SUN & MOON

Theo sat in the pale light of dawn, the soft glow filtering through the curtains as the world outside slowly stirred to life. The early morning hours were usually his sanctuary, a brief respite before the weight of the day pressed upon him. But today, that weight had already settled, heavier than it had ever been. He sat at the edge of the bed, his eyes trained on Luna as she slept, her peaceful face a stark contrast to the turmoil churning within him.

The room was still, save for the quiet rhythm of her breathing, and he found himself lost in thought, replaying the events of the night over and over in his mind. The decisions he had made, the lines he had crossed—there was no going back now. The sins he had committed were fresh, raw, and they clung to him like a second skin. But at this moment, watching Luna, he wasn't sure how to carry it all. She didn't know. She had no idea what he had done. And as much as he wanted to keep it that way, the truth was a living thing inside him, writhing and clawing, demanding to be told.

He glanced down at his hands, the faint tremor betraying the calm façade he tried to maintain. His fingers flexed and uncurled, as if they still felt the weight of the wand from last night, the finality of his actions settling into his bones. He had done what he thought was necessary, what he had convinced himself was right. But now, in the quiet of the morning, with Luna lying beside him, the righteousness he had clung to felt hollow.

She stirred, her body shifting beneath the blankets, a soft sigh escaping her lips. Theo's heart clenched. He wasn't ready for this conversation, but there was no more time to wait. The truth was coming, whether he wanted it to or not.

"Good morning, my love," he whispered, his voice softer than he intended, the words barely carrying across the stillness.

Luna blinked awake, her eyes slowly adjusting to the light. She stretched lazily, a serene smile tugging at her lips as she met his gaze. "Good morning, my sun," she replied, her voice light and full of affection. But as she studied his face, her smile faltered. The tension in his expression, the heaviness in his eyes—it was impossible to miss. "What's wrong?" she asked, concern threading through her voice as she sat up, the warmth of sleep quickly giving way to worry.

Theo's jaw tightened. His eyes flicked to the window, where the sky was painted with the soft hues of dawn, then back to her. He took a deep breath, the words forming in his throat like lead. There was no gentle way to say it, no way to soften the blow. "Ron Weasley is dead," he said, his voice flat, each word laced with finality.

The silence that followed was profound. Her eyes widened, shock rippling through her as she tried to process what she had just heard. "What?" she whispered, her voice trembling as if the air itself had become too heavy to breathe. She reached for him instinctively, her fingers curling around his forearm. "Oh, Merlin," she breathed, her voice small and broken.

"And that bitch too," he added, his voice dark, his teeth gritted as a flicker of anger rose up inside him. His emotions, tightly coiled and controlled, threatened to break free for a moment. But as soon as he saw the look in Luna's eyes—her wide, disbelieving gaze—he instantly regretted the harshness of his words.

Hee face softened, though her brows knitted with concern. She reached out, gently touching his hand. "Theodore, please," she said, her voice steady but laced with sadness. "Don't speak like that."

Her gentleness disarmed him, the edge of his temper receding as quickly as it had come. He exhaled, his shoulders slumping as the weight of his guilt pressed down harder. "I'm sorry," he murmured, the words barely audible. He reached for her, pulling her into his arms, holding her close. "Come here," he whispered, his voice hoarse. "Please, come here."

She allowed herself to be drawn into his embrace, her body folding into his. Her head rested against his chest, and for a moment, they stayed like that—wrapped in each other, suspended in a silence that neither of them knew how to break. Theo pressed his lips to the top of her head, inhaling the soft scent of her hair, his heart pounding with a mixture of regret and love. The distance between them, though unspoken, was palpable, and it hurt in ways he hadn't expected.

As she lay against him, her body trembled, the weight of the news settling deep into her bones. She didn't cry immediately. Instead, her breath hitched, the shock slowly giving way to a wave of sorrow that she couldn't contain. When the tears finally came, they came softly, slipping down her cheeks in quiet streams. Theo felt each tear as if it were his own, and he held her tighter, as if his arms alone could keep her from breaking.

"I've got you," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "I'm right here."

But even as he said the words, he couldn't shake the gnawing feeling in his gut. He didn't deserve to hold her like this, not after what he had done. Luna had no idea—no idea that he had been the one to set the events in motion, that his hand had played a part in the tragedy that now enveloped them. How could she? He had kept her shielded from the darkest parts of his life, protecting her from the decisions he made in the shadows. But now, as the consequences of those choices unraveled before them, he wondered how much longer he could keep the truth from her.

