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TITLE: Crazy Little Things
SERIES: Harry Potter
AUTHOR:![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
dreiser
EMAIL: dreiser7@yahoo.com
YAHOO ID: dreiser7
AIM ID: dreiser3
MY WEBSITE: http://www.dreiser.org/
CONTENT: F/F romance. Hermione/Luna.
SUMMARY: Little by little, in her own unusual way, Luna Lovegood begins to romance Hermione Granger.
DISCLAIMER: I own nothing but my fickle attitude involving demands.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: I don't have a lot of time to write fanfic with my job but I am writing. This is another short chapter but I figured it would make some people happy.
Crazy Little Things
By: Dreiser
When Hermione woke it took her several moments to realize something was different. She wasn't alone as she often was and she wasn't with Ron, whose body she knew well and always recognized from the hard line of his muscles, something that helped him form quite the image of a handsome man as he aged but wasn't the most comfortable thing to sleep on. But when she woke, instead of lying on fluffy pillows or hard muscle she was pressed into a wonderful softness that smelled lightly of raspberries and chocolate and held in a light embrace. Hermione slowly opened her eyes and was met with the sight of Luna sleeping soundly.
Strangely, Hermione had the urge to stay exactly where she was, she felt so very comfortable but the idea that she felt that way didn't seem right to her and so she carefully moved away, trying her best not to wake Luna. Scooting down to the edge of the bed, Hermione sat cross legged, her eyes fixed on the sleeping blonde who was blissfully unaware of her gaze. Only a short while ago, she was wrapped up in the other girl's arms and feeling more at ease than she had felt in years. Warm and safe and utterly happy.
Though she tried desperately, she couldn't recall ever feeling this way with Ron. Certainly she felt comfortable with him, how couldn't she? She had been friends with him for years before they began dating and he was one of the people who knew her best in the world. But it wasn't the same. How she felt with Ron was warm and safe and he did make her happy but more and more she suspected he did these things much in the way that Harry and Ginny did. In the same way that any of her close friends did.
It wasn't the same feeling she got when she was around Luna, it wasn't the same feeling she had when waking up in her arms today. The very fact that she felt comfortable with the blonde even after waking up as she did, proved there was a difference. She had been friends with Ginny far longer than Luna and Hermione couldn't imagine feeling even the littlest bit at ease if she had woken up in Ginny's arms. In fact, she probably would have grumbled and shook the redhead awake telling her in unhappy tones that she wasn't Harry and to not hold her as if she was. Quite the opposite of her reaction when she opened her eyes and saw Luna.
Then there was that night not long ago when they had gone out dancing. Although she now could admit she was tipsy, Hermione still recalled most of the evening and while she tried her best to push it out of her mind, especially out of loyalty and love for Ron, she couldn't forget the memory of sitting on her bed, leaning into Luna's touch and wanting so very badly for the other girl to kiss her. That wasn't the way someone should feel about a friend and until that night Hermione had considered Luna to be a just friend but she was rapidly becoming aware that for her, Luna was so much more than that.
It wasn't right though. No matter how much her instincts and feelings told her otherwise. Though she hadn't acted on her impulses, mostly because of the restraint of the other girl and her own previous state of denial, Hermione knew that just having these emotions for Luna was a form of cheating. She was giving the blonde attention and emotions that were should have been meant for the person she was romantically involved with and though she knew logically the right thing to do would be to simply stay away from Luna and devote her spare time and energy to Ron she dreaded the thought of no longer seeing the younger girl. Her life had become so much more fulfilling and exciting by spending time with Luna and Hermione almost felt a bit addicted to it. The very thought of having it taken away, having those feelings that Luna inspired in her suppressed and bottled down as she knew she should made her want to cry. And so she didn't.
But she knew it wasn't right. It wasn't right at all. Especially not to Ron.
"No one should begin their day looking so gloomy," Luna said, her voice thick with sleep and concern. Hermione turned at the feel of the blonde's hand on the small of her back and saw the other girl sitting behind her, blanket pooled around her waist and a worried look on her face. Luna lifted her other hand and cupped Hermione's cheek as she murmured, "Is anything the matter?"
"No," said Hermione, covering the other girl's hand with her own and forming a soft smile. "Not while I'm with you."
Returning the smile, Luna said, "Hermione says the loveliest things."
They remained in silence until Ron's face flashed in Hermione's mind and a wave of guilt seized her. Pulling away from Luna, she rose to her feet and headed towards the leather barrier as she said, "I'll get breakfast started."
She was out of the room before Luna could reply and she stayed on the bed, looking at the barrier that Hermione just disappeared through. "I do believe she was fibbing when she said nothing was the matter," Luna said to herself, heaving a quiet sigh.
