A Burning Question (Artemis, Luna, Bella)

[Bella Walsh]

When Bella woke up that morning, of all the things that she had expected to see, the blanket of snow on the ground was not quite among them. The night had dropped in temperature rapidly and it had began to snow lightly a couple of days ago, and now, the ground was covered. Finally!

With a renewed sense of happiness, she managed to get out of bed and get her morning started. The weekend was always a time she looked forward to and she pulled on a black hooded sweatshirt, and blue jeans that only accentuate how small she really was. Lately, she'd been considering trying out for the Hufflepuff Quidditch team as the Seeker. She was very small and very light, and as a result, she was fast on her broom. Plus, her eyes were sharp. That was a plus of being paranoid, after all. Wasn't an extra curricular activity good on a resume too?

Granted, if she made it, it meant that she would have to compete against Luna when they played Ravenclaw. Maybe that would be alright. In passing, she'd gotten to grow fond of the girl. Her initial coldness was something that had once steered Bella away from talking to her, but since she had managed to free her brother from his tormentors, that coldness seemed to edge away. That was welcomed.

As she headed down to the Common Room, she couldn't help but think of Artemis. Someone so gentle and so kind was almost the perfect balance to the cruelty that was in the world. She protected him, and he had managed to grow more confident in her presence to intimidate those who would hurt her by adopting his sister's frosty glare. Such a glare was difficult for her to muster, seeing as she protected those who needed it.

The whole castle was buzzing about the formal dance this winter's solstice, well...except Bella. Something in her led her to assume there would be no reason to attend. She'd tried to convince the Potions Professor that they could play chess that evening and discuss fine tuning the polyjuice potions they were making, but even he was attending! Something about supporting Durmstrang, his alma mater.

Leave it to her back up plan to be feeling festive!

Her mother had written to her and the owl was still sitting on the edge of the fireplace, warming its feathers. She'd asked Bella what she wanted to do for Christmas Break. Did she want to come home? Did she want to stay in the castle? With almost everyone leaving, she decided to stay. It would be quiet, she'd have the library to herself, and the ability to study some more spells that technically she shouldn't know.

"You haven't left yet, Nadia? The snowy owl hooted indignantly, fluffing up her feathers, looking at her with amber eyes. Goodness, she loved her owl. She offered her arm to the bird and let her perch on it. "Well, I can't keep you here, so let's get moving to the owlery. You can rest up there and get some food, sound good? The owl nipped affectionately at her cheek and she laughed, climbing out of the back of the portrait.

[Deleted]

Luna leaned against the wall directly across from the entrance of the Hufflepuff common room with a her normal indifferent expression on her face. Her icy blue eyes would carefully observe those who would go in and out of the room, not wanting to miss the person that she was actually waiting for.

Bella Walsh otherwise known as a fellow sixth year, the heiress to the Ravenclaw house, and her brother Artemis' crush.That's right, his crush. Her younger twin had a crush on Bella Walsh, and a rather large one at that. He would blush whenever her name was brought up, and would stutter a denial for the longest time whenever she had asked if he liked Bella.

As a matter of fact he had just very recently admitted that he had liked her as anything more then a friend, and had actually asked his sister if she would distract Bella so that he could work on his plan to ask her to the Yule Ball. While he hadn't told her anything other than to keep her distracted, and to take her to the top of the Astronomy tower when the full moon had risen completely in the sky.

Being the good sister that she was, she had readily agreed to help her brother out by doing this for him, and that had led up to where she currently was; waiting for Bella to leave the common room.

It had taken a while for Luna to warm up to Bella for at first she had been very distrustful of the girl, thinking that she was playing some sort of cruel trick on her brother by getting his hopes up.

But after watching her interact with her brother (something that she had been less then willing to do) on numerous occasions, and after finding out that Bella had not only saved her brother, but was also protecting and helping him grow as a person she eventually warmed up to the idea of having her around, and started becomming less, and less cold around her, even going as far as to scare the crap out of some of the people that she knew bullied Bella, getting them to leave her alone for the time being.

