Greetings readers! First of all thank you for giving my poor story description and title a chance and taking the time to click on the link to my story. This is my first story ever and I have worked fairly hard on it. That being said, I am neither perfect nor a professional writer, I'm not even pursuing writing for my future, so I ask you forgive any mistakes (grammar, spelling, etc.) that I may make along the way. For those who care about these things, this story is more than halfway finished and I plan to update regularly at a whopping once a week (maybe earlier if I get feedback!).

So without further ado, here is my attempt at fanfiction and a story that pairs two unlikely characters. I welcome any and all comments, questions, concerns, and constructive criticism to this story and anything Harry Potter related. Regrettably, I am not JK Rowling and neither own the characters in this story nor am I making a profit in any way off this story.

Hope you enjoy!

oOo

When Luna's father died, Remus was the one who came up them, the man in Luna's arms as she knelt upon the grass. The blood is bright red surrounding her right eye, contrasted against the transparent blue of her eyes and the paleness of her skin and hair. Lupin's heart goes genuinely out to her, knowing what it's like to have a loved one fade in his arms. He briefly recalls his once-twelve year old student, not easily forgotten with her unique character, her dreaminess a quality he had always found endearing about her. Lupin knelt before the Lovegoods, saying Luna's name quietly.

"I can't do anything," Luna says it as a statement, though there is a tremble and rising panic in her voice. Lupin notices her bloody hand shaking over her father's chest as her eyes well with silent tears, searching his face as if for help or a solution.

"I'm sorry," is all Lupin can offer, wishing it was more, as Luna nods choking on a dry sob.

"Come Luna, your injury, it needs to be looked at," Remus tells her gently but firmly. He knew there was nothing more that could be done for Xenophilius Lovegood.

"But," Luna says quickly.

"He will be well looked after," Remus assures her. He sees Luna's eyes dart briefly to Bill standing a respectable distance behind Lupin and then back down to her father for a long moment. Remus almost thinks she's going to ignore them before she looks up at him, nodding once.

The tears finally fall from Luna's eyes and she closes them shut, leaning down to press her forehead against her father's, whispering quietly to him what Remus assumes to be final farewells. Remus has to look away, the scene too similar to one he's lived through himself, though he had not been nearly as composed or silent as Luna is now. When Remus hears Luna place a kiss on her father's skin he turns to her again to see her close Zenophilus' eyes gently with her thin fingers and carefully easing him from her lap, placing his head gently against the grass.

Remus helped her up and allowed her to lean against him as they began their walk back to the others, Bill staying behind to look after Xenophilius' body. Luna's steps are heavy and slow as they move, her breathing uneven. Remus was just about to ask her if she needed a break when she let out another sob, her face contorting into one of clear emotional pain as she covered her mouth with one hand and the other to clutch at Remus' shirt as she lost strength in her legs.

Remus' quick reflexes luckily caught the thin girl around the waist before she fell completely to the floor. It seemed that Luna's previous show of strength and composure was beginning to crumble as the poor girl struggled to breathe through the sobs wracking her small body. Again Remus felt his chest tighten at seeing his former student go through such pain.

Remus knew from experience that there was nothing he could do for Luna but offer gentle support. There were no words that could offer her comfort so shortly after the death of her last family member, the memory and blood still too fresh. Before Remus could think through his actions, he had swooped down tucking one arm under her knees and the other around her upper body to carry her in his arms, offering her support quite literally.

Luna for her part did not seem to mind or even notice what on any other occasion might have been strange and out of character behavior for her ex-professor who was usually so reserved and withholding with what could be considered physical displays of affection. Luna only turned to bury her face against the front of the older werewolf's coat as it was the nearest soft surface, a steady stream of tears flowing from her eyes and whimpers straying from her lips.

Remus' stared at the girl solemnly, continuing on towards the rest of the Order with Luna Lovegood carried securely in his arms. He contemplated briefly on the slight weight of the young girl, a somewhat unfamiliar yet not unpleasant weight.

