"The last time you went to Paris, I got word afterward and found out 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 be apologizing... What I mean is... I think I only realized today that perhaps... perhaps you no longer need me to protect you the way I used to."
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 brimming with pride. "I saw that they were all listening to you!"
"I won't even mention those two Weasley boys, or the Longbottoms and the Abbott child... Just look at Sirius Black!"
"When I was studying magic at Hogwarts, I knew he only respected James Potter. But when you speak, they all believe you, and they're all willing to do what you say!"
A smile appeared at the corner of Luna's lips as she tried to explain. "Dad, actually..."
Xenophilius waved a hand, stopping Luna from continuing.
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 wasn't doing well enough! Panny was so smart, so talented. If she... she..."
He let out a long sigh, raised a hand to wipe his face, and brushed away the tears in his eyes. "She definitely would've 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