Her sobs were quiet, but they tore through him like shards of glass. He stroked her hair, murmuring soft reassurances, though they felt empty. How could he comfort her when he was part of the reason for her pain? How could he pretend to be her protector, her rock, when the ground beneath them was fractured by his own doing?

They stayed like that for what felt like hours, wrapped in each other, the morning light creeping slowly across the room as the world outside moved on, oblivious to the storm brewing inside their home. Theo's mind raced, thoughts spinning in endless circles as he tried to figure out what to do next. He couldn't tell her—not yet. But how long could he keep the truth buried?

He pressed another kiss to her hair, his lips lingering there as if the simple act could undo the damage that had been done. "I love you," he whispered, his voice barely more than a breath. It was the only truth he could hold onto in this moment, the only thing that felt real amidst the lies and the guilt. "I love you so much."

Luna pulled back slightly, her tear-streaked face tilting up to look at him. Her eyes, usually so full of light, were clouded with sorrow, but there was still trust there—trust that made Theo's heart ache. "I love you too," she whispered, her voice fragile. "We'll get through this, won't we?"

Theo nodded, though the weight of his own unspoken sins hung heavily between them. "Yes," he lied, his voice steady despite the storm inside him. "We'll get through this. I promise."

But as she rested her head against his chest once more, he couldn't shake the feeling that his promise was as fragile as the morning light, and that the truth, when it finally came to light, might shatter everything they had built together.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Luna sat frozen on the edge of the bed, her heart pounding in her chest as the weight of the news pressed down on her, suffocating her. The quiet stillness of the room contrasted violently with the storm inside her. Ron and Lavender were dead.

She could barely wrap her mind around the enormity of it, how two lives could be extinguished so suddenly, so brutally. Ron, with his fierce loyalty and stubborn bravery, and Lavender, vibrant and full of life, always laughing, always seeking joy. Gone. The thought was incomprehensible.

Theo had delivered the news with a voice so measured, so cold, she had barely recognized him. But she had seen the tension in his eyes, the weight of his words settling like lead in the pit of her stomach.

The silence between them stretched painfully until Theo had finally leaned over, kissed her forehead, and whispered, "Rest, love. You don't have to deal with it now." 

But she couldn't rest. She couldn't sit with this alone. The grief threatened to swallow her whole, and all she could think was: Pansy. She needed to tell her.

The fireplace roared to life as her frantic voice echoed from the flames, her usually dreamy demeanor shattered by panic and grief.

"Pansy! RON'S DEAD! OH GODS, PANSY, HE AND LAVENDER ARE DEAD!"

"Oh Merlin…" Pansy muttered under her breath, barely able to form the words. Her heart pounded in her chest as dread settled deep in her bones

Luna's voice wavered, as though she was on the verge of tears. The usual serene, ethereal quality that always surrounded her had crumbled, replaced by a rawness that Pansy had rarely heard from her.

"It's—it's unfathomable… I can't—I don't know how this could happen, Pansy! They were both… both killed!" The disbelief in Luna's voice was heartbreaking.

Pansy's mind swirled, barely able to process what she was hearing. Lavender and Ron… dead? Lavender, who always wore a smile, even if it was at someone else's expense. Ron, the stubborn, loud-mouthed fool, who was impossible to ignore, even if he'd been a bitter part of their lives for so long. Gone? Just like that?

"It's truly…" Pansy began, but the words stuck in her throat. There was nothing she could say that would make sense of this. Nothing at all.

The call was short. Luna was too frantic, too broken to talk much more, and Pansy barely had the wherewithal to offer comfort.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Even Lysander, only a year old, could sense the shift in the air around his mother. He had been playing with his enchanted blocks, their colorful shapes floating in the air like lazy fireflies, but now his small, curious eyes had turned to Luna. The room felt heavy, weighed down by grief and sorrow too big for him to understand. But he knew enough to know that something was wrong with his mother.

"Mummy," Lysander's small voice broke through the silence, soft but insistent. His tiny hands tugged at the hem of Luna's robe as he tried to get her attention.

Luna, who had been staring blankly at the window, lost in the turmoil of her thoughts, blinked as if waking from a distant dream. She turned to her son, forcing a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "I'm coming, my love," she whispered, bending down to lift him into her arms. His warmth, his small, solid presence grounded her for a moment, pulling her away from the dark cloud that hung over her heart.

He stared up at her with wide, innocent eyes, eyes that mirrored Theo's in so many ways. He studied her face carefully, his brow furrowed in the way that only children do when they sense something deeper than words. "Mummy sad," he murmured, his little voice filled with the confusion of a child who understands feelings but not the reasons behind them.

