Halloween Treat for _Hannelore
Gift for: _hannelore
From: dexstarr
Title: Dead Clever
Character: Luna Lovegood
Rating: G
Disclaimer: HP is not mine.
Summary: It only happens on Hallow's Eve.
Notes: _hannelore, wow, I was so happy to write for you! Thanks to pauraque for the beta.
Luna spends the first Hallow’s Eve after the war in the Forbidden Forest. She’s never been scared of the forest, but after last year, she’s more daring than ever. She dances through the dark woods, wandless, blonde hair glowing like a beacon.
When Luna reaches the thestral herd, they crowd around her, lipping greetings and touching wings to her arms. She hugs each one, naming the missing that died. Then the thestrals lie down on the forest floor, and Luna leans against a new filly, letting it learn her scent.
When the moon reaches its highest peak, the greyish-silver form of a woman floats into the clearing. “Hi, Mum,” Luna says, waving to the ghost. She sees her once a year, on Hallow’s Eve. Her mother can’t talk, but that’s okay, because Luna talks enough for both of them. This year, she strives to reassure her mum she’s alright after being kidnapped, recounting the war in her own way, listing all the new creatures she saw in the Malfoy dungeons and during the battle.
Her mother leaves only when the moon starts to set, a much happier expression in her silvery-blue eyes. Luna watches her go, the thestrals a comfort at her back.