It was a long walk back to the Burrow and Remis held Luna closer to his chest, secure in that he would not let her fall as he walked. Remus also ignored the thought in his mind reminding him that he was a wizard and more than capable of apparating, and used the extra time to instead focus on thoughts of the future and what would become of them all.

oOo

Luna closed her eyes and tried to visualize what it would be like to sleep underwater. She thought about what it might feel like to have water in her hair, making it flow around her face and upper body as she floated deep below the surface, the feeling of sea grass tickling her feet and the backs of her knee. She wondered if a few curious guppies might be brave enough to swim amongst her long hair or the folds of her clothes. She imagined sleeping deep in the depths of the ocean would lull her quickly to sleep, bubbles and distant whale songs accompanying her into dreamland. Merlin only knew nothing on land had helped her sleep well in months.

It had been a difficult time as of late in Luna Lovegood's life. Everywhere around her people were hurting, only just beginning to heal. Luna had lived through pain before, years ago when her mother had died. Before a few months ago, it had been the most painful experience Luna had ever had. It had taken a long time for Luna to fully heal, but Luna had had her father at her side to offer her support and comfort, and the world was still beautiful and continued to spin on, waiting happily for Luna once she had healed.

It was all different now of course, now that the war was over. So many had lost their lives during the final battle. While it was a miracle that Voldemort was finally dead, it was not without the sacrifice of many, leaving loved ones behind to mourn together. Despite it being a relief the Dark Lord was finally gone once and for all, with the wake of so much destruction left behind, it was difficult for many to focus on the good when there was yet so much bad to get through. Many had suffered as consequence to the war, high amongst them were the Weasley family who had been through so much, who had risked so much as being the pseudo-family of the Boy Who Lived.

Luna had been living with the Weasley family all summer at the Burrow. It had felt like a good idea at first. After everything that had happened, Ginny Weasley had insisted that Luna stay with the red-headed brood, and Luna being touched by her friend's offer had accepted. That wasn't to say that Luna's stay at the Burrow had been all smiles as past summer's in another time might have been.

The Burrow had been depressingly quiet the past couple of months as everyone was healing at their own pace from all that had happened. The Weasley family was still mourning the death of close friends such as Alastor Moody, Tonks, Dobby, Sirius, Dumbledore, and so many others, not to mention two beloved sons, Fred and Charlie Weasley. To say that the atmosphere at the Burrow was bleak would be an understatement.

Ginny was crying for her brothers, particularly Fred to whom she had been close with, and trying not to let it bother her that Harry was rarely around or when he was, he was mostly quiet. Ron too was mourning his brothers but also exhausted from the year he had had Hurcrux hunting and seemed to be sleeping hours on overtime to make up for all the hours he'd lost while on the hunt. Hermione was preparing to go in search of her parents in Australia. Percy was wracked with guilt over his brother's death, and both Molly and George rarely left their rooms. Arthur Weasley meanwhile spent most of his time in the shed, and during the times Luna did see him, she immediately noticed his rounding shoulders, carrying the weight of his family taking its toll.

On the rare occasion the family found something to smile about, the atmosphere would almost immediately revert back to a sad one now tinged with guilt, as if everyone thought it was much too soon to be laughing.

While Luna could certainly empathize with the Weasley family and their sadness, she couldn't stand more than a couple hours of being around them.

Luna felt like an intruder in their pain feeling their loss was mainly a family affair, but then she also felt like an outsider in their joy as she no longer had anyone to share it with.

To be perfectly honest, Luna wasn't sure how much longer she could stand staying amongst the Weasleys, and she knew that something had to give if she wanted to hold onto her sanity, but Luna wasn't sure how to help herself. She hadn't been for what felt like a very long time.

"Luna?"

Luna opened her eyes to stare up into the scarred, albeit still ruggedly handsome face of Bill Weasley.

