A/N Well, I'm back, and publishing a chapter out of my standard update order to boot. To give you fair warning, this one experienced a bit of Cerberus Syndrome at the end, to put things lightly. This is the first chapter of this series that I've written without an outline, too, so ya'll tell me how it sounds. Either way, I hope that you all enjoy this one.

Disclaimer: In no way, shape, or form does Harry Potter belong to me. Luna was demanding that I hurry up and finish this. Or a torturous tickling tirade would be the least of my worries.

Monday, February 10, 1997

For the first time in my life, I have found something that I cannot believe in. It is such an odd thing, indeed. It makes me feel as if I have traded places with Hermione, and that we have been holding discussions onto the validity of the Crumple Horned Snorcack. Which is and of itself preposterous. I still have no idea why she ignores it. Perhaps if I literally trade places with her, she will be able to see it? Mayhaps. For I certainly hold these Snorcacks to be self-evident.

Here I go again, distracting myself from this weekend. Or rather, what happened with Harry. Still, I can hardly believe what happened. Yet… It did. And it was rather nice. I do need to look up a few more words to describe it however. Nice doesn't quite describe the way it made me feel… Although, after all this. I have only one question. Are the Whormones the problem, or were they the solution all along? Oh bother. Normally, I would say that such an idea requires more testing. But now I feel my face burning up. Again. No matter what, it has to be their fault. It's not like my teapot decided to follow me around and spray me with hot tea again.

Now that I mention it, I haven't seen the little rascal since Saturday. I wonder where he could be? Ah well, I suppose I shall find him sooner or later.

But I do wonder what will happen now. I haven't seen him since Saturday. Although I do believe he had to go off and do homework again. Silly goose. Goose? But Harry doesn't even look like a goose. I do wonder why that term entered my head. Well, if not Harry, who would serve better as a goose? Of course! Ronald would serve as an exceptional example of a goose. He certainly makes a rather impressive honking sound when he is asleep. It is one that I have only heard in the springtime when the geese speak to each other. Whatever could that mean…

There you go again, silly Luna. Going off on your secants again. Harry should be coming soon, yes? I believe so. Although it is still rather early in the morning. Perhaps I should have waited until the break of dawn. At least, either way, I am early. Now, what was I pondering… Ah, yes. I wonder how he will act now that we are… more than friends. I suppose that will make me his girlfriend? But that is a rather silly thought. I have always been a girl. And his friends. Social conventions have always confused me. That is another query I should make to one of my female friends. Would they not also be my girlfriends too? Such a bother.

I suppose the superfluous semantics are of no consequence. Either way, I am looking forward to today. Even though I will admit I am a bit nervous. Whatever for, I cannot surely say. He won't change his feelings after two days after all. Bothersome. I shall wait and see. It's hardly the case that he would be stolen away by nargles, or anything.

Not that this prevented me from wearing my anti-nargle gown under my robes, anyway.

Oh, hum de dum. I wonder, why am I sitting on the floor? At the very least, a cushioning charm would make this a much better seat. There we go. I have always doubted that stone would be the best surface to lie upon. They are hardly the most comfortable things to walk on. At least my buttocks are satisfied with the lengths I go to keep them comfortable.

At least I should be careful with the strength at which I cast my cushioning charms. That trick stair that gets so many lower clansmen and Neville was such the example. Oh, how the prefects had cautioned us back in first year to be careful experimenting. Of course, they didn't seem to believe me when I told them that the Wrackspurts would move in and prevent one from experimenting at all. It is such a pity. They had such a potential. Not a few days later, the nargles themselves moved into the towers and causing such havoc. I still wonder where they hid their mistletoe homes.

At last, the sun has come out! Now to pull myself up and find Harry. Or should I let him come find me? These courting rituals are nearly as bad as social conventions. I suppose that makes sense though. Are not the rituals composed of amalgamated conventions? No, that would be putting it rather blandly. Still, Luna. Since when have I ever been one for conventions? I can be nearly as silly as Harry at times, I do believe.

It can't be from an infection of the Plinklies, either. I am quite safe from them in my uniform. At least, I would believe so. It hasn't done me wrong yet.

Here he comes. And Hermione is with him, talking up some storm. Drat! I forgot to run the pictures by her to examine them! Although, I will claim the excuse of being distracted at the time. Not that I will complain, of course. Perhaps she could tell what brought the mistletoe out?

