am never letting you go.”
“Never?” She asked with a cheeky grin.
He bent down, his lips inches away from hers.
“Never!” He breathed and sealed that promise with an everlasting kiss.

Chapter Text

Blaise held Luna’s hand firmly is his own as he apparated them to the Zabini Estate. Neither of them said a word. They both needed time to process what had happened just moments before.

Voldemort had been defeated.

They – those who opposed him – had won. But at what cost?

The dead had been lined up in the Great Hall. There was too much devastation to comprehend all the losses. It would take years, if not decades, before the Wizarding World would feel a semblance of normalcy. Perhaps it would take even longer for all the prejudice stemming from the conflicts of this century to heal too.

Blaise hadn’t expected to immediately be confronted by those wounds.

There had been celebrations of victory, even among the dead. At that moment it hadn’t mattered what House someone was from, or what blood ran through their veins. The war was over. Until people started to return home.

After their peaceful moment in the Forest, he and Luna started to return to the castle, only to run into a search party trying to find Luna. Fleur Delacour was the one to spot them.

“Cherie! There you are! Come Luna. Bill and I want you to stay wiz us until we know more about your father. Molly says there will be have to be major repairs of your ‘ouse. But Bill and I will ‘elp you.”

It took a while for her to even register that Blaise was standing there with her. He tried really hard not to glare at this woman obviously trying to be helpful to Luna.

Luna gave his hand a reassuring squeeze and smiled at Fleur.

“Thank you Fleur. I would love to stay some more time at your home – but not right now. I will be staying with Blaise first.”

Fleur stretched herself to her full height. She was nearly as tall as Blaise was. That didn’t happen often. Cold eyes assessed him.

“And who are you?” She asked sharply.

“Blaise Zabini.” He replied shortly.

Her nostrils flared at his last name. More than a year ago he had practically lamented that Luna didn’t know, or rather care about his family name and the consequences attached. Fleur Delacour, of course, did.

“And why would Luna stay whiz you?”

“Because he’s my boyfriend.” Luna stated simply and Blaise felt his heart soar. Ignoring Fleur, he turned to beam at her and felt even better when Luna did the same.

Of course, how could they be anything now but boyfriend and girlfriend? But hearing her say it so simply. So matter of fact, was exhilarating. They could do that now. They didn’t have to find anymore. He resisted the urge to kiss her again right then and there, but settled for a quick affectionate kiss on her head.

Fleur still looked at them surprised and rather suspiciously at him. But after a few seconds, she signed rather dramatically, apparently accepting this situation. She looked back at the castle.

“Well, if that is what you want Luna… But I will warn you. There are more people here that want to take care of you right now. People that we trust. They might not understand… this…” She said gesturing to their linked hands.

“It will be alright!” Luna said serenely and pulled Blaise along with her.

Blaise couldn’t help but give Fleur a sideways glance. She didn’t look back, but stared resolutely in front of her, a hard look in her eyes. He understood then, that the rosy fantasy he had imagined for himself and Luna, would not happen. Looking back, it had been a rather childish idea, based on those romance movies his mother and Magdalena enjoyed watching. Where the hero would sweep the heroine onto his white horse and ride into the sunset with her. Happily Ever After.

Yeah, right.

He steeled himself as they re-entered the Great Hall. Immediately he heard exclamations of relief around him. Mr and Mrs Weasley hurried towards them. But Ginny Weasley got there first, wand in hand, her eyes blazing fire.

“Get away from her!”

“Ginny… Ginny… they’re alright…” It was Potter, trying to get her out of Blaise’s face.

“I don’t care about him! Luna, get away!”

“No, Ginny. Calm down.” Luna said softly but Blaise could see the concern in her eyes and it wasn’t for him. It was for her friend.

“No! You just disappeared! He took you away! What the hell do you want with my friend? I told you to stay away from her Zabini!”

“Ginny, please. I am okay. It’s all okay. He helped me.”

“NO!” Ginny shrieked, tears started to run down her cheeks. “He can’t just take you! You were gone! I thought… I thought…”

Blaise released Luna’s hand and she engulfed her friend into a tight embrace. They both sunk to the ground as Luna tried to sooth Ginny’s panicked breathing. He stepped away to give them both some space. Mr and Mrs Weasley had reached them too and stared in shock at their daughter. The scene began to attract more people.

Potter was glaring at him. Probably blaming him for all the mess and distress. Typical. Ron Weasley and Granger joined them.

“Harry? What’s going on?”

“We found Luna. She’s alright.”

“Of course she’s alright.” Blaise said coolly.