"Hello Bill," Luna hoped that the small smile on her face was enough to ease the concerned frown on the older man's face, but apparently it seemed Bill was unconvinced as his expression did not change.

"May I join you," the eldest Weasley asked. Luna thought it peculiar that someone would want to join her among the cabbage patch in the garden. Bill had never struck Luna as a particularly garden-inclined type of wizard.

Bill easily made his way into the cabbage patch and took his seat amongst the soil next to Luna. He sighed as he sat and stayed silent a moment, looking out into the fields beyond where Luna was staring. For a moment, Luna thought he was going to grace her with his silent presence, but then he spoke, "They're driving you crazy aren't they?"

Luna stared sharply at Bill with large eyes, though she couldn't hold his gaze for long. The guilt seeping into her chest made her look back at her lap with shame. She was once again reminded of how wrong it was of her to feel that way. The Weasley's had been nothing but kind and gracious to her the past few months, and here she was wishing she could get away to have some time to herself, preferring to be deep in the ocean with nothing but guppies for company when she had friends up here on land.

"It's alright," Bill said with a brief chuckle before his voice turned solemn, "the Burrow can be a stifling place even at the best of times. I imagine now it must be absolutely suffocating."

Luna concentrated on not letting her head nod with agreement.

"That's why I've got something to ask you," Bill said.

Luna's chin rose with curiosity as she listened closely to what Bill had next to say.

oOo

Fleur frowned as she stared out the kitchen window to the garden beyond where a small figure could be spotted sitting amongst the cabbages.

"How long has she been sitting out there," Fleur asked, turning to direct her question at Arthur Weasley who was sitting at the kitchen table with a now-cold cup of tea between his hands. Bill sat across from him, and empty cup next to his hands. A third cup sat still full in front of the spot next to Mr. Weasley where Molly Weasley had previously sat for a few minutes before having excused herself to rest upstairs. Fleur supposed it was an improvement that today Mrs. Weasley had lasted an entire twenty minutes before having excused herself when just two months ago she had absolutely refused to come down for anyone.

Mr. Weasley wasn't much better as he stared unseeingly into his tea cup, needing Bill to prod him gently on his hands to get his attention.

"What? Oh yes, what was that Fleur," Mr. Weasley asked, blinking his tired eyes before drawing his attention to the Frenchwoman.

Fleur smiled sympathetically, not faulting Mr. Weasley at all in his slow response. "Luna," Fleur clarified, "How long has she been sitting out in the garden?"

"Luna? Oh," Mr. Weasley muttered as he seemed to wrack his brains for the memory. "She's been out there since early afternoon I believe."

Fleur's eyes darted to her husband who caught her gaze and frowned. He too seemed to realize how strange it was that this was perhaps the fourth time Luna had been in the garden sitting and doing nothing when they had come to visit.

"Is that normal for Luna," Fleur asked as Bill stood up to stand beside her, staring out the window to where Luna sat.

Again Mr. Weasley seemed to think hard before he responded, "Come to think of it, she spends most of the day out there. I do think Luna's taken quite a liking to gardening lately."

Fleur frowned at this response, turning to stare out into the garden once again and at Luna, who was very clearly not gardening at all but simply sitting, her back to The Burrow.

"You know, we do appreciate the visit," Mr. Weasley stood, "But I really do think I should check on Molly."

"Dad are you sure," Bill asked, concern for his father evident, but Arthur only shook his head and waved his hands.

"Really Bill, you worry yourself too much. I'm fine," Arthur insisted, "Please, help yourselves to whatever's in the kitchen. Fleur, a pleasure as always."

Fleur smiled weakly and watched him shuffle upstairs, her heart breaking a little for the older wizard. She was sure it must be difficult for Mr. Weasley, having to remain strong and tall for his family as they all mourned when he too had lost two sons. Fleur herself was lucky that her parents and sister had been safe in France and that Voldemort had died while his forces had been still restricted only to Britain. Fleur's heart went out to her husband's family who had been through so much.

