A/N This is something that I wrote up in the since last night. Wanted to take a bit of a break from my main story, so I wrote this. It was quite fun, especially with the whole perspective. No idea when I'll update, except when my muse strikes me. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: In no way, shape, or form does Harry Potter belong to me. I was merely kidnapped by Luna and subjected to a torturous tickling tirade. She'll calm down soon. I hope.
Also, some explanation on the perspective. It is supposed to be an extremely limited first person perspective, in that we only hear her thoughts. There is not any dialogue, just paraphrasing of what has and will be said. It might be a touch confusing at first, but give it a try. Won't ya?
Friday, Dec 27, 1996
My father must be the silliest man in all England.
He must be, for he isn't quite so silly as the ones up in Scotland do. The go around wearing skirts at all times of the year. Never understood that, even if I go to the northern land for school. I should ask Professor McGonagall again next semester. I asked Professor Flitwick a few years back, and couldn't breathe for a few minutes. How odd. I asked if he needed me to fetch Madam Pomfrey, but he wheezed out that he was fine. Never did I ask about it again, as I was worried if there would be another reaction.
I did tell our nurse, though.
How positively distrait of me. Here I am, needing to make Daddy lunch, and I go off on a tangent on silly skirts. The girls in my house must be rubbing off on me. Note to self: scrub hard tonight in the bath. Do not wish to have yet another infestation of the Plinklies. That would make father rather distraught.
That would be doubly so, as everything in the house has seemed to vanish. Daddy ascribes it to the various plates and cups and books and chairs and doilies contracting a rather intending variety of vanishing sickness. Silly Daddy. He should know that simple plates and cups and books and chairs and doilies couldn't get vanishing sickness. However, after the teapot got a case of the dragon-pox last year, I do believe that he is being very cautious. Rather, more than he is usually. He even went to the point of buying some sort of gown at the market. It was vary peculiar, as he said he had researched, and said muggle doctors wore this when they were trying to keep clean. Odd indeed.
After all, even I did not believe that male doctors wore floral print dresses with large skirts and poufy sleeves. It was best to humor him about these things. At least he was sure that it was a localized problem, so he did not need to write it in the Quibbler. Even if it was, it needed to be thoroughly identified and proved, like the Crumple-Horned Snorcack.
There I go again, with my complete distraitfullness. Let me just get this finished. There, two slices of corned beef, then some weird stuff he found in Old Prussia. Said it was made by some Sour Kraut. He is such a silly man. Perhaps it would smell better if it was made by a Happy Kraut. Anyways, then we put the pickles. Next, the bread, more pickles, some of the Sour Kraut's special stuff, then two more slices of corned beef. There, just as he wanted it, an inside out sandwich, made of corned beef, some of Sour Kraut's stuff, pickles, and brea… There I go again, I'm just repeating things. Focus, Luna, focus.
Ah, there is his plate. The special one. Do I have a placemat here too? Yes, I believe I do. Now, that's perfect. Weasley is our King, Weasley is our King… It's so much fun to hum. I shall have to do it more often. Do need to find more songs than that to hum. Maybe I could ask Ginny. All she would hear is on the wireless. I do not particularly care for that stuff. The only reason Celestina Warbeck is so popular, is that she has brainwashed the minds of countless people! Evil wireless broadcasting incessant chatter, along with overtones instigating people to boil up love potions! And to think, the Ministry let's them get away with this! At least the people do know, it was printed in the Quibbler three months ago. If only there was hope more people could here. Must do something about that.
By the by, must be getting his tea. Where is that teapot… Oh, yes, here it is. Such a lovely pot too. Quite an intricate golden design. It even has a bright red eye on the side! If only it did not have quite the temperament. Yes, would be much better. Now, where did Daddy say he found this? Ah, yes, he met a lovely young girl one day on his travels about London. Searching for Dabberblimps inside the Thames, I do so believe. Anyways, she appeared as if from nowhere according to him. Nothing unusual, except for the fact that he said she was a muggle. Or rather, more a muggle than a witch. Indeed, quite the odd fact. There needs to be a female term for muggle. How else would we distinguish without using an adjective? Think of the conversational time that could be spent on other more necessary ones! Bah, again, focus Luna. Fo-cus.
