their last night
Harry seemed to get excited in a way that only quidditch could inspire. It was utterly beyond her how Hermione could be so indifferent to the sport. Luna liked the ease with which Harry mentioned Ginny, and gave her hope that she might not have to segregate her life between people she cared so much for. In fact, it was rather surprising how much she cared for Harry, and how quickly that care seemed to be deepening. "Oh?" she asked brightly. "Are we celebrating something in specific?"
He thought for a moment. He'd felt like celebrating since the moment they set foot in Paris. "I'm not sure... a new life for me?" he said excitedly. "A new relationship for us? Truly the end of everything old and tired and the beginning of things new." he grinned as the wine steward brought their champagne. He raised his glass once it was filled. "So what should we toast then?" he asked, looking in her lovely eyes.
His was a sort of happiness that couldn't help but be contagious, even if she had already been grinning practically the entire time. It was so strange, how he could make her feel so happy it made her dizzy. Luna found she had to bite her lip just a little to keep the world right side up. "How about to everything that's ended, and everything new and wonderful?" she asked, lifting her own glass from the table.
Tipping his crystal flute of champagne to tap hers with a lovely ringing tone, he took a sip. His heart skipped a beat. It was literally the most perfect toast he'd ever heard. "You are intoxicating... far more so than this." he tipped the flute again, swishing the golden liquid just a bit before setting it down. He looked at her and smiled. There were so many things he wanted to say to her, but had no idea how to go about it without sounding completely corny, so he just remained silent, his green eyes drifting towards the window, taking in the other view.
She drank when he did, pleased to find the cool liquid more sweet than dry. Setting the glass back down, she didn't bother to fight the faint blush that crept into her cheeks. As he looked out over the city, she let her eyes drink in the beautiful sight of him. "You smell like a quidditch pitch sometimes," she admitted with great affection. "Like sweet earth and damp grass and soap." Normally, she might have reconsidered saying something like that, but she meant it well and was rather hoping Harry wouldn't find it off-putting. "I like it very much," she added.
He smirked. It amused him that Luna had a far worse habit of blurting out things that may or may not have been appropriate than he did... though, he had to admit that he never found her revelations offending, he found them endearing. "Do I?" he asked with amusement. "You know, I use Quidditch Star for men." he teased, knowing she'd understand he was joking. "I don't know why I smell like a pitch, honestly. Haven't set foot on one in years. Maybe it's just proof I need to play." he smirked, reaching across the table and taking her hand.
She laughed lightly and took another sip of champagne. Somehow, his hand on hers still shot chills up her arm. There was a part of her that wished they could stay like this for months - hidden away from responsibility, where Harry was free from public curiosity and the burden of unsolicited obligation. "I just want you to be able to do something that makes you happy," she replied, her voice rich with contentment. "Even if it leaves you flat on your back sometimes, so long as it makes you happy." A small smile curled her lips, figuring if Harry was to take up professional quidditch, he was likely to still bring home an array of interesting bruises and injuries.
He smiled and nodded. "Yes, I think so... though, all things considered, I don't have to work. I suppose I could take some time to find what I'd like to do... " He didn't want to be lazy, certainly, but didn't he deserve a bit of time? "I'm not sure, Luna... Maybe I should get some advice from my Da-" he stopped suddenly, realizing that he'd not told Luna about his parents' return, nor the other dead.