Fleur squeezed her husband's shoulder comfortingly, who was still staring off at the stair where his father had just gone up. Fleur knew it was difficult for Bill as well, having lost two brothers, but he was taking it a lot better than the rest of his family who were currently taking the entire summer to cast themselves into a mourning period. But there was strength in numbers. Ginny and Harry had each other, Hermione and Ron had each other, and Percy had his girlfriend who he'd taken to spending most nights with as of late, a nice girl he'd met while working at the Ministry before it had gone corrupt. Molly and George were leaning on each other as they mourned and both had Arthur, who had Bill, who in turn had Fleur for support.

Fleur's mind couldn't help straying to another soul residing at the Burrow that was also mourning but didn't seem to have anyone to lean on.

Fleur turned her attention back to the cabbage patch and sighed.

"Poor Luna," Bill commented quietly, seeming to be reading his wife's thoughts.

Fleur nodded, "She hasn't got anyone."

Bill said nothing in response, probably because there seemed to be no answer. His wife however, was beginning to form an idea in her head.

"Let's take her with us," Fleur blurted suddenly, turning to look up at her husband.

Bill blinked down at Fleur momentarily confused, trying to understand his wife's meaning, "What? To Shell Cottage?"

"Yes," Fleur nodded vigorously, her hands coming up to rest on Bill's chest. "Darling, Luna is withering away here." Bill's forehead crinkled with a frown and he seemed to want to argue that the Burrow was somehow a bad environment for Luna but Fleur quickly cut in, "Bill you know it's true. As much as we know Luna loves the Weasley's, this place is draining her. Everyone here has someone to lean on but her. Everyone here is mourning Fred and Charlie but Luna is mourning her father and she has no one to talk to. She needs time away. Luna should come with us, she would be happier there."

Bill shook his head, still trying to work out his wife's plan in his head, "Would Luna even like staying with us? She doesn't know us very well. What if she's not comfortable?"

"Luna knows us and we know her! She stayed for weeks with us at Shell Cottage and she loved it, don't you remember? She was always in the kitchen with me eager to help with the food, she was so kind to Ollivander. And the beach! That girl loves the beach, you can't tell me she would do better here than there," Fleur argued.

Bill frowned, staring out to garden before sighing as if resigning and nodded, "I think you're right."

Fleur's heart flowed with warmth for her husband and she smiled gently up at him, her hand rising to his cheek. "Of course I am," Fleur told him half teasingly and leaning up for a soft kiss.

"Should we go now," Bill asked.

Fleur thought about that for a moment before stepping out of her husband's embrace. "I think you should go," she decided finally, "I think she would be more receptive to the idea if it was a Weasley asking her."

oOo

Luna looked around the room that was now to be hers at Shell Cottage. It was truly a lovely room complete with a large soft bed, a beautiful powder blue dresser, two entire walls encrusted with seashells, and plenty of natural lighting. The very air in the room smelled light and clean.

Luna set her small trunk of belongings down at the foot of her bed and breathed in the room's scent. She thought she could detect the faint smell of forget-me-nots.

There wasn't much furniture in the room, and it wasn't nearly as colorful as Luna's old room at Ottery St. Catchpole, but it was beautiful nonetheless. Luna could imagine making this room a home, and for a moment she allowed herself to be thankful she had accepted Bill and Fleur's offer of moving in with them.

When Bill had first proposed she move in with them two days ago at the cabbage patch, Luna had been more than a little hesitant. Bill and Fleur had been endlessly kind to her during her stay with them months before when she had stayed there after her rescue from Malfoy Manor. Fleur had never met Bill Weasley before, but like the other Weasleys he was warm, kind, and fiercely protective of those close to him. Fleur, Luna had remembered her from the Frenchwoman's Beauxbatons days when she and her classmates had dormed at Ravenclaw tower. From what Luna remembered, the older woman had been a bit of a snob during her teenage years, but it seemed that marriage to Bill Weasley had mellowed her out.