---
After breakfast, they gathered in the living room looking at the photographs that Bheru had taken. The magical prints perfectly revealed the movement of the Krodha Swinging Lizard as it escaped from the poacher's trap. Much to Luna's delight, Bheru even managed to capture the magical creature's personality and you could see the shift in its facial expression from petulant to delighted as it moved from being held behind bars to swinging through the forest in its natural element.
"As you've seen my photographs perhaps I could see your notes?" asked Bheru with a smile.
"Only if you promise to make spare prints for me," said Luna playfully, though she was already leaning down to retrieve the notes from her backpack and handing them to Bheru as she looked up.
"Since it is your camera and your film and we're on your expedition I suppose I could find the time to make you some prints, Miss Lovegood," Bheru remarked in equally playful tones, taking the notes from Luna and flipping through their pages with a look of utmost interest.
"Bheru, I hope you realize if I ever get around to publishing, horrid as I am at writing, I'll give you full credit for taking those photographs," said Luna, appearing concerned that the guide might think she wouldn't give him the proper acknowledgment.
"I know," said Bheru, glancing up from Luna's notes and forming a reassuring smile. "Though I wish I could be of some assistance to you with the task of transforming your notes into an article or even a textbook like you spoke of."
"Don't worry," said Luna winsomely, turning to Hermione who looked rather perplexed at this attention. "I've someone in mind who writes simply splendid. It's just a matter of finding out if she would be willing to help me with such a project."
"Luna," Hermione said her name with some surprise, her eyes going wide. "I'm flattered but we're already working with the Professor as it is and while I do find magical creatures fascinating, ever more so because of the time I've spent with you and Bheru, I'm hardly qualified to write anything worthy of publishing for that field of study."
"But I am," replied Luna as she scooted closer to Hermione who was sitting on the comfortable leather sofa with her. A gleam of excitement was very visible in her blue eyes and Luna reached out to hold the brunette's hands as she said, "I have the knowledge and the notes and the oh so pretty pictures to prove to the rest of the wizarding world that all of the creatures I've always known are real truly do exist. I have all of that but not the littlest bit of talent when it comes to writing things so they appear to be interesting. But Hermione has that talent and I can't think of anyone I would enjoy to work with more." Luna paused and her the excitement in her eyes seemed to dull and her face wore an unnaturally sad and almost solemn expression as she said, "Unless Hermione doesn't care to work with me?"
Hermione wanted to say the problem was more that she did care to work with Luna. In fact, if allowed she would probably spend all of her time with Luna but just as she had decided this morning, it wasn't right to feel that way. Not when she was involved with Ron and she should be devoting more of herself to him. Still, she couldn't control the immediate need she felt to remove that sad look from the blonde's face. That's why Hermione found herself saying, "Don't be silly! I love working with you. I quite enjoy the time we spend helping Professor Ipson with his research and while I didn't think it was really possible at first, I've had a grand time on this expedition."
"Then Hermione will work with me on this project?" asked Luna almost hesitantly, looking at Hermione with what was close to doe eyes and though the brunette didn't notice it, Bheru gave a humorous snort on seeing Luna's expression.
"Certainly," said Hermione quickly, giving a sigh of relief when Luna formed a brilliant smile. She turned to see Bheru wearing a scolding look on his features and wagging his finger at the two of them. Frowning at this, she asked, "Have we done something wrong?"
"Only one of you and she doesn't have curly brown hair," said Bheru, shaking his head at Luna though there was a teasing twinkle in his eyes. "I do try to be loyal to my friends and colleagues but that was a masterful manipulation, Miss Lovegood. I'm not sure I approve."
"I didn't cast a spell," protested Luna, forming something of a pout. "And Hermione wants to work with me! She just needed a tiny push to realize it, that's all."
"Luna!" Hermione exclaimed, frowning and giving the other girl a light slap on the knee. "You tricked me?"
"Manipulated you," corrected Bheru in tones that were a little too gleeful for Luna's taste. "Rather cleverly, I must say."
Her frown growing deeper, Hermione stared Luna down who wilted under her gaze and offered hesitantly, "It seemed as if you might refuse and so I tried to discover a way to ensure that you would say yes. Acting despondent was the only thing I could think of." The blonde looked just as sad as she had before but now Hermione wasn't sure if it was genuine or another attempt at deception. Though something in her heart told her that the younger girl was genuinely sorry. And there was the fact that she looked so absolutely remorseful that Hermione was sure if she kept gazing at her wearing that expression her heart might begin to bleed from it. "I am sorry. Please believe me."
"I'm not sure I should but I do believe you," said Hermione slowly, her expression was somewhat stern but also understanding. "But don't do something like that again, Luna. I don't appreciate it, not in the least. It makes me feel as if you don't respect me."