She was drawn out of her thoughts when Bella finally came into her viewpoint with a snowy owl perched on her arm as she climbed out of the portrait. A thin brow rose when she saw the bird perched on her arm as it was a somewhat unusual sight, but nevertheless she made her way over to Bella, speaking quietly so as not to startle either the bird or Bella.

" Good morning Bella." She nodded at Bella before calmly making eye-contact with the owl perched on Bella's arm.

" And Bella's owl."

Her ice blue eyes glanced from the owl, back to her owner and she gave Bella a very small, quick smile. It was obvious that she still wasn't used to smiling for people that weren't her brother.

" I was wondering if you would like to hang out together today." Her voice was completely calm, and cool though she was a bit nervous. A good majority of her brother's plan involved her hanging out with Bella, and keeping her distracted. It would be very hard to do so if Bella rejected her offer.

[Bella Walsh]

Of all the people that Bella could have seen when she straightened from the portrait hole, the voice of Luna Demetriou was the furthest from them. As the girl greeted them, she smiled, offering the owl's name as knowledge with a smile. "This is Nadia. She's a bit a-social like her owner, and she delivers letters to the common room rather than the Great Hall." Strange bird, but oh well. Differences in Maria's temperament always made her more engaging than other owls.

With her question, the girl smiled quite warmly. "But, of course, Luna. It will be an enjoyable break from carving my way through the remainder of the library. I just need to take Nadia to the owlery so she can eat before sending her all the way back to Appleby." The girl's accent was strikingly Irish compared to the majority of the house and at times others interpreted it as her being daft...until they knew her.

If it were any other weekend, she would either be elbow deep in books in the library, or engaging Professor Dunwitz in wizard's chess. The man was bloody brilliant in tactics and she had only ever won once! He was helping her prepare for the N.E.W.T.s, except for on the weekends. He was one of the few staff members that knew of her career plans for the future, come to think of it.

As the girls ascended to the owlery and Nadia crooked her fluffy head to nuzzle her cheek and fluttered into the alcove, Bella turned her attention to Luna and asked finally, "What would you like to do? Our options are quite open today..." For just a moment, she paused and looked about the castle before asking with a slightly hopeful tone, "Will Artemis be joining us?"

Being one of a generally un-involved nature, any feelings she had kept under an austere face (but, curse those eyes...they gave everything away!), she had managed to stay out of the 'who likes who' gossip. However, it was difficult to hide the depth of her feelings for Artemis Demetriou. The more she learned of him, his kindness, gentleness, sweetness, wisdom...(everything, even his self percieved selfishness...she never viewed it as such) they all became endearing.

In matters of the heart, Bella was truly a novice however. She could not boil it down to a logical essence and at times it made her frustrated. Besides, all of her lineage had perished in part of a broken heart. False love managed to infiltrate the wise line and rip it apart after creating an heiress to the legacy. No wit could tell if something without logic was real.

She knew he wouldn't hurt her...at least she hoped not. The attraction was already clouding her judgement!

[Deleted]

Luna nodded once when she was given that extra bit of information, making a mental note in the back of her mind to remember it. She silently stepped forward so that she was walking with Bella, intent on walking with her up to the owlery to ensure that she wouldn't be able to spot her younger brother working on his surprise for her. That would ruin his plans, and she knew that he would be dissappointed in her, something that she wouldn't be able to handle.

" Very well then, I will walk with you to the Owlery." Her eyes glared at some people that had been staring at them a bit too long for her comfort, the tiniest bit of a smirk on her face when they immediately turned and ran off in the other direction.

" I heard that those jerks that pick on my brother have been causing trouble around there as of late. I wouldn't feel right if I let you go up there alone." That wasn't exactly the truth, nor was it a complete lie, but it was a believable enough excuse.

" Besides, my brother would be heartbroken if anything bad happened to you. You are a precious person to him." Hopefully that little piece of information would help hurry the two along into the relationship that she knew the both of them would eventually enter into. She could tell that the two of them liked each other, but were simply too scared to do anything about it something that while Luna thought it was a bit silly, she also found it the slightest bit endearing.

If her brother needed a small push to be happy then she was willing to help him and give him that push. Once they finally reached the owlery, and Bella had asked her what it was that Luna wanted to do, she paused for a moment, thinking about where her brother had said
he was going to be conducting his plan, before calmly answering.

