Chapter Four

Luna sat in the Astronomy Tower when she wished to reflect on situations. Several Potions lessons with Hermione had gone past, but very little progress had been made on their small dialogue since that first class

Luna nearly jumped out of her skin when Hermione spoke to her out of the darkness of the corridor, although she did not show this: much of Luna's mystique and strangeness stemmed from her wish to be left alone, although her highly alternative upbringing certainly contributed.

"Enjoying the view?"

"I... What are you doing here?" Luna stammered.

"I'm a prefect, remember, I patrol these hallways after hours. Which reminds me, you're out of bed."

"Sorry, I should go back then."

Hermione's laugh echoed through the tower, her perfect, chiming tones inflaming Luna's heart. "No, stay, I could use a conversation with you."

"Oh really?" Luna hoped she sounded less surprised than she was.

Hermione took a seat. "It surprises me how little you say to me, you always seem to have so much to say usually. I hope I haven't offended you in any way, or given you any reason to dislike me."

"Oh, nothing like that," Luna rushed to reassure the Gryffindor, "I really..."

"That's very good, I hoped as much. I would prefer for us to be able to work productively in potions."

"Oh..." Luna felt hugely pained and disappointed, "Of course." She had felt that they had been friends, but it seemed that Hermione only saw her as a fellow student.

"Well, I must get on, and you must get to bed before a teacher catches you. It was nice talking to you." Hermione swept away and around the corner. Her voice had been filled with pleasantry, but it was now clear that she was merely being kind.

Luna unclenched her fist and looked down at the picture of the two girls in her hand. Tears filled her eyes, and she let the breeze sweep the photograph out of her sight.

Luna ran in the direction of the Ravenclaw tower, astonishing Professor Trelawney as she stormed past her.

"I see pain in the tea leaves dear," the Divination teacher said in a tender, innocent voice, "Deep pain. Gather your strength. I could read your cards for you? Help you fend off the coming situation?" She however remained unheard; Luna was far too upset to notice the outburst.