"I'm sorry," Luna repeated, moving closer to Hermione on the couch and neither girl noticed when Bheru quietly exited the room, leaving them alone. The younger girl reached out to rest her palm against the brunette's cheek and Hermione sighed, leaning into her touch as Luna's fingertips caressed her skin. "I knew it was wrong but I just wanted to make sure you would agree to work with me. I've had the funniest feeling ever since we've begun working together with Professor Ipson that you're the one who could help me realize my dream. I think it's similar to the precognitive visions caused by the venom of the Hissing Water Basilisk. I've never felt more certain about anything in my life, Hermione. We were meant to help one another and my dream was meant to become yours as well."
"What dream?" asked Hermione gently but truly perplexed.
"To travel the world searching for the magical creatures, documenting their existence and habits then taking everything that I've learned and put it into a book that everyone could read then see for themselves what make these creatures so very marvelous," said Luna with an eager expression, full of hope and joy at the idea of this dream. "And during this expedition I kept thinking more and more you were the person meant to travel with me, to change what I document into beautiful words for the entire wizarding world to read."
"Luna," said Hermione slowly, her voice rough with emotion and her eyes watering despite her best attempt to keep her head level and her thoughts clear. Only it was so very hard when the younger girl was saying such things to her. In a way it was nearly a confession of love or at least that's how the brunette's infatuated eyes saw it. At the very least it told Hermione that Luna cared for her very much and saw some sort of future involving her. And though she knew it was wrong Hermione wanted so very badly to share that vision of the future.
"Couldn't we give it a try, using this as a small test?" asked Luna, her hand dropping down to curl in Hermione's hair, her fingertips reaching out to run lightly against the other girl's skin, causing a shiver to run down the brunette's skin. "You've already traveled with me and helped to discover the Krodha Swinging Lizard. We shouldn't remain in the forest, not with the evidence of poachers present. If you like, we could go elsewhere, anywhere you wanted, and we could rest and recover then perhaps, if you felt like it, you could try writing a little, whatever you wanted, anything you could imagine, after looking through my notes and pictures." Luna paused, wearing a plaintive look on her features and she moved closer yet, her other hand reaching for Hermione's and squeezing it softly. "If you dislike it terribly all you would need do is say the word and we could leave and I promise to never speak about it to you again. But couldn't we at least give it a try?"
It wouldn't be smart to agree, not with the feelings she was increasingly having for the younger girl, but it sounded so very appealing and Hermione wasn't sure she could refuse, not with Luna looking at her with such pleading eyes. "Three days," said Hermione after a very long pause. "That's how long we'll give it a try and soon as it's over we're returning straightaway to London." Before the brunette could say anything more she was wrapped up in an enthusiastic hug from Luna and Hermione allowed herself just a moment to relish the feeling of being in the blonde's embrace before she pulled away and emphasized again, "Three days, Luna. No more, no less."
"Three days," Luna agreed, nodding her head rapidly. Holding Hermione's face tenderly in her grasp, her thumbs tracing a gentle path on the older girl's skin, she said, "That's more than enough." Hermione sighed and closed her eyes, battling with the urge to stay exactly where she was but making herself slowly pull away from the blonde as she heard Luna ask, "Where should we go? Is there anywhere you fancy?"
"It doesn't matter," said Hermione as she scooted further down the sofa, eventually standing up for good measure. Looking down at Luna, who peered up at her wearing an expression that echoed of soft concern, Hermione tried to hold back the swell of emotion this caused in her. More and more she thinking this was a monumental mistake on her part. "I'm sure you would know far better than myself of a location that would be suitable for writing. Though I would prefer somewhere peaceful."
"Peaceful," murmured Luna, a far off look emerging in her eyes. A wisp of a smile emerged on her features and she said, "I know of a perfect place. It's just a matter of discovering if we might use it."
With that Luna rose to her feet, calling out to Bheru, asking if he knew of a way to send an express message. Leaving Hermione alone to ponder what she had just agreed to and whether it was perhaps the most foolish decision she could have made on her part if she was truly trying to remain loyal to Ron.
---
A few hours later, they said their goodbyes to Bheru and gathered up their things, Luna taking Hermione's hand softly and giving it a squeeze of reassurance as they disapparated. The sound of the sea and the fresh smell of salt greeted them upon apparation. Her eyes wide, Hermione released Luna's hand and took several steps forward, peering around the handsome white villa that stood out in stark distinction to the great green rolling hills and the deep blue of the sea as it crested on the sandy beaches below.
"Where are we?" asked Hermione, whipping around to look at Luna who had stepped closer and wore a soft smile.
"This is Corfu, one of the seven Ionian Islands in Greece," replied Luna, standing at Hermione's side, enjoying the view of the sea. Looking to the other girl, she had an air of hesitation as she asked, "Do you find it peaceful enough? I always found it the most relaxing of getaways. I think it has a bit to do with the age of the island and its wizarding roots, it's old enough to feel at peace with the world, no matter whatever might happen in it. I do think such acceptance comes more easily as you grow older, don't you?"
