don’t be daft.
We had too much to drink.
It doesn’t mean anything.
DM
Okay.
Can I come by today?
Draco looked at the letter, feeling torn. Of course he wanted Potter to come by, but a part of him was still rattled by the events of the night before. The need for some space was growing bigger. But from the looks of it, Potter had no intention of giving him space. It was the most endearing and dreadful thing ever. Draco couldn’t concentrate, couldn’t think about anything else but Potter already. He needed some time to think. But…not seeing Potter was making his heart ache.
How about tomorrow?
It took Potter no time to send his answer.
Alright.
No take backs!
Draco snorted. Sometimes, Potter acted like an easily excitable puppy. It was kind of cute.
Just as he was about to go downstairs to have some breakfast, another owl landed on his desk.
“Okay, now you’re overdoing it,” Draco muttered, untying the letter from the owl’s foot. He unfolded it and frowned. This wasn’t Potter’s handwriting…
Dear Draco,
I just ran into Stacey again.
There’s something I’d like to discuss with you.
Let me know when you’re free to meet.
Take care,
Luna
Draco’s pulse instantly kicked into overdrive. Shit! Did she find out more about his work? Did she? He needed to know right away. Hastily, he scribbled down his reply on her letter and sent the owl on its way.
An hour later, Draco was sitting in his favourite café, tapping his foot impatiently. Luna wouldn’t tell anyone, would she? Had she already? Ugh, this was maddening!
“Hey, Draco!”
Draco jumped up, clasping Luna’s shoulders.
“You didn’t tell anyone, did you?”
Luna looked completely unfazed by his outburst. “Tell them what?” she said.
“You know what I’m talking about,” he hissed.
“I do,” she shrugged, her lips stretching into a smile. “But it’s nice seeing you being passionate. You’re usually so stiff.”
Draco gaped at her. “Honestly, you’re the weirdest person I’ve ever met,” he muttered.
“Oh, thank you.”
Draco kept gaping at her as she took her seat and ordered a lemonade.
“Do you want to keep standing? I think it would be much better to have this conversation sitting down, you know.”
Draco felt his left eye twitch before his brain finally provided him with the basics of how walking and sitting down worked. He watched Luna warily as she thanked the waitress and took a sip of her lemonade. Never taking his eyes off her, Draco discreetly cast a Muffliato and reached for his coffee.
“What exactly did Stacey tell you that made you want to meet with me?”
“She told me a bunch of things, actually,” Luna said mysteriously.
“I should have made her take an Unbreakable Vow,” Draco grumbled under his breath.
“Please don’t take it out on her. I made her tell me. And she trusts me. And I trust her not tell anyone else. But honestly, I don’t get it, Draco. Why are you keeping this a secret?”
“So the whole Wizarding World can have a go at me? I don’t think so.”
“But this is a good thing. You’re doing good.”
“People will find a way to twist it so I’m the bad guy again.”
“But maybe they won’t. Maybe they’ll see how much you’ve changed.” To Draco’s surprise, Luna reached across the table and put her hand over his. “Because you have. I can see it.”
Draco pressed his lips into a tight line and slowly pulled back his hand.
“I’ve thought about it,” he said quietly, staring at his cup. “I thought about making my involvement public, but…people will just think I’m doing this to restore my reputation. I would have to justify myself over and over again. But you know what? I’m done chasing after people who don’t want me.”
Out of the corner of his eyes, he saw Luna nodding, her expression uncharacteristically serious.
“You’ve been through a lot,” she said.
“We’ve all been through a lot. And I’m responsible for so many—”
“It’s in the past, Draco,” she interrupted him. “Like I said, you’ve changed.” She took another sip of her lemonade, her eyes suddenly twinkling. “That’s what I wanted to talk about.” Draco raised an eyebrow. “I want to help.”
“What?”
“I’d like to volunteer.”
“But…aren’t you busy with the Quibbler?”