Luna was touched that the two seemed to like her enough to invite her to live with them in their home indefinitely. When Bill had asked Luna had immediately declined, telling him that she didn't want to be a bother, especially to the newlyweds who surely wanted to spend time with each other, finally free from a war looming over them. It was only after Bill had assured her that she would not in any way be a bother and that Fleur had actually been the one to think of asking Luna to stay with them, had she agreed. Now Luna was glad to admit that she was glad she had.

Luna sighed as she plopped down on the small stool in front of the dresser and stared into her reflection, frowning slightly at the sight. Luna could hardly recognize the girl staring back her with dull blonde hair, shadows beneath her eyes, and sunken cheeks. She looked like she'd gone through hell, and Luna supposed she had.

They all had.

Luna closed her eyes and tried not to think of that.

She knew why Bill and Fleur had asked her to move in with them. Having lived with her for a few weeks months ago, they knew her well enough to know that Luna wasn't healing properly amongst all the sadness and mourning happening at the Burrow. While Luna wanted desperately to be sad amongst the Weasley's, she simply couldn't. She could be of support to know one when she hadn't even had hardly a chance to mourn her own loss. There was no room to heal in at the Burrow and she'd had to get away, and she was touched that both Bill and Fleur were able to recognize that.

They had done her a service in taking her out of the Burrow and to Shell Cottage where the nights were cool and the air smelled like salt. She hadn't realized that she had actually missed being in the safety and tranquility of Shell Cottage until she had been brought back. Now that she was here, it was on Luna's part to begin healing.

And adjusting, Luna thought dryly to herself as her hand strayed briefly to the spot just two inches below her left breast.

But I still have seventeen days before I have to think of that, Luna reminded herself taking her hand away from her side.

Luna opened her eyes and stared into the eyes of the stranger in front of her. She knew she was in for many tears ahead of her, but the only way to get to the other side was through.

oOo

Remus couldn't help but smile at the younger man. Bill and Fleur had been so good to him in recent years. Remus would have never thought when he met them that he would grow to care so much for the young couple, nor that they would take such an interest in his company and well-being. Remus had liked the eldest Weasley when he first met him. He reminded Remus of a somewhat calmer version of what Sirius might have grown into as a person, had Sirius been more mature and less impulsive, that is, not to mention quieter. He was intelligent and a quiet leader, and he did not easily forget help given to him by others.

Remus had not gotten close to Bill until the younger man had been attacked by Fenrir Greyback. It was Remus Bill had turned to as he struggled for guidance in navigating his way to adjusting to his new werewolf tendencies. It was because of this that Remus slowly began to find himself spending more and more time at Shell Cottage, being invited over to eat at least once or almost twice a week, and receiving frequent letters from both Bill and Fleur checking in on him.

In the beginning, Remus had been resistant to accepting all of Bill and Fleur's invitations. He was not used to people being concerned with his well-being or wishing his company on a regular basis, and he was not convinced that had he been helping Bill all that much or that the couple would want to see him nearly as much as they did. It was not until Fleur had showed up at his raggedy apartment one day to scold him about how he was now part of their family whether he liked it or not. Remus began to accept all invitations from the young couple.

Remus enjoyed his time while at Shell Cottage. They had become a sort of family to Remus, and it was nice having somewhere to go to when he did not wish to be alone. Bill and Fleur had proved to him that they genuinely enjoyed his company and cared for him, and Remus tried to honor their decision in favoring them by working on being a better friend and spending more time with them.

As Bill and Remus entered Shell Cottage, they were both immediately hit with the familiar scent of bacon, toast and eggs. Both mens' steps quickened as they made their way to the kitchen where they were met with the sight of Fleur by the stove, still in pajamas with a light robe draped over her slender form and a spatula in her hands.