"Yes," said Hermione, feeling strangely dazed by the beauty of the location. She asked Luna to take them somewhere peaceful but she hadn't expected them to end up at such a beautiful location. Especially one that had a naturally romantic atmosphere because of its beauty. Focusing her attention back on the villa in front of them, she asked, "Does it belong to your family?"
"A friend," said Luna, reaching for Hermione's hand and pulling her forward, walking over to the villa as she spoke. "She's currently away on business for the Ministry in Montserrat. Helping with interpretation on a bit of difficult negotiations with the merpeople of that region. I'm afraid they're still rather distrustful of wizards after the return and consequent death of You Know Who."
Luna had opened the door and they were about to walk inside the villa when Hermione tugged on her hand, stopping her from going further and when the blonde looked back at her, Hermione wore a frown as she said, "Are you certain she's comfortable with a stranger staying in her home? I don't think I would feel right, intruding in her space without her knowing."
"I've a message right here that proves she doesn't find you strange at all," said Luna warmly and she tried moving forward again but Hermione wasn't budging. Releasing a quiet sigh, Luna looked to the older girl and said, "I promise it's fine, Hermione. We're very old friends, Ophelia and I, we've known each other since our fourth year when our parents sent us to Camp Charybdis on this very island."
"Camp Charybdis?" asked Hermione curiously, allowing Luna to finally pull her inside the villa and she closed the front door with a soft click, looking around the villa which had beautiful marble floors and an open architecture, instantly lending it a soothing atmosphere.
"A Magical Creature camp," supplied Luna with a wide smile. "Educational and adventurous. Though I was most upset to have spent the entire summer on Corfu without spotting once instance of the Charybdis. It was good of Ophelia to help me search. I only wish we had gotten a small hint of it. Perhaps I'll go searching again someday. I'm sure it must emerge at some time or another."
Choosing not to comment on the mythological nature of the Charybdis, especially after spending time searching for and discovering the mysterious Krodha Swinging Lizard, Hermione studied their surroundings and found herself drawn to a far wall that was decorated with a variety of magical photographs. Moving forward and having something of a flashback to those many weeks ago at Luna's cottage in Ballyvaughan, Hermione looked at the photographs that all almost featured a stunning witch with long black hair, olive skin, and sparkling brown eyes. A much younger version of the witch was in a small photograph to the far right accompanied by Luna, the two girls were smiling brightly, their arms wrapped around each other's waists, wearing identical red shirts that said Camp Charybdis.
"Is that…?" Hermione began, trailing around as she turned and saw Luna standing right behind her.
"Ophelia Diakos," said Luna, smiling fondly and looking at the photograph of their fourth year selves. She looked to Hermione with something of a self deprecating expression on her features and a twinkle in her eyes as she said, "My very first crush."
"Really?" asked Hermione, returning her focus to the picture and a slight scowl forming before she could help it. She shouldn't feel jealous, she knew that she shouldn't, particularly over a fourth year romance but there you had it.
"Nothing ever came of it except a few awkward kisses," Luna remarked and she moved closer yet, her hand resting gently on Hermione's hip, pulling the brunette backwards and into her body. "We didn't even realize it was possible to kiss with tongues, I'm afraid." Luna chuckled and remarked, "It's been quite some time since I was that innocent."
Shutting her eyes tight, Hermione forced herself to move forward and out of Luna's touch, and said in rough tones, "Won't you show me where I'll be sleeping? I think I could do with a bit of rest."
"Of course," said Luna with concern. She led Hermione up large white stone steps to the upper level of the villa, pushing back a deep blue door and revealing a large airy bedroom with a balcony that overlooked the sea. "Does it suit you?"
"It's fine," Hermione replied in short tones, closing the door and avoiding looking at Luna as she did so.
Staring at the door that had just shut in front of her, Luna released another sigh. She rested her hand lightly against the door, forcing herself not to follow after the other girl and ask what was wrong, instead remaining where she was and murmuring sadly, "I've done something wrong again but this time I haven't any idea what."
To be continued...
SERIES: Harry Potter
AUTHOR:
dreiserEMAIL: dreiser7@yahoo.com
YAHOO ID: dreiser7
AIM ID: dreiser3
MY WEBSITE: http://www.dreiser.org/
CONTENT: F/F romance. Hermione/Luna.
SUMMARY: Little by little, in her own unusual way, Luna Lovegood begins to romance Hermione Granger.
DISCLAIMER: I own nothing but my fickle attitude involving demands.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: I don't have a lot of time to write fanfic with my job but I am writing. This is another short chapter but I figured it would make some people happy.