Oh, Harry finally sees me. Maybe his he heard me instead. His ears did twitch a bit before he looked at me. I suppose that makes sense. Jumping up and down slightly while waving at him would tend to exacerbate the clinking sound of my bottle caps. At first he looks at me, before a grin covers his face. That is good. I had wondered if I hadn't been exuberant enough to attract his attention. I suppose I was just excited enough.

Hermione doesn't know why I am here? At least, that's what she is saying. She has a mischievous look in her eyes. Which is rather odd. I've seen Fred and George have that look many a time. It isn't quite the same though. Perhaps because Hermione doesn't have a twin to exchange names with? Gred and Forge are much more respectable after all. I do wonder why Mrs. Weasley picked those names for them. I suppose it is of no consequence. For now. Just another thing I need to ask her when I visit the Burrow again. Either way, I suppose I should tell Hermione that I was waiting for Harry.

Now Harry is blushing. Hermione just gives him a knowing look. Perhaps he had not told her what had happen? Perhaps that is the reason. But all the same, he still has that same little smirk on his face when he looks back at me. I just can't help but returns it.

He eventually stuttered out something resembling a reason. Oh dear, he's blushing more. Hermione is trying to look serious, but I can tell she is about to burst out laughing. She is holding herself way to tightly to be doing anything else. Before I could say anything, she just had to start giggling. Rather out of character for the poor dear.

Wait… did I just giggle too? That is certainly odd indeed. It must be rather contagious. I hope it isn't Plinklie related. Still, it is rather cute how embarrassed he was becoming. Just shake yourself out of it Luna, you know why you're here.

I stepped forward slightly, to place my hand on top of his. I look up at him, just to make sure that everything still is ok. This must be what I am nervous about. Either that, or I caught a Humdinger in my stomach. All of its Blibbering makes it feel like a rather aggressive swarm of butterflies.

Why do I continue to doubt him? He just nods and wraps his fingers around mine. Again, nice… I need another adjective. It will have to do though. Nice and warm. He seems to be emboldened by this though, as he pulls me a bit closer before looking back at Hermione. He tells her that he just wanted to see his… girlfriend, since he hadn't since Saturday night. At that, I feel his eyes on me, asking me if it's ok. I just smile and squeeze his hand. I do so love eye language.

Of course, Hermione is practically bouncing on the balls of her feet. I wonder if she has created some sort of concoction to magically increase it. Or perhaps she took that muggle creation that a third year had… That weird putty? It reminded me of clay one would make pots out of. Perhaps Harry would know more? I shall ask him later.

That was rather unexpected. Hermione pulled both of us into a hug. It was pleasant. Not as good as Harry's though. I haven't had that little air in my lungs in a while though, so it was quite interesting. However, Hermione is clearly very happy right now. She knew it was coming from a mile away? Odd way of saying it. Hermione has been closer than a mile to us all semester. Perhaps she figured it out over the break. That would make perfect sense. Except she was more than a mile from us then. Perhaps I shall ask her about it?

Of course, this makes her simply roll her eyes and chuckle. I wonder why it amused her? Oh, I see. She is going to leave us be for now, and that she'll see Harry at breakfast. I just look at him and ask if my question had been odd.

Harry just shakes his head, still smiling at me. Well, at least he agrees that I make a good point, once he actually thinks about it. It must be a Hermione thing, I suppose. But it doesn't matter now I suppose. I just tilt my head up, looking at Harry. So does this mean I can claim him as my boyfriend?

I believe now he has a permanent grin etched on his face. Not to say I didn't at least have a small smile on mine. At least he agrees. As long as we stay best friends too. That will be very important. But when I combine best and boyfriend, it doesn't sound very good. So I shall call him one or the other.

Well, of course I'll still call him Harry, silly boy. Sometimes I do wonder about his sanity. There is no reason why I wouldn't keep calling him that after all. It's not like the nargles stole his name. Wait. Did they? Let me just make sure.

Nope, no name stealing. That is all good with me. I did not expect that though. I never heard my stomach make quite a noise like that, especially in front of him. I do suppose it would be time for us to get breakfast now. I'll just pull him along with me. This gives me an idea. New Hogwart's sport: synchronized skipping. Perhaps I can make it magical with the introduction of that putty I was thinking about. Although I will admit, it is quite magical as it is…

He caught my blush. And is now asking what is that about. Well, I'll suppose I'll tell him. A chuckle and another nod. At least he's thinking about the idea.

What is that? Oh, he's just wondering how long I've been. Early enough, I suppose. I think I was too excited to stay asleep. It is quite unlike me. I even forgot my hat! I'll have to get it as soon as I can. I feel rather naked without it. A hat makes the witch, after all.