"Good morning boys," Fleur greeted cheerfully. Bill moved closer to wrap his arm around his wife's waist. "Hungry?"

"Ravenous," Bill growled playfully before dropping a peck on Fleur's cheek that was suddenly met with a slight flush if Remus was not mistaken.

Remus watched amused as Bill made for the fridge to get to work helping Fleur.

"Not me thank you Fleur, I really should be going. I've only come in to say hello," Remus told her.

"Remus you can't tell me you're not hungry after that run," Fleur protested.

Bill laughed, "He's got a good reason for not staying this time Fleur."

Fleur flashed her eyes at Remus who rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly, "I've got a job interview today."

Fleur squealed delightedly, "What! Remus that's exciting! Why didn't you tell us?"

"I wasn't sure I would get a call back, "Remus admitted.

"Well of course you would," Bill grinned.

"Who wouldn't want you," Fleur scolded, and Remus was once again struck by his friends' high regard of him. "Who is the interview for?"

"It's for the bookkeep, Flourish and Blotts, nothing special," Remus responded

"It's a fabulous start," Fleur corrected and began digging amongst the cupboards, "Here, at least wait a moment so I can pack you something to eat on the way. You should really have something to eat before you leave."

"Thank you," Remus tilted his head appreciatively.

Once Fleur had packed Remus enough food to last him well into the next day, Bill offered to walk Remus out.

Bill was right in the middle of setting up a day to meet up again the living room when Remus' keen ear picked up on wood creaking near the ceiling. Remus turned to be met with the sight of a slight figure making her way down the stairs and Remus felt a moment of shock at not having sensed the presence of another in the house while he had been in the kitchen.

"Luna," Remus greeted surprised.

Luna Lovegood paused on the staircase to smile sleepily at him in greeting. She, like Fleur, was still in pajamas and her hair had bits and pieces sticking out in odd places. Remus briefly counted how long it had been since he had last seen his ex-student and felt a moment of shame for having not checked in on her after all that had happened.

"Professor," Luna greeted, not seeming at all put out by his lack of contact in the past months, and Remus was reminded that he was not close enough to Luna to be missed by her.

"Good morning Luna," Bill greeted, grinning at the younger girl as she stood beside him, "Sleep well?"

"Very," Luna confirmed, but Remus couldn't help but notice what looked like distinct shadows beneath her eyes. "Have you two been for a run in the woods?"

Remus was distracted by her apparent keen sense of smell, but Bill didn't seem to notice and quipped, "Yes actually, little tradition Remus and I have picked up lately every few days or so."

Luna nodded dreamily, "That sounds nice, the forest is prettiest at dawn." A sudden grumble drew both mens' eyes to Luna's small tummy. "Well, I think I'll just pop into the kitchen for a spot of breakfast. It was good seeing you Professor."

"It was good to see you too Luna, and please, call me Remus," the werewolf told her, drawing his attention back to her heart-shaped face.

"I don't know that I can, Professor, old habits die hard," Luna laughed lightly before waving her hand and making her way into the kitchen.

The two watched her go before Remus turned to Bill curiously, "Has she been staying here?"

Bill nodded, his eyes still trained on the kitchen door, "For a few days now. She was staying at the Burrow before, but I don't think all that company suited her. Luna needed to get away, somewhere quiet with less people to give her space. She's been through a lot, you know that."

Remus frowned, nodding, remembering Luna the day of the final battle.

"Well, good luck in that interview mate," Bill clasped Remus on the back, "Be sure to let us know how it goes."

"I will," Remus assured him. Remus was just about to step out when a light scent hit his nose, coming from where Luna had just been standing. Remus couldn't quite place his finger on it, but it was different, not exactly as Remus had remembered her.

Remus said goodbye to Bill focused his attention to possible questions he might be asked during his interview, pushing aside thoughts of the unfamiliar scent and the bloodied, crying Luna of his memory.

oOo