Crazy Little Things
By: Dreiser
When Hermione woke it took her several moments to realize something was different. She wasn't alone as she often was and she wasn't with Ron, whose body she knew well and always recognized from the hard line of his muscles, something that helped him form quite the image of a handsome man as he aged but wasn't the most comfortable thing to sleep on. But when she woke, instead of lying on fluffy pillows or hard muscle she was pressed into a wonderful softness that smelled lightly of raspberries and chocolate and held in a light embrace. Hermione slowly opened her eyes and was met with the sight of Luna sleeping soundly.
Strangely, Hermione had the urge to stay exactly where she was, she felt so very comfortable but the idea that she felt that way didn't seem right to her and so she carefully moved away, trying her best not to wake Luna. Scooting down to the edge of the bed, Hermione sat cross legged, her eyes fixed on the sleeping blonde who was blissfully unaware of her gaze. Only a short while ago, she was wrapped up in the other girl's arms and feeling more at ease than she had felt in years. Warm and safe and utterly happy.
Though she tried desperately, she couldn't recall ever feeling this way with Ron. Certainly she felt comfortable with him, how couldn't she? She had been friends with him for years before they began dating and he was one of the people who knew her best in the world. But it wasn't the same. How she felt with Ron was warm and safe and he did make her happy but more and more she suspected he did these things much in the way that Harry and Ginny did. In the same way that any of her close friends did.
It wasn't the same feeling she got when she was around Luna, it wasn't the same feeling she had when waking up in her arms today. The very fact that she felt comfortable with the blonde even after waking up as she did, proved there was a difference. She had been friends with Ginny far longer than Luna and Hermione couldn't imagine feeling even the littlest bit at ease if she had woken up in Ginny's arms. In fact, she probably would have grumbled and shook the redhead awake telling her in unhappy tones that she wasn't Harry and to not hold her as if she was. Quite the opposite of her reaction when she opened her eyes and saw Luna.
Then there was that night not long ago when they had gone out dancing. Although she now could admit she was tipsy, Hermione still recalled most of the evening and while she tried her best to push it out of her mind, especially out of loyalty and love for Ron, she couldn't forget the memory of sitting on her bed, leaning into Luna's touch and wanting so very badly for the other girl to kiss her. That wasn't the way someone should feel about a friend and until that night Hermione had considered Luna to be a just friend but she was rapidly becoming aware that for her, Luna was so much more than that.
It wasn't right though. No matter how much her instincts and feelings told her otherwise. Though she hadn't acted on her impulses, mostly because of the restraint of the other girl and her own previous state of denial, Hermione knew that just having these emotions for Luna was a form of cheating. She was giving the blonde attention and emotions that were should have been meant for the person she was romantically involved with and though she knew logically the right thing to do would be to simply stay away from Luna and devote her spare time and energy to Ron she dreaded the thought of no longer seeing the younger girl. Her life had become so much more fulfilling and exciting by spending time with Luna and Hermione almost felt a bit addicted to it. The very thought of having it taken away, having those feelings that Luna inspired in her suppressed and bottled down as she knew she should made her want to cry. And so she didn't.
But she knew it wasn't right. It wasn't right at all. Especially not to Ron.
"No one should begin their day looking so gloomy," Luna said, her voice thick with sleep and concern. Hermione turned at the feel of the blonde's hand on the small of her back and saw the other girl sitting behind her, blanket pooled around her waist and a worried look on her face. Luna lifted her other hand and cupped Hermione's cheek as she murmured, "Is anything the matter?"
"No," said Hermione, covering the other girl's hand with her own and forming a soft smile. "Not while I'm with you."
Returning the smile, Luna said, "Hermione says the loveliest things."
They remained in silence until Ron's face flashed in Hermione's mind and a wave of guilt seized her. Pulling away from Luna, she rose to her feet and headed towards the leather barrier as she said, "I'll get breakfast started."
She was out of the room before Luna could reply and she stayed on the bed, looking at the barrier that Hermione just disappeared through. "I do believe she was fibbing when she said nothing was the matter," Luna said to herself, heaving a quiet sigh.
---
After breakfast, they gathered in the living room looking at the photographs that Bheru had taken. The magical prints perfectly revealed the movement of the Krodha Swinging Lizard as it escaped from the poacher's trap. Much to Luna's delight, Bheru even managed to capture the magical creature's personality and you could see the shift in its facial expression from petulant to delighted as it moved from being held behind bars to swinging through the forest in its natural element.
"As you've seen my photographs perhaps I could see your notes?" asked Bheru with a smile.
"Only if you promise to make spare prints for me," said Luna playfully, though she was already leaning down to retrieve the notes from her backpack and handing them to Bheru as she looked up.
"Since it is your camera and your film and we're on your expedition I suppose I could find the time to make you some prints, Miss Lovegood," Bheru remarked in equally playful tones, taking the notes from Luna and flipping through their pages with a look of utmost interest.