Anywho, so he met this lovely young girl. Considering that it is father speaking, the girl might be twice my age. Who knows? He said that she just smiled mysteriously and handed him a teapot, before vanishing, leaving but a grin. I've seen many girls, and boys for that matter, without their grins before. One of the hexes that many learn does indeed vanish another's mouth. But it would be quite odd indeed to see a grin without the girl. Reminds me of a cat I heard of once. He thought it was quite odd, but reminded him of his family for some reason. It's very odd. He doesn't mention much at all about his family. Must make another note to self: Ask him about that later.
Oh! The food is getting cold. I must be hurrying on to him. This teapot is quite a nuisance, if I do say so myself. What is the point of having a teapot that wants not to serve said tea? Especially if it has three legs of its own? It just growls at whomever deigns to visit it, before attempting to poke one's eyes out. Pity. It froze that one time I picked up a kitchen knife. Odd indeed.
Ah, here's Daddy, still toiling away at the printing press. Must remind him to clean up his gown later. While keeping the press clean, those grease stains never come out easily. Even with magic.
He can be so absentminded sometimes. Why, he freaks out at the sight of the plate, and says something about contaminating. He then forced me out of the room, nearly making me spill his food. I made quite a superb catch, however, if I may be so modest.
After he locked the door finally, there being a random number of locks every day to deter letter thieves (as there had been some rumbles of stealing his esstet, forcing him to use two s's); he finally recognized that the plate that offended him so came bearing food. While he commended me for bringing him food, he asked not to come in with the plate, as there might be a bad possibility that the press might vanish too! Of course, I agreed. Believe it or not, better safe than sorry. I must check and make sure there is no mistletoe in there either, just to be doubly sure.
I asked him why he did mention the teapot, of course. Father just said something about only needing to worry about dead things, and since the teapot was alive, we need not worry about it. I shrugged and guided him to a seat, making sure he stayed on task. Smiling at him, I asked Daddy if he needed anything else. He just said no, eyes wandering back to the pressroom. Gently, I turned his head about and made him look at the plate. I told him I would eat, or I would find bake him into a pie just like Fudge. He shivered, telling me I was a bad girl for saying stuff like that. Oh well. As long as he ate. He does tend to forget stuff.
Excusing myself, though, I walked back up to my room. I do so love our home. It is very unusual. Or rather, it is usual to me. All the other houses are unusual with their corners. But ours is nice and round. Just perfect for me, the Rookery. I do so love rhyming. Except when I don't.
Closing my door behind me, I began the search for my brush. Cursing the nargle that hid it from me, I tore up half the room. However, I eventually just stood up, feeling a weird pressure behind my ear. I felt behind the ear, finding my wand. Checking the other ear, I found the brush. I wondered why I a splotch on my cheek earlier. I shall have to trade ears sometime, so I will be symmetrical. However, considering the odds, would I not be asymmetrical either way? Worth a try, I do suppose.
For a moment, I decided to gaze at the ceiling. There lay my four previous works. Four of my friends. Rather, it would be the four whom are my friends. Just the thought of the word made me smile. It was so nice having them. Almost like having Mummy back again. I do so wish… It's best to stop beating yourself up Luna. Remember her, live up to her example.
It was a bit interesting how I arranged them. At first, I was tempted to put Ron and Ginny together, as they are brother and sister. More accurately, I suppose it would be bicker and bickeree number two. Ron's bickeree number one would be Hermione. However, I imagined that if I ever enchanted them to speak, they would fight too much. And I do like to have uninterrupted sleep whenever possible. So, I'll put Hermione with Ginny. They do get along. Most of the time at least.