" I would like to go to Hogsmeade if it's not too much trouble. I've heard from an acquaintance of mine that they have received some sweets at Honeydukes that my brother really likes. I also need to pick up a special herbal tea that I have had ordered for Artemis at Madam Puddifoot's. After that prehaps we could go to the Three Broomsticks for a drink to warm us up, before heading back? Unless there is something you would like to do instead? I am ready to do almost anything."

When Artemis was brought up, Luna did her best to look slightly concerned, and disheartened though on the inside she was filled with a very large sense of sastifaction. She had known that the girl had liked her brother, that hopeful tone in her voice as she had asked about him had just proven it.

"You really like my brother, don't you? Unfortunately, Artemis is not feeling well today, and said that he wanted to stay in bed and rest. That is part of the reason why I wanted to go buy him some candy, and that tea. I figured it would help him feel better."

[Bella Walsh]

Hogsmeade sounded like a good plan to her and she nodded in agreement, "That sounds like a great idea. I haven't been to Hogsmeade in forever. Not since last year when she had been wandering the joke shop and had caught a whiff of his cologne...and that had lingered in her mind forever it seemed.

She said that...she was precious to him and it was a shining moment in her day.

When asked if she liked Artemis, she blushed darkly, "Yes...I do. He is a remarkable man. I'm surprised that he didn't hear about it since I blurted it out a little while ago...bloody Veritas serum." That had been both liberating and humiliating.

Her eyes showed concern when she said that he wasn't feeling well. "Oh, no...I hope he will get better soon." Maybe she could find something he might like as a gift when they were out. Still, the idea of being out of the castle for a day was a wonderful thought.

The air would do her some good.

The walk to the village was enjoyable and she laughed softly at the sight of the quaint, colorful shops there. "Goodness...I might have to get a cupcake when we get his candy. My birthday is this coming Saturday and I may not head this way then."

They passed a shop with colorful roses in the front and she seemed to be thinking. She could charm one...wait! Without a thought, she handed a galleon to the lady selling them and picked up a blue one with a smile, before glancing at Luna.

"Okay...so I like him a lot. It's difficult to hide it." She pulled out her wand and uttered a soft, "Crystallium." A sheen of crystal surrounded the flower, preservingit perfectly...forever.

[Deleted]

She nodded in agreeement, sastified that Bella had agreed to going to Hogsmeade. In all honesty it had been a while since Luna herself had set foot in Hogsmeade as well, and that last time she had been with her brother, and that one boy that she had liked. Not only would they be far away from Artemis, but she supposed it would be something that would help her get to know Bella a bit better.

When Bella admitted to liking her brother, and the situation that had involved Veritas syrum that had caused her to admit it out loud, she had glanced at Bella with a brow raised. There had been a rumor about something like that happening that was currently being spread around school. Yes she and her brother had heard about that incident, but they had just brushed it off as stupid chatter and had ignored any further rumors as a result.

"We did hear something like that but at the time Artemis didn't believe the person, and neither did I. We passed it off as mindless chatter. I suppose that we were mistaken."

She fell silent as she listened to the girl talk about her brother, calling him remarkable. A content expression showed on her face as she did so.

" I am glad that someone other than I can see the good qualities that he has. I was beginning to believe that everyone at this school were far too stupid to look beyond physical appearences.
Artemis is such a kind, and gentle soul." That people loved to pick on and torment. They loved to take advantage of his kindness, something that sickened the woman.

" I am glad that he has someone like you in his life. You give him a reason to grow as a person. You make him feel confident in himself, and your very presence brings him comfort. You come up in many of our conversations lately and honestly, you seem to be doing wonders for his health. He's been getting sick less and less lately; as for him not feeling well, he just said that his throat was bothering him and that he wanted to sleep it off. "

When she spoke of her birthday, Luna gave her a very curious glance.

" Your birthday is coming up? How much longer?"

She couldn't stop the smile before it spread out across her face when she saw Bella purchase the flower, and cast the charm on it.