"Bheru, I hope you realize if I ever get around to publishing, horrid as I am at writing, I'll give you full credit for taking those photographs," said Luna, appearing concerned that the guide might think she wouldn't give him the proper acknowledgment.
"I know," said Bheru, glancing up from Luna's notes and forming a reassuring smile. "Though I wish I could be of some assistance to you with the task of transforming your notes into an article or even a textbook like you spoke of."
"Don't worry," said Luna winsomely, turning to Hermione who looked rather perplexed at this attention. "I've someone in mind who writes simply splendid. It's just a matter of finding out if she would be willing to help me with such a project."
"Luna," Hermione said her name with some surprise, her eyes going wide. "I'm flattered but we're already working with the Professor as it is and while I do find magical creatures fascinating, ever more so because of the time I've spent with you and Bheru, I'm hardly qualified to write anything worthy of publishing for that field of study."
"But I am," replied Luna as she scooted closer to Hermione who was sitting on the comfortable leather sofa with her. A gleam of excitement was very visible in her blue eyes and Luna reached out to hold the brunette's hands as she said, "I have the knowledge and the notes and the oh so pretty pictures to prove to the rest of the wizarding world that all of the creatures I've always known are real truly do exist. I have all of that but not the littlest bit of talent when it comes to writing things so they appear to be interesting. But Hermione has that talent and I can't think of anyone I would enjoy to work with more." Luna paused and her the excitement in her eyes seemed to dull and her face wore an unnaturally sad and almost solemn expression as she said, "Unless Hermione doesn't care to work with me?"
Hermione wanted to say the problem was more that she did care to work with Luna. In fact, if allowed she would probably spend all of her time with Luna but just as she had decided this morning, it wasn't right to feel that way. Not when she was involved with Ron and she should be devoting more of herself to him. Still, she couldn't control the immediate need she felt to remove that sad look from the blonde's face. That's why Hermione found herself saying, "Don't be silly! I love working with you. I quite enjoy the time we spend helping Professor Ipson with his research and while I didn't think it was really possible at first, I've had a grand time on this expedition."
"Then Hermione will work with me on this project?" asked Luna almost hesitantly, looking at Hermione with what was close to doe eyes and though the brunette didn't notice it, Bheru gave a humorous snort on seeing Luna's expression.
"Certainly," said Hermione quickly, giving a sigh of relief when Luna formed a brilliant smile. She turned to see Bheru wearing a scolding look on his features and wagging his finger at the two of them. Frowning at this, she asked, "Have we done something wrong?"
"Only one of you and she doesn't have curly brown hair," said Bheru, shaking his head at Luna though there was a teasing twinkle in his eyes. "I do try to be loyal to my friends and colleagues but that was a masterful manipulation, Miss Lovegood. I'm not sure I approve."
"I didn't cast a spell," protested Luna, forming something of a pout. "And Hermione wants to work with me! She just needed a tiny push to realize it, that's all."
"Luna!" Hermione exclaimed, frowning and giving the other girl a light slap on the knee. "You tricked me?"
"Manipulated you," corrected Bheru in tones that were a little too gleeful for Luna's taste. "Rather cleverly, I must say."
Her frown growing deeper, Hermione stared Luna down who wilted under her gaze and offered hesitantly, "It seemed as if you might refuse and so I tried to discover a way to ensure that you would say yes. Acting despondent was the only thing I could think of." The blonde looked just as sad as she had before but now Hermione wasn't sure if it was genuine or another attempt at deception. Though something in her heart told her that the younger girl was genuinely sorry. And there was the fact that she looked so absolutely remorseful that Hermione was sure if she kept gazing at her wearing that expression her heart might begin to bleed from it. "I am sorry. Please believe me."
"I'm not sure I should but I do believe you," said Hermione slowly, her expression was somewhat stern but also understanding. "But don't do something like that again, Luna. I don't appreciate it, not in the least. It makes me feel as if you don't respect me."
"I'm sorry," Luna repeated, moving closer to Hermione on the couch and neither girl noticed when Bheru quietly exited the room, leaving them alone. The younger girl reached out to rest her palm against the brunette's cheek and Hermione sighed, leaning into her touch as Luna's fingertips caressed her skin. "I knew it was wrong but I just wanted to make sure you would agree to work with me. I've had the funniest feeling ever since we've begun working together with Professor Ipson that you're the one who could help me realize my dream. I think it's similar to the precognitive visions caused by the venom of the Hissing Water Basilisk. I've never felt more certain about anything in my life, Hermione. We were meant to help one another and my dream was meant to become yours as well."
"What dream?" asked Hermione gently but truly perplexed.
