Choices

Chapter 10

Yay 100 reads!! That is fantabulous. Thank you so much aaaaahhhhh!!!

I know I shouldn't be celebrating 100 while some people at this point have 1K reads, but you know. I feel successful.

Back to the story!! -DP
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Luna POV

I got the message when I was busy in my quite extensive and flourishing garden. My long blond hair was pulled up into a ponytail and swung back and forth as I walked the paths that lead to different kinds of green leafy plants. I talk to each one every morning. I find it helps them grow much better, and I like to keep them company. They are living things like us, so don't they deserve what we give ourselves?

That's when a ferret patronus scurried up to me and stood on its hind legs. It was adorable. I gave it a smile, even though I know it won't really respond. I wonder what Draco wants.

It speaks in Draco's voice. "Ms. Lovegood, as you know Astoria has given birth. However I do suggest you make your way to St. Mungo's as soon as you can." Odd, I thought, it must be important.

I shouted an apology to the rest of my plants, telling them I would get to them when I get back and give them extra attention. Their leaves simply rustled in the wind as if to say, it's OK you can go. We'll always be here.

And with that, I apparated to the hospital.

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"Draco! Good to see you again! What's going on?" I keep my nonchalant attitude, although inside I begin to feel a bit nervous.

"I think you should see for yourself" he sighs.

I follow him through the white corridors, going left and right and left and right. One would get lost if they didn't know where they were going. I wonder if this is how Harry felt during the third task.

We stop at a door labeled 'Greengrass'. I take in a slightly deeper breath. I haven't seen Astoria since....well....the war actually.

Draco stands patiently off to the side. "Will you be alright?" He asks, putting his hand gently on my shoulder.

"Yes, I should be fine. Just, can you come with me?"

Draco nods slightly. He's a nice guy, despite everyone else's opinion. I became friends with him a few days after I met Astoria. I'm glad she married a nice person. I wouldn't pick anyone else for her. Well, except me.

My right hand rests softly on the silver door knob while my left shakes slightly in anticipation. I take a deep breath, shake my head a bit, and open the door.

Astoria Greengrass. She is all I see. Her beautiful brown ringlets spread on the white pillow, her hands folded and resting on the white sheets. Everything is white, white, white, but not her. She is full of color. The oak brown of her hair, the pink of her lips, the tan of her skin. Except, not tan. No. More of a pale pink. The kind of color you see on people just after they die.

I walk to the side of her bed and examine her more closely. Her breathing is shallow, too shallow, and she doesn't respond when I take her hand in mine. Coma.

I feel water on the back of my other hand and think it must be the nargles crying for her. It's really lovely that they care.

"When do you think she might wake up?" My voice was almost not even a whisper, yet Draco came over anyway.

"I...I don't know." He gently put his arm around my shoulders and I leaned my head on his upper chest.

"Draco, are your nargles upset as well?" I felt another drop on my cheek.

I look at his face and see that he's crying, not his nargles. He actually doesn't have any.

"Yes. Very much so."

She is my Astoria, my Peach, my love. I would do anything to see her green eyes open again and her nargles swirl through the air like fairies in a ballet.

I lean down and kiss her forehead. "Wake up soon peach" I whisper in her ear.

I slowly back towards the door, letting Draco guide me and never taking my eyes off of her. As I reach the door frame I give one last look at her flawlessness. One of my nargles let's one last year slide, and I feel like I can taste the salt on my tongue. I turn, walk into the hall, and aparate back home.