Her breath hitched at the simplicity of his observation. "Yes, my love, I am sad." Her voice trembled slightly as she spoke, struggling to keep her composure for his sake. "Mummy lost a friend. And it's a terrible feeling."

Lysander tilted his head to the side, processing her words in his childlike way. "Like when Nelly went to the magical sky?" he asked, referring to the family's house-elf, who had passed away a few months earlier. It had been Lysander's first brush with death, though Luna had tried to explain it in the gentlest terms.

She swallowed hard, her heart breaking at how pure and simple his understanding was. "Yes, sweetheart. Just like Nelly. Mummy's friend went to the magical sky too."

Lysander's lips formed a small "oh," his expression solemn as he tried to piece it all together in his young mind. "But it's good there," he added with the certainty that only a child could have.

Her eyes filled with tears, but she nodded, her voice gentle as she whispered, "It is good, my love. Yes. It's peaceful."

She hugged him a little tighter, pressing her lips to his soft hair. He didn't understand—not really. How could he? He was far too young to grasp the permanence of death, to understand that "the magical sky" was a place they could never visit, no matter how much they wished to. To Lysander, it was just another place, like going to sleep or visiting a distant dream. But there was a strange kind of comfort in his innocence, a reminder that, at least for now, his world was still safe, still untouched by the harsh realities of loss.

Lysander squirmed slightly in her arms, wriggling free so he could look up at her again, his little face full of earnest curiosity. "They play there?" he asked, his voice hopeful.

She smiled sadly, brushing a stray curl from his forehead. "Yes," she said softly, not trusting herself to say much more. "They play there, my love."

She watched as Lysander's face brightened at that thought, his simple mind soothed by the idea that the magical sky was a happy place, a place where everyone could play forever. His innocence was so pure, so untainted by the sorrow that weighed on her heart.

But Luna knew, deep down, that one day she would have to explain more. One day, he would grow older, and the questions would become harder. How would she explain that his favorite uncle was never coming back, that the world had sharp edges that sometimes cut too deep to heal? How could she teach him about loss, about the void it left behind, without breaking that beautiful innocence he carried?

For now, though, she held him close, letting his small warmth fill the emptiness in her chest. He was too young to understand, and that was a mercy. His world was still full of wonder, still bright and whole. He didn't know the depths of grief yet, didn't know that the magical sky was both a comfort and a goodbye.

Lysander, content with her answer, snuggled deeper into her arms, his tiny hands gripping the fabric of her robe. "Mummy?" he asked again, his voice now soft with sleepiness.

"Yes, my love?" Luna whispered, her heart aching with both love and sorrow.

"Don't be sad. I'm here."

Luna's breath caught in her throat as she looked down at him, her sweet, innocent boy. She nodded, her tears spilling over as she kissed the top of his head. "I know," she whispered, holding him even closer. "I know, my love. You're right here."

And for now, that was enough. For now, she could hold onto him and let the rest of the world, with all its heartbreak and loss, fall away.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

He had become a constant presence in her life, an unwavering orb of support and love that surrounded her during her darkest moments. His warmth and light wrapped around her like a protective cocoon, shielding her from the biting winds of grief that threatened to pull her under. Even in the midst of her sorrow, he found ways to lift her spirits, to remind her that joy still existed in the world, even if it felt distant.

One crisp evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon and the sky was painted with hues of deep orange and violet, Theo decided it was time for a change of scenery—a magical date, he thought, would be just the remedy Luna needed. He had seen her smile fade in recent weeks, replaced by a look of quiet despair that settled like a shadow over her face. Determined to coax that radiant smile back to life, he meticulously planned an outing designed to remind her of the beauty and wonder that still filled their world.

As they stepped outside, he reached for her hand, intertwining their fingers. The touch was electric, sending warmth coursing through her, a spark of connection that momentarily dispelled her worries. The stars above twinkled like scattered diamonds, and the night air was cool and crisp, filled with the scent of blooming night-blooming flowers and the distant sound of laughter from other wizards and witches enjoying their own evening adventures.

"Trust me," he said, a playful glint in his eye as they walked. "Tonight, you're going to experience something truly magical."

She tilted her head, curiosity piqued. "Where are we going?" she asked, a hint of excitement bubbling beneath the surface of her melancholy.

"It's a surprise," he replied, his voice teasingly mysterious. "Just keep your eyes closed until we get there."