"To travel the world searching for the magical creatures, documenting their existence and habits then taking everything that I've learned and put it into a book that everyone could read then see for themselves what make these creatures so very marvelous," said Luna with an eager expression, full of hope and joy at the idea of this dream. "And during this expedition I kept thinking more and more you were the person meant to travel with me, to change what I document into beautiful words for the entire wizarding world to read."
"Luna," said Hermione slowly, her voice rough with emotion and her eyes watering despite her best attempt to keep her head level and her thoughts clear. Only it was so very hard when the younger girl was saying such things to her. In a way it was nearly a confession of love or at least that's how the brunette's infatuated eyes saw it. At the very least it told Hermione that Luna cared for her very much and saw some sort of future involving her. And though she knew it was wrong Hermione wanted so very badly to share that vision of the future.
"Couldn't we give it a try, using this as a small test?" asked Luna, her hand dropping down to curl in Hermione's hair, her fingertips reaching out to run lightly against the other girl's skin, causing a shiver to run down the brunette's skin. "You've already traveled with me and helped to discover the Krodha Swinging Lizard. We shouldn't remain in the forest, not with the evidence of poachers present. If you like, we could go elsewhere, anywhere you wanted, and we could rest and recover then perhaps, if you felt like it, you could try writing a little, whatever you wanted, anything you could imagine, after looking through my notes and pictures." Luna paused, wearing a plaintive look on her features and she moved closer yet, her other hand reaching for Hermione's and squeezing it softly. "If you dislike it terribly all you would need do is say the word and we could leave and I promise to never speak about it to you again. But couldn't we at least give it a try?"
It wouldn't be smart to agree, not with the feelings she was increasingly having for the younger girl, but it sounded so very appealing and Hermione wasn't sure she could refuse, not with Luna looking at her with such pleading eyes. "Three days," said Hermione after a very long pause. "That's how long we'll give it a try and soon as it's over we're returning straightaway to London." Before the brunette could say anything more she was wrapped up in an enthusiastic hug from Luna and Hermione allowed herself just a moment to relish the feeling of being in the blonde's embrace before she pulled away and emphasized again, "Three days, Luna. No more, no less."
"Three days," Luna agreed, nodding her head rapidly. Holding Hermione's face tenderly in her grasp, her thumbs tracing a gentle path on the older girl's skin, she said, "That's more than enough." Hermione sighed and closed her eyes, battling with the urge to stay exactly where she was but making herself slowly pull away from the blonde as she heard Luna ask, "Where should we go? Is there anywhere you fancy?"
"It doesn't matter," said Hermione as she scooted further down the sofa, eventually standing up for good measure. Looking down at Luna, who peered up at her wearing an expression that echoed of soft concern, Hermione tried to hold back the swell of emotion this caused in her. More and more she thinking this was a monumental mistake on her part. "I'm sure you would know far better than myself of a location that would be suitable for writing. Though I would prefer somewhere peaceful."
"Peaceful," murmured Luna, a far off look emerging in her eyes. A wisp of a smile emerged on her features and she said, "I know of a perfect place. It's just a matter of discovering if we might use it."
With that Luna rose to her feet, calling out to Bheru, asking if he knew of a way to send an express message. Leaving Hermione alone to ponder what she had just agreed to and whether it was perhaps the most foolish decision she could have made on her part if she was truly trying to remain loyal to Ron.
---
A few hours later, they said their goodbyes to Bheru and gathered up their things, Luna taking Hermione's hand softly and giving it a squeeze of reassurance as they disapparated. The sound of the sea and the fresh smell of salt greeted them upon apparation. Her eyes wide, Hermione released Luna's hand and took several steps forward, peering around the handsome white villa that stood out in stark distinction to the great green rolling hills and the deep blue of the sea as it crested on the sandy beaches below.
"Where are we?" asked Hermione, whipping around to look at Luna who had stepped closer and wore a soft smile.
"This is Corfu, one of the seven Ionian Islands in Greece," replied Luna, standing at Hermione's side, enjoying the view of the sea. Looking to the other girl, she had an air of hesitation as she asked, "Do you find it peaceful enough? I always found it the most relaxing of getaways. I think it has a bit to do with the age of the island and its wizarding roots, it's old enough to feel at peace with the world, no matter whatever might happen in it. I do think such acceptance comes more easily as you grow older, don't you?"
"Yes," said Hermione, feeling strangely dazed by the beauty of the location. She asked Luna to take them somewhere peaceful but she hadn't expected them to end up at such a beautiful location. Especially one that had a naturally romantic atmosphere because of its beauty. Focusing her attention back on the villa in front of them, she asked, "Does it belong to your family?"
"A friend," said Luna, reaching for Hermione's hand and pulling her forward, walking over to the villa as she spoke. "She's currently away on business for the Ministry in Montserrat. Helping with interpretation on a bit of difficult negotiations with the merpeople of that region. I'm afraid they're still rather distrustful of wizards after the return and consequent death of You Know Who."