“What are you doing here Zabini? Did you miss the Portkey or something?” Ron bit back.

“I stayed here for Luna. And I will take her home as soon as possible. She needs to rest.”

“Take her where?”

“My house.”

“Your house? Why?”

“I am going to take care of my girlfriend at my house.”

“Your… what? What in Merlin’s balls is going on?”

Mr Weasley lay a hand on his youngest son to calm him.

“If I may, Mr Zabini?”

“Blaise.”

“Right… If I may Blaise… Molly and I…” he gestured to his wife, who looked at Blaise with the same fiery concern her daughter had. “We are Luna’s neighbours and will care for her until her father is released from Azkaban.”

“Luna already told Fleur she would stay with her at a later date. Today, she will be coming with me. It’s what she wants. I have asked her. Perhaps your generous family should do the same?”

Blaise couldn’t help his biting tone. He didn’t spend months hiding both his love and paralysing fear about her well being or risked his life these past hours for her, to have his head bitten off by literal strangers.

“I… well… my boy… I still think…” Mr Weasley stammered as he tried to keep his bristling wife behind him.

“Hey! What’s going on?” Neville Longbottom had reached them too, a jovial grin on his face that immediately disappeared seeing the state of Ginny and Luna.

“Zabini is trying to kidnap Luna.” Ron said hotly and Blaise couldn’t help groan in exacerbation as he rolled his eyes at the moronic lie. Even Luna’s attention now snapped back firmly to the ongoing conflict.

“He is not! He is my boyfriend! I… I know that’s a shock…” she immediately said placating her friends who all erupted at once. Blaise heard Fleur snicker behind him.
“I know it is a shock, and I am sorry I kept this all from you.” Luna continued, looking back sympathetically at Ginny, who was trying desperately to regain control of herself with Harry and Neville by her side.
“We became friends last school year and even more this year. But we couldn’t say anything. Nothing good would have come from it.”

“Nothing good will come from it now.” Harry said fiercely.

“I don’t give a fuck what you think Potter!” Blaise bit back, his temper now truly unravelling.

“Well you should, Death Eater!”

“I have never been a Death Eater. I risked everything to be here for her. I fought for you, you ungrateful, miserable –!”

Suddenly someone clapped a hand on his shoulder.

“I’d stop if I were you mate.”

Blaise turned around enraged. Dean Thomas looked back at him, a tense grin on his face.

“What are you doing?” Blaise gritted out.

“Just shut up.” Dean hissed back, before turning to the stunned Gryffindors.
“He’s telling the truth. I saw him save her. He even saved me during the battle. And helped us get Remus and Tonks here. So stop biting his head off right now. There will be time to do that later. But not later. Besides, I trust whatever Luna wants to do. Luna?”

The group had gone deathly silent at Dean’s words. Blaise supposed he ought to feel grateful for his support. But he couldn’t find it in him. Not when it was clear that his own words meant nothing to them.

Luna did give Dean a grateful smile and turned to her friends.

“Dean’s right, and I do want to go home with Blaise right now. But I cannot thank you all enough for your support. I will need it.” She looked at Ginny and engulfed her in a hug.
“I am sorry I scared you. There’s a lot to process and talk about. But not right now. I will be fine and be with you soon, alright?”

Ginny stared quietly at her face before looking back between Dean and Blaise. She scrunched her nose in defeat.

“Fine, if you are sure. But you will come to the Burrow soon. Can you apparate, or shall I pick you up?”

“I am sure and will let you know how I will travel. Now go home and rest too. There will be a lot to do…”

Ginny looked back to where Fred, Remus and Tonks lay.

“Yes, you’re right…” she said softly.

With a final hug for Ginny, Luna stepped back to Blaise and took his hand. Everyone stared at them, none particularly pleasantly.

“I will see you soon!” Luna said, her dreamy voice having made its return.

Blaise ignored everyone but nodded stiff goodbyes at Dean and Mr Weasley. With that, they walked out of the castle once more. They cross the school grounds in silence. When they reached the apparition point, Blaise held onto her tightly as he brought them to his home.

They walked along the manicured drive way. Both Nott and Magdalena immediately rushed out to greet them, followed by the rest of his family.

Luna squeezed his hand tightly and he looked at her.

“It will be alright.” She said softly, smiling up at him. He smiled back, bringing up her hand for a quick kiss.

“Of course…” he murmured back.

But as he greeted his family and held a relieved and tearful Magdalena in his arms, he doubted whether it all would be alright. A whole new and naively unexpected battle now lay before him.