"That was very kind of you. Do not worry, like I said before I am almost positive that my brother returns your affections. He is just very gentle, and very shy. I believe that it will take him a while to finally confess to you, but I do know that he likes you. So please take care of him, and please do not break his heart when he finally choses to give it to you..."

[Bella Walsh]

"On the 24th." She smiled softly. The day was never really celebrated save for the gift from her mother and the greeting by the Grey Lady and the Baron. It was low key, the way she liked it.

Thinking to what she had said about Artemis, she blushed softly, "I could never hurt him. Not even on pain of death would I dream of hurting him. All I want is his happiness, health, and well being. If he would so choose to give his heart to me, he would find it protected. I'm afraid my heart may already be his, in a sense that I would do nearly anything for him within my power." She smiled embarrassedly, "And again...I'm probably saying too much."

She hoped that his throat didn't hurt too badly. At least not so badly that it would ail his sleeping. He really was a gentle soul and didn't deserve the sort of treatment he received.

With fingers tracing over the pedals of the rose, crystallized in her hands, she found her eyes drawn to something glittery. Through the snow on the windows, she could see a series of formal gowns in the Wizarding Wears shop with glittering gems. Promptly, her eyes moved further down the road to the Sweet Shop. As they made their way to the store, she found herself curious, "What is his favorite candy? And what is your favorite sweet, Luna? Can we pick up some for you too?" She had enough coins in her pocket to get whatever she wanted, really. If she wanted, she could get some candy for her.

"You deserve some too. You're an amazing role model and I know that Artemis loves to see you enjoy yourself." Bella smiled as the door to Honeydukes opened with a jingle, the wonderful aroma of candies filling the air. Everything was so bright in the store that it never failed to make her feel like a child inside. Instinctively, she grabbed for a bag of Bertie Botts Every Flavor Beans and some chocolate frogs, just to be able to keep them on hand!

[Deleted]

" I see." She would have to remember to tell her brother about it, that way they could both do a little something for the girl on her birthday.

Luna couldn't help but feel relieved when she heard the kind words that Bella said about her brother, especially when she said that his heart would be protected in her hands. Her blue eyes turned from the floor, up to glance at Bella from the corner of her eyes, observing her reaction for a moment before returning to the ground. Her reaction had appeared to be sincere, something that made Luna feel a lot better.

"I'm happy to hear that. Thank you." For everything you've done. Though those words weren't exactly said, it was obvious from the tone of her voice that that was exactly what she meant to say.

The moment they entered Honeydukes, a strong sweet smell immediately assualted Luna's senses bringing a very small smile to her face. While she usually was not one for candy (unlike her brother, who had one of the biggest sweet tooths Luna had ever seen) she enjoyed the smell as it often made Luna think of pleasant memories from the past, something that always made her mood a bot lighter.

" My brother has developed quite a sweet tooth over the years. He usually will be happy with anything that is sweet, but his absolute favorite are Peppermint Toads, Pumpkin Fizz, and Fizzing Whizzbees, with Pumpkin Fizz being the one he likes the most."

She gently grabbed a few packs of each, giving a small smile as she could already picture the childlike excitement on Artemis' face when he saw what she had bought him. When Bella asked her what kind of sweets that she liked, she just shrugged.

" I'm not a big candy eater, really. Usually the only time I come here is to either buy something for Artemis, or to buy some of those pranking candies to give to Andrews when he annoys me too much." Which reminded her, she really should buy some more of those exploding bonbons while she was here. She had been using the same trick for years, and Xayden still hadn't managed to figure out who was behind the trick.

Or better yet, maybe some of those love potion filled chocolate cauldrons to make him fall in love with a woman, yes that would be rather nice. Walking over to that direction she hastily grabbed a box of the chocolates off of the shelf, and with a rather sastified smirk, added them to the things that she would be buying before turning to Bella.

" What is your favorite type of sweet Bella?"

When she was complimented by Bella her eyes widened slightly. She had never been called a role model before. Many other cruel names, yes, but never something positive.

" Thank you. I'm no role model though. All I do is stop filth from touching my brother."

[Bella Walsh]

She smiled, making a note to remember that information. When asked, she immediately answered, "Pumpkin juice and chocolate frogs." Though she had to chuckle a bit, "The very first time my mom got me one, I had to have been 3 or so... I freaked out because I thought they were real. Mom had a good laugh on it, especially when it hopped toward me and I screamed bloody murder." Well, she had hated frogs then!