Luna had opened the door and they were about to walk inside the villa when Hermione tugged on her hand, stopping her from going further and when the blonde looked back at her, Hermione wore a frown as she said, "Are you certain she's comfortable with a stranger staying in her home? I don't think I would feel right, intruding in her space without her knowing."
"I've a message right here that proves she doesn't find you strange at all," said Luna warmly and she tried moving forward again but Hermione wasn't budging. Releasing a quiet sigh, Luna looked to the older girl and said, "I promise it's fine, Hermione. We're very old friends, Ophelia and I, we've known each other since our fourth year when our parents sent us to Camp Charybdis on this very island."
"Camp Charybdis?" asked Hermione curiously, allowing Luna to finally pull her inside the villa and she closed the front door with a soft click, looking around the villa which had beautiful marble floors and an open architecture, instantly lending it a soothing atmosphere.
"A Magical Creature camp," supplied Luna with a wide smile. "Educational and adventurous. Though I was most upset to have spent the entire summer on Corfu without spotting once instance of the Charybdis. It was good of Ophelia to help me search. I only wish we had gotten a small hint of it. Perhaps I'll go searching again someday. I'm sure it must emerge at some time or another."
Choosing not to comment on the mythological nature of the Charybdis, especially after spending time searching for and discovering the mysterious Krodha Swinging Lizard, Hermione studied their surroundings and found herself drawn to a far wall that was decorated with a variety of magical photographs. Moving forward and having something of a flashback to those many weeks ago at Luna's cottage in Ballyvaughan, Hermione looked at the photographs that all almost featured a stunning witch with long black hair, olive skin, and sparkling brown eyes. A much younger version of the witch was in a small photograph to the far right accompanied by Luna, the two girls were smiling brightly, their arms wrapped around each other's waists, wearing identical red shirts that said Camp Charybdis.
"Is that…?" Hermione began, trailing around as she turned and saw Luna standing right behind her.
"Ophelia Diakos," said Luna, smiling fondly and looking at the photograph of their fourth year selves. She looked to Hermione with something of a self deprecating expression on her features and a twinkle in her eyes as she said, "My very first crush."
"Really?" asked Hermione, returning her focus to the picture and a slight scowl forming before she could help it. She shouldn't feel jealous, she knew that she shouldn't, particularly over a fourth year romance but there you had it.
"Nothing ever came of it except a few awkward kisses," Luna remarked and she moved closer yet, her hand resting gently on Hermione's hip, pulling the brunette backwards and into her body. "We didn't even realize it was possible to kiss with tongues, I'm afraid." Luna chuckled and remarked, "It's been quite some time since I was that innocent."
Shutting her eyes tight, Hermione forced herself to move forward and out of Luna's touch, and said in rough tones, "Won't you show me where I'll be sleeping? I think I could do with a bit of rest."
"Of course," said Luna with concern. She led Hermione up large white stone steps to the upper level of the villa, pushing back a deep blue door and revealing a large airy bedroom with a balcony that overlooked the sea. "Does it suit you?"
"It's fine," Hermione replied in short tones, closing the door and avoiding looking at Luna as she did so.
Staring at the door that had just shut in front of her, Luna released another sigh. She rested her hand lightly against the door, forcing herself not to follow after the other girl and ask what was wrong, instead remaining where she was and murmuring sadly, "I've done something wrong again but this time I haven't any idea what."
To be continued...
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Totally
Re: Totally
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romantic island getaway, promises of academic exploration, and a sad and pouty luna...
i will, of course, wait patiently. long-sufferingly, even. perhaps i'll even drape myself across a chaise, the back of my hand pressed lightly to my forehead.
i'm sorry. i got momentarily lost. there was a girl with a palm frond around here somewhere. did you see her?
seriously, aside from my ridiculous rambling, it's good to see them take some baby steps forward. i hope. please tell me they're baby steps forward.
there was much enjoyment. thanks.
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Once I had a chapter completed and didn't post it until five days later because someone made a particularly rude demand for an update. I know, I'm mean and spiteful but whatever. I far more enjoy your palm frond description. At least it amuses. Plus it makes me think of Claire Kramer posing in such a manner. It seems like a very Glory thing to do.
She'd have mimosa, of course.
Those were in fact baby steps because now Hermione actually comprehends she's attracted to Luna romantically. Which is a nice realization for her to have.
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Although...At this point I'm wondering; Wouldn't Luna get some kind of vibe that Hermione is into her, at least, from her past experiences with her exes? I would've thought that the thought had crossed her mind, but she dismissed it as being fanciful thinking. :)
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If Luna's well aware, then...why is she confused? lol..
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But Luna being a smart girl will figure that out soon enough.
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