I do wonder though… Ah well, save that thought for later Luna. We have work to be doing. Now, where did I put the canvas… They hid it under the bed again? It's like they don't want me to paint at all! Silly nargles. I suppose I shall have to remove the mistletoe from my room soon. Don't like having it up, but it is traditional and all. And it is an attractive plant, even with its many downsides.
Alright, I have it set up. Now for the painting. I did save this one for last, but for what reason did I want to save it for last… Ah, yes. I wanted to make sure I made it right. But it's still driving even me a little bit nuts. Harry is not quite like the others… Ginny has always been a nice girl. She has always had that bit of a mean streak though. Rather, mischievous. Must be the twins' influence. She doesn't call me Loony at least. Usually. But she's usually being sarcastic if she is. And she's been much nicer recently. I do believe that we're well on the way to becoming fast friends. Neville has been quite the good guy. Quiet shy. Loves his plants a lot. He even treats the Mandrakes like they are his own children. Can see why, considering that they look like children. Well, some of them. The others look like something that muggle artist... Pacissi? Something like that.
Ronald is probably the easiest one though. Always hungry, always a Quidditch fanatic, even a bit lazy at times. But he does have his plus sides. However, one needs to remember that he is just a boy. It could be much worse indeed. Neville is similar too. In that he is not. He has always been so quiet and shy. I thought at first it might be the same as how I was. But he was always that way, it seemed. I never got to meet him before Hogwarts. I don't see why he's so shy though. Perhaps he is scared of his grandmother's vulture? That makes sense, perhaps. Many people don't like vultures. Don't care for them myself, but they are necessary. Unless one wants mushrooms to do the job instead. I remember the last time I found a fairy mound… but I suppose that is neither here nor there.
Hermione is quite an interesting creature, if a bit simpler than your average Snorcack. She has that drive that one does not see often. She would remind me of myself, just a bit less open minded and not quite near as pretty. In my own humble opinion, at the least. I hope Harry did find me as such at the party. I did try to dress my best. Even changed my eyebrows! Of course, considering they are pale enough anyway, he may not have noticed. I do think that next time he could ask a bit earlier, instead of on the day of the party. That way, I could have included more spangles and sequins on my dress silvers. I ponder, that term does not seem to work here. Was it dress blue? That seems rather depressing. At least silver is sparkly when done right. Really would make one glow. Literally too, if respelled correctly.
Listen to me, comparing myself to Hermione. If I were one to huff mentally, this is where I would do so. I should stop now, before I embarrass her some. I have the feeling that even though she isn't here, she'd know I was thinking about me. And she'd try to use it to dismiss the Rotfang Conspiracy. Poor girl. Such a talented mind. But it is twisted the wrong sideways. Need a hammer and some blacksmith tongs to twist it the right sideways.
Back to the point, Luna. We need to focus on Harry. He didn't seem too happy to be at the party, although I did my best to keep him company. Interesting shade that brush stroke is. Perhaps I should just use my wand to direct the brush instead. There, that should let me work in consternation. Makes me wonder, would it be possible to use one wand to cast spells with another? Worth a try if I can ever find another wand that is compatible, and a person who'd let me try. Harry just might. Maybe it'd be a way to beat Voldemort. I shall have to tell him!
I do believe that the only part about the party that he truly enjoyed was my company. He laughed many a time, coinciding with what I was saying. However, it's odd that he laughed the loudest when I was trying to be serious. Is he perhaps another one whom has fallen victim to the Rotfang Conspiracy, and has been brainwashed to try to ridicule what I say? No, I do not think so. I do not know of any man that could hold him down long enough to do the brainwashing. That's a good thing. Unless I want to do it myself. Mwahaha. Alright, enough being evil.
But wasn't there something that he had to do? He did leave for a bit after Snape took Malfoy away. He did have a lot of Wrackspurts about his head. Not Snape, the other. Perhaps He went to assist Malfoy in getting rid of them. Not likely, considering how well they've gotten along. But Ferret hair is very effective against the infections, and it is something that he has in spades. I'll just have to ask.