Why was I up that early? We did just go over this, did we not? Ah, he thinks there is more than that. He would be right… But do I want to tell him? I suppose I should. After all, just wanted to make sure he showed up. And I was rather excited. Giddy even. Such an odd feeling. Giddiness, that is.

That aside, he slows down a bit. I wonder what for? We are approaching the Great Hall rather quickly. Does he… no, just was wondering what made me wear the gown again? He is full of questions today, isn't he? Well, I did want to keep the nargles away, after all. This is just better at keeping them away.

Now he's stopped, and is looking at me. A few seconds, and he finally whispers my name. It strikes me, the sound of his voice Deeper, softer, it makes me shiver. That has to be the Whormones. I'm sure. I need to know…? Well, we are both new to this. It is different. Definitely good. And no matter what, he won't let the nargles steal him away from me. Nor anything else that might try. I am surprised at the conviction in his voice. As if he is the stone the sea cannot swallow. I have to hug him. The silly boy…

I do not know how long we stood there. Eventually though, I pulled back, and looked up at him. I almost said something, until he quietly interrupted. Yes, he is such a silly boy. I'll definitely tell him if he screws something up. Although I do not know about kicking him in the buttocks if he does something real bad. Perhaps I should tell Hermione instead? Yes, yes, she would be the death of him. I know that. It makes me grin just ever so slightly.

He begins to pull back. I hold on though. There is one thing I wanted to do before we went in. Just lean up and softly kiss him. He seems slightly shocked. I am allowed to kiss my boyfriend, am I not? Especially when he is trying to be so nice to me. That makes him grin again. Unfortunately, we need to go. I am rather hungry, after all. Unless Harry wants me to eat him instead of breakfast.

I said that last bit out loud, did I not? That probably would be the reason he is flustered so. It is quite funny. Enough to make me giggle again. I suppose that shows that my silly boy is good for many things.

The Great Hall is rather vacant this time of day, isn't it? Harry seems to agree. Monday must have some special evil imbued in its name. Makes me wonder. Ginny and Hermione are sitting and talking to each other. She sees us, and I see… something flash through her eyes. It is too quick. But the smile that she wears is real. I can tell that much. I'm not surprised that she still felt something… If I think about it, she has been pining over him for so long, I would be worried if she didn't show something. At least I know now, she is over him. She's waving Harry over? I suppose I will follow him over for the moment.

Odd. Hermione made two plates of food? Is she expecting company? Harry just gives me a look. Oh, of course. Well, I suppose I can sit with him. It'd be nice to have some quiet time. And I need to drill Hermione on a few different things. That only leaves two options. Should I start with my potential Dark Ladyship, and how it could help Harry, or would it be best to start with the putty? Yes. Putty would be best. Ask about the other last.

-oo-

Sunday, February 23, 1997

Scratch that plan Luna. I do not believe that Hermione is particularly appreciative of my plan. I wonder why, as it certainly makes sense. Although I think she has been placing a bit too much precedence on the misnomer of a 'dark' lady. It matters not at the moment I suppose. I'll just have to discover some other devious tactic that will have her back me up. In the meantime, I shall use my natural chromatic superiority to subtly enhance my plans. Although I'm running into a distinct lack of material to compete with my tartan. Perhaps I could find something covered with the dots of German oompah bands?

Oh, now Hermione is glaring at me again. I suppose I should be helping her some more. These pictures won't be comparing themselves, after all. I take that back. I'm pretty sure that Daddy would have a spell to do so actually. It is how he garnered the information on heliopaths, after all. Well, some at least. Perhaps I shall ask Hermione and see if she wants me to send an owl to him?

I suppose not. She doesn't seem to be too disagreeable with the idea, however. Ah, yes, I do believe she is correct. It would take too long for an owl to be sent from here to home and back . If all else fails, I suppose I can send for it. But we'd best look for ourselves.

At least by this point I have taken four sets of photographs. That would work out. Unless a future version of me went back in time and took another set of pictures and slipped them in. If that was the case, though, there should be a fifth set. So, I never went back in time. That is sad. I would so like to meet a future version of myself.

Hrm? What was that Hermione? Oh, she thought she spotted something in the picture. I wonder what it could be… Ah, it was the picture of that strange cabinet. I wonder what she spotted. It doesn't change at all in these four pictures… Wait. I believe there is a pair of feet sticking out in one of them. Is that what I think it is? No, Luna, not a Dabberblimp. Doesn't even look close to it. Perhaps Hermione will know?

