Chapter 12 - Dumbledore's Funeral

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, 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 saw 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, so much as I want to cuddle you and tell you all will be alright as I did when you were young. While I am safe, I know I am being tracked. Not just me alone but other British wizards and witches that had tried to escape tracking are quickly disappearing. There is an underground network in place that is hard to track 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.