I do wonder what he was muttering about with Hermione, however. She did not appear to have enjoyed her time. I suppose I must blame her. Her date she came with had the biggest case of Loser's Lurgy I have ever seen. Makes me tempted to wear Daddy's gown myself, so it does not contaminate me. Hermione needs to just relax and stop being so uptight. If I may be lucid for a moment, it is obvious that Hermione is quite jealous of all the attention that Ron is giving Lavender. Such a pity. What is it I heard her nattering about one time? That the Whormones in her body were making her ill tempered? I should talk to Daddy about that. We need to alert the public to the danger of these Whormones.
Weasley is our King, Weasley is our King. It seems that I have become a slight victim of the Whormones too. Either that, or a small obsession with humming. Nothing is wrong with an obsession of humming though, large or small. Just makes everything all the more fun. It's sad that Ron has too many rough edges to be a good friend like Hermione wants. She should corner him some time with sandpaper, and smooth him out. I shall make note to mention that to her as well.
Oh, look at that! Harry does not have red hair. Silly paintbrush. Why is it that you insist on painting him? Honestly, you think I was talking to a two year old. You just need to calm down and paint Harry… that's it. Yes, black hair. Much better.
Perhaps I need to be thinking more about Harry as I paint this? I've never seen him once free of the Wrackspurts though, so it will be hard to get the correct likeness. Perhaps humming will help some more. Hmmm hm hm hmmmm hm hmmmmm hmmmm. Harry Potter's my friend…
-oo-
Friday, Jan 10, 1997
Oh, we have such lovely weather out here today. Hogwarts always was quite beautiful under the snow. Rather, wouldn't it be to say that the snow is beautiful on top of Hogwarts? It is the combination of the two, so that should be the more accurate representation. I shall correct myself then. The snow and Hogwarts both look beautiful, especially together.
It is quite cold out here. I'm surprised I've noticed, even with the warming charm I cast earlier. I suppose not having shoes on will do that. It was quite odd. For a while there, I had all my possessions again. I do guess that the nargles had gotten bored with me. That didn't last for long though. Perhaps they were delayed getting back, and were content hiding stuff at home from Daddy. Oh, I hope he is getting along well enough without me. He usually does, but I worry.
The girls were odd on the first night we were back. A lot of them had cornered me in the common room, and kept firing off questions. The oddest thing was how Cho wasn't there. She's usually in the middle of all things. But the whole time, she was just staring at the ceiling with an intense concentration. I should ask her what she found later. But the other girls did find me, and kept barraging me with questions. I wanted to give every one a proper answer, but by one girl had gotten two words in, the next had started a question. Pity. I was going to answer them all.
Finally, one of he girls stepped forward, giving all the others an annoyed look. Perhaps she had a really important question. She asked me something if Harry and I had a good time that night. While an odd enough question, I just nodded, saying who doesn't have a good time with Harry? While the other girls were giggling, the one just looked frustrated. She then asked if Harry and I were special friends now. She put a lot of emphasis on the word special, as if she meant something besides what she said. I said of course. All of Harry's friends are special to him.
Even odder, one of the girls just chocked up, and then started bawling in laughter. The others, with some cabobbled looks on their faces, checked on her. I was concerned too. She might have choked on something unsavory. Perhaps a nargle stole her sanity, and left with it via her throat? That would explain the choking sound. But the girl that was questioning was even more frustrated.
She kept on asking stuff, like if I had known him. Again, she put that special emphasis on known. Perhaps I should start doing that. Putting special emphasis on random words in sentences. It would make people think more about what I am saying. Perhaps that would be the way to convince them about the Snorcacks. Next, she tried to ask if I was his girlfriend. By now, I had figured out what they were trying to ask. I'm perfectly sane, not stupid, after all. But I just teased them, saying that since I am both his friend and a girl, I am therefore his girlfriend. Although, I might need to check if I had been slipped some Polyjuice potion by accident. Then I might be his boyfriend instead. How awful a thought. I'm perfectly happy in my own body as it is.