She looked around the shelves as Luna spoke again. "From what I hear, you encouraged him to be true to himself. In the face of what we all face day in and day out, its easier to tell someone to change than to do the right thing and love themselves." She smiled softly, "It's good to know that some people still do what's right."

They paid for their items and went back into the street of the village. The cool air was most refreshing as she looked over at Luna and smiled, "To Madame Puddifoot's?" As far as she could recall, she'd never been there before.

[Deleted]

She couldn't help but allow an amused chuckle to escape her lips at the story Bella had shared with her. Though she herself could remember being quite surprised by wizarding sweets as well. The first time her brother had ever consumed a Fizzing Whizzbee, she remembered the both of them bursting into tears when he had started floating and they couldn't figure out how to get him down. It had taken both of their parents, Artemis spitting out the candy, and an hour of their parents comforting them, and showing them just how fun floating could be to calm them down. It would be another three years before Artemis would try the candy again after that incident, and ever since that day he had loved the sweets.

" Those candies can be a bit hard to deal with at first. I know that my brother and I used to be terrified of wizarding candies for the longest time. We would only eat them if we were sure that they came from Muggle sweetshops..."

Something that their parents still refused to let them live down, bringing it up whenever they got a chance to, something that had annoyed Luna, and embarassed Artemis. She listened calmly as Bella spoke, before giving her own answer.

" It may be easier to say something like that, but that doesn't mean that it is right. My brother is so self-conscious, he always has been. How could I look my own twin in the eye and tell him to change himself when there is nothing wrong with him? He means the world to me. I could never do something as cruel as that to someone as kind as him. It is my job to protect him."

A job that was something she took very seriously. In order to protect him and only for that she would do anything. She would go through any amount of pain, just to make sure that he was happy.

When they left the shop and Bella asked if they were to head to Madame Puddifoot's tea shop, she nodded. As they headed on their way, Luna took the time to get lost in the beauty of the shops. They were so beautifully decorated, just in time for the holidays. Something that had seriously impressed the woman.

" I love this time of year." Her usually sharp eyes had lost their edge, showing that she was in deep thought.

"Everyone tends to get a bit more pleasant around this time of year. Even though the weather is snowy, and cold, this time of year seems to bring out the warmth that people usually lock away in their hearts. People are much more cheerful, and generous. If only people would be like this more often, the world would be a much better, more peaceful place."

Her face grew slightly rosy from embarassment as she realized just what she had said.

" Sorry about that. I tend to look into things a little too much at times."

When they walked into the shop, they were immediately greeted with the scents of freshly brewed teas, and freshly roasted coffee. There was a section in the small shop that held tables that were filled with couples kissing, and holding hands as they chatted over cups of coffee and tea, but there was also a section in the shop that was filled with boxes and barrels filled with different tea leaves, and coffee beans. Behind the cashier there sat a very stout woman with a tight black bun that was tied neatly at the top of her head. She looked at the two girls as they entered, and offered them a kind smile.

" This is Madame Puddifoot's cafe and tea shop. People usually come here while they're on a date to talk over coffee and stuff like that, but Madame Puddifoot." Here she gestured to the woman, who gave an excited little wave in return.

"Also has set up a shop here for those who just want to pick up some coffee or tea themselves. She has one of the best selections I have ever seen. I usually buy the tea I want from her; even when we're not at school."

[Bella Walsh]

Something about the smell of tea reminded her that she was running out of perfume and she made a mental note to send for Nadia when they returned. The cafe was warm, wonderful...quaint and certainly charming. As Madame Puddifoot waved excitedly, she smiled and waved back. Hogsneade felt like a whole new sort of town entirely around Christmas. It was...welcomed.

"It smells divine in here." She remarked, "I'm not one for coffee, but tea...I love tea. Which is your favorite? I tend to gravitate toward green tea infused with fruit. Like...passion fruit or dragon fruit. That mix of scents inspired me for the perfume I wear. Its the same mix." She smiled, gazing over the bags curiously from where she stood.