With a reluctant smile, she complied, closing her eyes and relying on his guidance. As they walked, she felt the gentle pull of his hand, leading her down a path lined with softly glowing lanterns that illuminated the way like fairy lights in a dream. The warmth of his presence comforted her, wrapping her in a sense of safety that she desperately needed.

After a few moments, he stopped, and Luna heard the faint sound of bubbling water and soft laughter echoing in the distance. "Okay, open your eyes," he said, excitement lacing his voice.

She opened her eyes to find herself in front of a breathtaking scene. They had arrived at a hidden glade, a magical haven tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the world. The moon hung high above, casting a silvery glow over a crystal-clear lake that sparkled like a thousand stars fallen from the sky. The water was surrounded by lush greenery, and fireflies danced around them, adding an enchanting glow to the air.

"Oh, Theo," she breathed, her eyes widening in wonder as she took in the beauty around her. "It's… it's beautiful."

"I thought you'd like it," he replied, a soft smile spreading across his face. "I found this place a while back, and I knew I had to bring you here."

As they stepped closer to the water's edge, the gentle sounds of the night enveloped them—the soft lapping of water against the shore, the distant chirping of crickets, and the occasional rustle of leaves in the cool night breeze. It felt as if they had stepped into a fairytale, one where worries faded and joy took center stage.

Theo produced a small basket from behind a nearby tree, filled with an assortment of her favorite treats—magical pastries that sparkled with enchantment and fruit that glimmered like gemstones. "I thought we could have a little picnic," he said, spreading a soft blanket across the grass and gesturing for her to sit.

She couldn't help but laugh, the sound bubbling up from deep within her chest as she watched he fuss over the details, ensuring everything was perfect. "You really went all out," she said, her heart swelling with appreciation.

"Only the best for you," he replied, his gaze serious but affectionate. "I know things have been hard, and I wanted to remind you that there's still beauty in the world. We can create new memories, even amidst the sadness."

As they settled down on the blanket, the weight of the past few weeks began to lift just slightly. He opened the basket and began handing her treats, each one more delightful than the last. Luna savored the flavors, her taste buds dancing with joy as they shared stories and laughter, the darkness that had haunted her slowly fading with each moment spent in his company.

They watched the moonlight dance on the surface of the water, and she leaned her head on his shoulder, feeling the solid warmth of him beside her. "Thank you for this," she murmured, feeling a flicker of hope igniting in her heart. "I didn't know I needed it so much."

Theo turned slightly, looking down at her with an intensity that made her pulse quicken. "You deserve to be happy, my love," he said, his voice low and sincere. "And I'll do everything I can to make sure you remember that, no matter what."

They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, listening to the sounds of the night, allowing the tranquility to wash over them. Theo reached for her hand, intertwining their fingers again as they shared the space, the bond between them strengthening with every heartbeat.

As the evening wore on, they shared more stories, reminiscing about past adventures and dreams for the future. The laughter came easier now, the darkness that had hung over her heart beginning to recede as Theo's unwavering presence reminded her that she was not alone.

As they finished their picnic, he produced a small, enchanted lantern from the basket, its light flickering softly in the darkness. "I thought we could set this out on the lake," he said, standing up and moving to the water's edge. "It will carry our hopes and dreams into the night."

She watched as he placed the lantern gently onto the surface of the water. It floated there, glowing softly, casting shimmering reflections that danced across the lake. "It's beautiful," she whispered, feeling the tears prick at the corners of her eyes once more, but this time they were tears of gratitude and warmth.

"Just like you, my love " he replied, stepping back to join her. He turned to her, his expression serious yet tender. "I know things are still heavy, but we'll face whatever comes next together. You don't have to carry this weight alone."

She nodded, feeling a swell of emotion that she struggled to put into words. "Thank you for being my light, darling," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "You make everything feel a little less daunting."

He reached out, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear, his fingers lingering against her skin. "And you make everything worthwhile, my Moon," he replied, his gaze intense, full of unspoken promises and deep affection.

In that moment, surrounded by the beauty of the night and the warmth of their connection, she felt a sense of hope stirring within her. Perhaps there was still magic left to be found in the world, even after all the loss. With Theo by her side, she believed they could create new memories and find joy again.

As they sat there, watching the lanterns bob gently on the surface of the lake, she realized that while sorrow would always be a part of her journey, it wouldn't have to define her. With each passing moment, with each shared laugh and tear, she could begin to heal—embracing the light of love and friendship that would guide her through the darkness.

In that magical glade, where the world felt suspended in time, she knew they were embarking on a new chapter—one filled with the promise of brighter days and the unwavering bond between them. And as long as they had each other, she believed that anything was possible.