At this point, she just gave a growl of frustration and stormed away, wit the others following her. It is almost like how a group of Slashkilters would with their mother. Completely unthinking, and in blind devotion. Poor things.
Ah well, there is the bridge over the valley. Best to be getting on and into there. While the charm is keeping me warm, my feet do need to get out of the snow, before they get all wet. Pity, I did like having my shoes for a few days at a time. Maybe the nargles shall be nicer this year. The girls must have been expecting something, I suppose. They seemed to be ready to squeal. Have they been consorting with the pigs again? I heard one of the muggles talking about some sort of swine flu. Perhaps that is what is causing the girls to act as such. I need to inform Madam Pomfrey. She'll need to know, in case measures need to be taken.
Oh, look! Harry's out here on the bridge! He's looking a bit glum. Wonder what's got him so upset. I could leave him alone to brew on his own. The wrackspurts are thick about him though. Perhaps he just needs some help in clearing them off. I'll just go and say hi to him then.
Well, I did, and he barely said anything. He must be really lost in thought. If I weren't here, I'd recommend sending a search party. It's dangerous for one to become too lost in thought. I'll just tap him on the shoulder. That should get his attention.
That was certainly amusing. If it weren't for my self-control, I would have been giggling out of control. He nearly jumped up out of his seat, and almost drew his wand out. Once he saw that it was I, though, he just smiled sheepishly and put it back down. I do wish he'd do that more often. Smile, that is. Not sheepishly though. Maybe it's a Scotland thing. I hear that there are lots of sheep up here. He's being quiet though, not really listening to what I am saying. Maybe he had another of those rousing arguments with Hermione? I think I'll ask.
Shoulders have slumped, so I guess that's a yes. I'll just stand here and listen as he talks about how she won't seem to believe him about any of the things. Odd, I do know. She has always trusted him. And most of the time, he is right. The only thing he wasn't right about was at the Department of Mysteries last year. Only thing big, at least. I don't think she'd be mad about that. Maybe it's been the Whormones again. That would explain it. Well, one of two reasons.
Ah, I see. He suspects Malfoy of doing something. And Hermione doesn't believe him. And Hermione is constantly getting frustrated by Ron and Lavender. And she is constantly mad at him for using his Potion's book. That seems odd to me. I know that last year, she tried to get him to be the best he could be. The DA was her idea, after all. I'm curious as to why that book is upsetting her so.
That makes a little bit of sense. Still, she knows that she could just ask and he'd share everything with her. Why doesn't she do that? Oh, she wants to do things the proper way. Poor girl. She really does need to relax. I've no idea on how to do that though. Perhaps Harry shall assist her in that regard. Unlikely. Unless he gives up the book, she won't easily be persuaded. It's amusing how jealous she is of the book. I'll tell him that.
He just gives me a bewildered look, wondering from where I pulled that idea. I suppose that would make sense. After all, how many people are jealous of books? By this point, I've gone from standing behind him to sitting beside, with my legs swinging off. He's looking at me with concern, but I just giggle and tell him that I'm perfectly safe. And I am. Again, he asks me. I am getting worse at that. Luna, girl, stop getting lost in your head, and answer.
I think he is starting to see where I am going with this. He knows that she has always been there for him to depend on. And now, with something else in this case taking her place, she is frustrated and doesn't know what to do. She won't admit that she doesn't know better. Pity. Real pity. The girl is so obsessed with being perfect, she won't settle with being simply great. I really do feel for her sometimes. At least she has gotten better since she accidentally insulted father last year.
Now what's that he is muttering under his breath? Something about not using the book anymore? Really? Why would he do that? That really accomplishes nothing. Let me find out his reasoning.