Spending time with Luna was far better than she'd anticipated. There were times she wished strongly for a sister like her! Her mind slipped back to Artemis at times. She hoped he was better and resting peacefully in Ravenclaw Tower. That sweet soul...poor thing.

[Deleted]

" Yes, It really does smell nice in here. It's a nice place to come and relax."
The woman paused, thinking about Bella's question for a moment. She did like tea, she liked it a lot but to choose one type that she liked above all others was definately a challenge.

"I like both coffee and tea but I prefer tea. As for my favorite ones, it depends on the season.I am a big fan of Peppermint and spiced teas in the winter. I like iced red and black teas in the Summer. Green, and English tea in the Autumn. It all depends on the season really..."

She was gestured to by Madame Puddifoot and excused herself for a moment, where she was given the tea that she had asked Madame Puddifoot to order for her. After receiving the tea, and paying the woman a few galleons for it, she made her way back to Bella. She was surprised about how much fun she was having with the girl so far, in reality she had been sure it was going to be an uncomfortable, somewhat awkward experience. She was happy that she was wrong.

" Have you found anything that you like?"

[Bella Walsh]

Lost in admiring the collection of teas, Bella nearly missed the question. She nodded slightly and looked at a jar of fine white tea needles with flecks of dried fruit in it. "I'd love to try that." With a soft gesture toward it, Madame Puddifoot went off to bag some for her after letting her take an inhale of the scent.

Goodness the scent was heavenly. It was clean, fruity, with the ever vaguest hints of mint.

After she passed the woman a few galleons, she smiled to Luna. The tea in her hand, the other had not moved from the pocket of her sweatshirt where her fingers encased the crystal preserved blue rose as if it were her greatest treasure. The sun had begun to fall in the sky and the beautiful colors of sunset were painted across the canvas that nature provided.

She looked over to Luna with a smile. "Sunset is one of my favorite times of day, but is has nothing over twilight. I love night, especially when the moon is out and glowing over the snow. If only my common room wasn't in the dungeon. I would love to enjoy the view. It's almost song worthy."

Across the way was the Three Broomsticks, and from there she could see the crowd of students and even faculty alike gathering for a drink of their butter beer. Honestly, she couldn't wait for a taste of it. "So, the last stop before castle, sweet castle...is the Three Broomsticks, isn't it?"

[Deleted]

Luna glanced at the tea that Bella had been talking about. It certainly did look interesting, she couldn't remember ever seeing that particular type before in the shop. Once Bella had received her tea and paid, she waved goodbye to Madame Muddifoot before leaving the shop.

The sun had just began to set as they exited the shop causing Luna to inwardly sigh in relief. She had been worried that she hadn't been keeping Bella stalled long enough, something that would have ruined her brother's plan. As Bella spoke about the sunset, and the moonlight Luna listened attentively.

" I was always surprised that the Hufflepuff common room was down there so close to the Slytherin common room. I had always thought it was a recipe for disaster." While she was sure that not all of the people in the Slytherin house were as cruel as the sterotypes claimed, she had witnessed enough cruelty from their house to be very weary around them.

" Yes, The Three Broomsticks is technically our last stop, but there is something that I would like to show you when we get back to the castle if you don't mind."

[Bella Walsh]

"They keep us well enough alone, at least down there. I think the Potions Professor threatened. Peace or punishment." She chuckled, "Plus, they're intimidated by Summerby. A Slytherin attacked his girlfriend and he flew off the hook. Made them certainly think twice." It had been so blissfully quiet since then.

As Luna finished, she considered her statement. Something to show her? "Okay, no problem. I haven't anything pressing to return to." Granted her curiosity was now piqued since she couldn't think of what she could possibly want to show her.

They went across to the pub and found a booth away from a majority of the people there. Butter beer was ordered and over the warming effect of the drink, Bella asked, "Do you guys go home over the holidays and spend Christmas with your family? If so, I'll have to get your address and send Nadia with gifts for you both. I tend to stay here, especially with the library being mostly empty. You wouldn't believe some of the protection spells I've found. Like the one I used to get those bullies off of Artemis. I didn't want to have to use it, but at least it worked."