"The last time you went to Paris, I got word afterward and learned about those things..." Xenophilius shuddered. "I was really scared then!"
Luna took Xenophilius's hand and gave it a gentle shake. "I'm sorry, Dad!"
Xenophilius shook his head. "Actually, no matter what you do, as long as it happens outside my sight, I'll probably be scared..."
"Sweetheart, you shouldn't apologize... What I mean is... I think I only realized today that perhaps... perhaps you no longer need me to protect you like that."
Tears shimmered in Luna's eyes at Xenophilius's words.
"When you were talking to everyone just now, I saw their expressions!" Xenophilius grinned, his face full of pride. "I saw that they all listened to you!"
"I won't even mention those two boys from the Weasleys, or the children from the Longbottom and Abbott families... Just look at Sirius Black!"
"When I studied magic at Hogwarts, I knew he only respected James Potter. But they all believed what you said and were willing to do it!"
A smile appeared at the corner of Luna's lips as she tried to explain. "Dad, actually..."
Xenophilius waved his hand, not allowing Luna to continue.
He took a deep breath, wanting to use this moment to tell his daughter everything he had wanted to say before.
"Sweetheart, do you know? I've always worried that I haven't done well enough! Penny was so smart, so talented. If she... she..."
He let out a long sigh and wiped his face, taking away the tears from his eyes. "She definitely would have known better than me... known how to take care of you!"
"Dad..." Luna's voice trembled. "You've done so much... You took very good care of me!"
"I haven't been this happy in a long time!" Xenophilius grinned, his voice thick with