For her friendship. Hermione should be real thankful that she has a friend like Harry. Giving up a completely fine way to make a good grade in the class, and actually learn something, just to make her happy. Makes me wish I had met him earlier. That would have been nice. But I don't believe that will help him now. How to demonstrate it… Oh, I know! Don't really want the answer to this, but I will ask.
That makes me a bit sad, and I know it's showing. He nearly leapt up when he saw my face; I gently hold his shoulder down, before going on. Now, I ask him whether he minds me believing in the Snorcack. He quickly shakes his head no, before clarifying. He is being a bit silly, continuing to ramble like that. It is making me smile a bit. I need to tell him to hush, and ask him why he never let it come between us.
He just stops, and tells me that it doesn't matter stuff like that, and I'm one of his friends. Just because it hasn't been proven, doesn't mean it doesn't exist. Just that he personally hasn't seen it. Makes my heart warm, and I have to hug him. That's all I ask of anyone, is to keep the chance open. He's blushing now. Cute when he does that. This is nice. But I suppose I need to keep explaining.
He gets it now, I think. Hermione won't even entertain the possibility that the book might help. Until she does even that, he can't compromise on whether to use it. He smiles again at me, before staring off the bridge, once again lost in thought. The Wrackspurts are fewer, but they are still there. I'll let him sit for a few minutes, enjoy the air, before asking if there is anything else.
He glances at me, and then looks down again. He says there is one thing, but that it's a secret, and he can't share. I'm sad, but I understand. He will keep secrets, unless he thinks it is ok to tell them. That's part of what makes him such a good friend. I wish more people would realize that. It probably has to do with Voldemort too, so he doesn't want it getting out, just in case. That is fine. I do wonder about that Malfoy problem he was having. No one will believe him or help him? Let me see what he thinks that the Slytherin is up to. Besides prepping his hair. It's not natural, no matter what, for hair to be that slicked back. And solid. It just doesn't move.
This is interesting; he's now on a tirade. Saying how Draco's a Death Eater, something about following him around Knockturn over the summer. That would make a bit of sense. Combined with having some job that Snape was talking about, and disappearing from a map… Which map is this? I don't believe I recall. Or maybe I do. Maps aren't used much. That wouldn't be a bad idea, going into map making. Not as exciting as chasing after Snorcacks, but since I'd have to explore the area to get the map correct… Here I am rambling again, when I need to be listening.
He just collapses on himself once he finishes speaking. I don't blame him. Having no one even do anything about it, even Dumbledore, is quite consternating. Especially how his friends think he's going crazy now. That really rings true. I've been called crazy enough times myself, it's not right that Harry is called it too. Especially since he is going through so much effort to keep us safe. Is a little trust and gratitude too much?
I don't think he quite believes me when I say I'll help him. I would imagine months of constant reinforcement that he is wrong have taken their toll. I'll just have to remind him that he is just as sane as I am. I trusted him last year when he took us into battle, and I'll trust his judgment now. Besides, what is the worst that could happen?
Ah, there is the Harry I love to see. He's got the biggest grin now, since finally someone believes him. He's making me blush now, saying that I've been a true friend. I'm just going to hide my face behind my hair until I cool down some. You'd think it would be easy, with all this snow about. It just can't be too easy, can it not?
Ok, I'm finally fine. I peek up at him, and he's just chuckling to himself at my expression. The happy look I don't see too often. Perhaps I shall have to repaint the portrait of him. I would love to capture that look. Now we're just smiling at each other. It seems like it would be awkward, but it just isn't. It's nice having friends, indeed. But now, we need to get going. The charm is wearing off, and I can feel the snow on my toes.
We're walking back to the castle now. Well, he's walking and I'm skipping. He just looks amused, and it's the best I can do. At least he's not so down anymore. I'm curious as to what he plans for the next altercation with Malfoy. I suppose we should find out. But now, to supper! Maybe the nargles won't have stolen the treacle tart again.