Hey folks. I realize I'm probably going to stretch myself too thin again with all these stories, but at least I have an idea of where this should go. Before I go on, let me say that Luna will be a bit OOC at times. This is because in my mind, now that the Voldemort fiasco is over people are more willing to engage her in social interaction, and so she's become more like what you and I might consider "normal". I know I did this in the summary, but I'll do it again: I do not own the rights to the Harry Potter franchise. So now, enjoy and please review. I'd appreciate it immensely.

Moonchild

Chapter 1

Luna

"Write me when you get there," said Xenophilius Lovegood as Luna boarded the train. Even though Luna was now 17 years old, and should have been in her seventh and final year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the Ministry of Magic, along with the school governors, had decided that all students who had attended Hogwarts during Voldemort's year of controlling the Ministry would repeat their respective year. Luna was a bit irked that she'd have to spend another year in school, but was glad to be learning the things she should have the year before.

"I will, Dad," she said in her floaty way of speaking. "Don't worry." With that, she turned and headed off to find a seat on the Hogwarts Express. At last she reached the back of the train, where she found Harry, Ginny, and Neville waiting for her. Ron, being a prefect, and Hermione, being Head Girl, were already in the prefect's compartment.

"Hey, Luna," said Harry. "Listen, I never got a chance to say sorry for what happened to you and your dad's house."

"It's quite alright," she replied dreamily. "I knew it was only a matter of time before that happened anyway, what with Dad's Erumpent horn and all."

"Wait," said Ginny. "Harry said you and your dad insisted it was Crumple-Horned Whatever's horn."

"Dad did," said Luna, "but I knew better. I could tell by the ridges on the inside of the curve. I tried to tell him over and over but I couldn't convince him."

"So you're saying you don't believe Crumple-Horned Snorkacks exist, then?" Harry said hopefully.

"Oh, no, they exist," Luna affirmed. "That just wasn't a horn from one."

After changing the subject away from imaginary beasts, the four of them spent their time recounting their summers after Voldemort's defeat, playing Exploding Snap, or just enjoying the scenery as the train sped north. After an hour or so, Ron and Hermione found them in their compartment.

"Bloody hell," said Ron as he plopped into the seat next to Harry, "am I glad to be out of there."

"Ron," Hermione chided, "it's not that bad. Anyway, there was boy in the prefect's cabin none of us had ever seen before."

"Who is he?" asked Neville.

"Dunno," said Ron. "Didn't say much of anything, did he?"

"I guess we'll find out tonight at the sorting feast," said Hermione.

Luna was amazed, but not nearly as vocal as Harry and Ron, at how quickly Hogwarts castle had been rebuilt. It had only been a few months since the Battle of Hogwarts, and already the castle look as though nothing had happened to it. When they reached the Entrance Hall, Luna and her friends said their goodbyes as they made their ways to their respective tables. Finally, at long last, it was time for the Sorting to begin.

After thirty-six new Ravenclaws had found seats at the table, the golden plates magically filled with food. The hall was filled with a cacophony of sound, the sound of talking, laughing, cutlery on plates, and general rowdiness. Finally, after the last bite of pudding had been eaten, the plates cleared and Minerva McGonagall stepped up to the podium to address the students.

"Welcome, everyone, to another year at Hogwarts," she began. "First and foremost, I'd like to welcome all of our new students. I'd also like to welcome two new professors to our staff. As I have taken on the role of Headmistress, I can no longer attend to the position of Transfiguration Professor. Many of you may remember one of our past professors, Remus Lupin, who unfortunately was killed during the Battle of Hogwarts. It took much persuasion, but we were finally able to convince his brother to take up the post. Please help me welcome Professor Romulus Lupin." A great round of applause filled the Hall, and Luna could see why. Romulus Lupin very much resembled his brother, but where Remus always seemed gray and shabby, Romulus appeared full of vigor and very well put-together. He stood, gave a small wave, and sat back down. "Also, I would like to welcome our new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. As a member of the Second Order of the Phoenix, this individual has first-hand experience fighting the dark arts. Please help me welcome Professor Hestia Jones." Another round of applause filled the hall for Professor Jones. "As a reminder," McGonagall continued, "the Forbidden Forest is off-limits to all students, and Mr. Filch has once again asked me to remind you all that all products from Weasley's Wizard Wheezes are banned at Hogwarts. Now, it's late and we have classes in the morning, so I suggest we all make our way to our beds."

As the students clamored out of their seats and towards their respective dormitories, Luna felt a hand on her elbow. She turned to find Hermione nudging her way through the crowd.

"Luna," she said hurriedly, "I don't know if you noticed, but did you see that boy sitting next to Professor Flitwick at the staff table?"

"I thought he was unfamiliar," she said, "but then, I don't know all of the staff here."

"Well," Hermione continued, "that's just it: he's not staff here. That's the boy Ron and I saw in the prefect compartment on the train. I wonder why McGonagall didn't introduce him."

"Hmmm," Luna mused. "I suspect she has her reasons. Well, I'll see you later. You've got Head Girl duty."

As Luna made her way to Ravenclaw Tower, her thoughts wandered to the boy from the staff table. Who was he? Where was he from? What was he doing here? She barely realized she had hit the brass knocker against the door until it snapped at her.

"Where you even listening?"

"Sorry, what?" she said as she snapped out of her daze.

"I said, what goes into the water red and comes out black?"

Luna thought it over for a minute before answering, "A red-hot poker." The door opened to reveal the high-vaulted ceiling and blue carpet and drapes of Ravenclaw Tower.

"That wasn't too tough," Luna mused as she entered the common room.

"It's the first day," the door knocker answered. "Thought I'd make it an easy one first."

"Good choice," said Luna. She made her way up the stairs to the sixth-year girl's dormitory, found her bed, and settled in. As she allowed herself to be carried off into the realm of dreams, her last conscious thoughts lingered on that stranger at the staff table.

A/N: In this film, Romulus Lupin will be portrayed by David Wenham.