Chapter 1—because they're different
"Hello, Harry," Luna Lovegood said as she found Harry sitting down at the forest, near Hagrid's cabin, looking at the thestrals. Harry was feeling under the weather—losing a Quidditch match, last minute exams, potions...
Harry turned to look at Luna. He thought she looked beautiful—her long, straggly blonde hair was pulled down to her waist and she was wearing her famous radish earrings. It's been a year since they met each other. Luna was now in fifth year, while Harry was in his sixth year.
"Hi Luna," He greeted back.
"I thought I'd be seeing you here. Guess you've grown fond of the thestrals, huh?" She smiled.
"Yes...they take my mind off things..."
"That they do," She said, "It's a shame others don't like them as much...Because-"
"They're different," Harry finished for her, remembering a conversation they had the past year. He smiled.
"The nargles don't like them, though," She said, "They like infesting the carriages."
Harry laughed fondly. He has grown to accept Luna for who she is—nargles and all.
"Where are you staying for Christmas, Luna?" Harry asked.
"I'll be going home," She said, "Christmas is amazing at home. Daddy makes all these puddings and I catch freshwater plimpies for soup! You should taste it, Harry. Oh! I have an idea, why don't you, Ron, Hermione, Ginny and Neville come around for Christmas? It will be wonderful, and I'll make sure the nargles don't infest the misletoes!"
Harry smiled, "Well...that's a...a...brilliant idea," He said, actually meaning it, "I'd love to, Luna."
"Good!" She exclaimed happily, "I will tell Ginny later."
"And I'll tell Ron and the others..."
Luna smiled as she looked at the thestrals, "This will be the first time that other people will be coming over to the house...Daddy and I...we don't have many friends and-"
"Luna, I told you, I am your friend." Harry said as he held Luna's hand. Luna was surprised but she smiled. Harry felt a certain sense of comfort as he held Luna's hand and looked her in the eye. He felt as if he was closer to home.
"Thank you, Harry," Luna said, "So...I'll see you around. I have a couple of projects to submit to professor Sprout and then tomorrow I could pack."
"If you're losing stuff, tell me, I'll help you find them..."
"Okay," Luna smiled, "Thank you, Harry." And then she hopped back to the castle, her beautiful hair fluttering in the wind.
"Beautiful, ain't she?" Harry told the Thestrals though he knew they wouldn't answer. He laughed at himself, "What am I saying? I should go..." He then stood up and made his way back to the castle. Seeing Luna made him feel better.