Ah, I see. At least, I believe the surprised gasp indicates that she recognizes the creature. Either that, or she is intentionally attempting to swallow a fly. Or a nargle. I do not know which is worse. To be honest, I have no idea how flies taste. Her stutterings are quite interesting, I should say. Something about the socks… She recognizes this thing's socks? Perhaps she wishes to tell me something. As in, maybe she is starting up a sock cult? I've heard the rumors about Dumbledore…

Oh, no, she says that one of them used to be Harry's sock. Wait. How does Hermione know what Harry's socks look like on sight? What is that muggle phrase… Has she been trying to get into his socks? I don't suppose so. That stunned look wouldn't be suggesting that she was trying. I don't suppose it's a big deal however. I wouldn't want to get into Harry's socks either. They stink rather nastily after his Quidditch practices. Perhaps I shall teach him some better cleaning charms. Or air freshening charms.

I suppose that I could just learn a charm that makes him stop smelling period, but where is the fun in that?

No matter, she is muttering to herself again, about a Dobby. I'll just ask… or a house elf will just pop up on the middle of the table. Wearing socks. I should mention to Harry how much this house elf likes to get into his socks. Should be amusing at the very least.

Hermione is having quite a few words with him. Asking what he was doing in the room that day. Let's see, what day was that? Oh, right, that was the second Saturday we were in the room. He was just there to help the Great Harry Potter. How is it that house elves seem to capitalize every other word they say? It must be in their magic. If I could figure out a way to cast magic on someone to talk like that, it would lead to many a great thing.

Oh, I believe I see. This Dobby was the one who levitated the nargle nest over our heads. How inappropriate. I should educate him on the dangers involved in such an act. Hrm? Oh, yes, I do know what it means otherwise… Alright, now I'm red at the memory. That was a special time. But wait, if Dobby was there, maybe he saw what had happened?

No, he hadn't been there. Such a pity. But then I suppose it would have been too good to be true… Oh, he'll volunteer? How wonderful! Hermione looks rather cross at that thought though. As if she'd spew. Well, perhaps not that bad. Need I make sure she's ok? I was merely asking a new friend for help, after all.

Ah, she is fine. Just feeling a bit conflicted. I believe I understand her sentiment. That is good then. I shall have to keep an eye out, however. The Wrackspurts might be trying to make a move on her. I don't want lose my friend to delusions, after all. The wrackspurts are so fond of doing that, too…

Oh, ok. I suppose that means we are finished for the day. Not too much else that we could accomplish by staring at these pictures. I take that back. I could accomplish a lot of things. I could draw an adequate facsimile of the pictures, I do suppose. Join her for dinner? I suppose I shall. Harry is off at Quidditch practice again.

Speaking of that, does she know any good air freshening charms? I know plenty, but there is always room for variety. Of course, she is rather curious as to why I am asking. Silly girl must know why. She lives in the same House as Harry, after all. Hrm. I believe that some of Dobby's magic must be wearing off on me. Uncouth Plinklies! But I suppose that would be the left way of saying it. Or perhaps it is the right way? Oh bother.

Ah, she knows now. I suppose she would be rather familiar to the un-scintillating scent that is Harry's socks post practice. Well, she knows a few, but I've heard of most of them. The other one sounds rather unpleasant. And I wouldn't want to Scourgify Harry's feet, anyway. That cleaning charm has too much scour in it to be useful. However, I suppose I could use it on Ronald if he ever is rather crass with Lavender. I doubt I'll need to use that. He's been much more sedate since Harry took the potion. Well, sedate for Ronald at least. Perhaps he was infected by some sub species of Wrackspurt? That might make sense.

Why can't she believe that it's a good a theory as any? I see. Baby steps Luna, baby steps. We'll convert Hermione in no time. But for now, there is dinner to be had.

Pardon? Did Harry and I do anything Friday before last? I suppose we did. Nothing too special, even though there was a rather large hubabalooh going on down in Hogsmeade. Rather odd for a school day. But we just sat together and spoke some. He does make a rather comfortable pillow after all. If I didn't claim him as a boyfriend, I might consider transfiguring him into an actual pillow. Temporarily of course. I am curious as to which would be more comfy.

Hermione must have though that idea was amusing. That is, if her giggles are any indication. I will admit, it is funny. The Pillow-Who-Lived? It is a rather catchy title. Or rather, it would be, if pillows were alive in the first place. I do like it, however. It is decided. When I see Harry, I shall inform him of his new status. Of course, if that is his title, I believe I must see to it that he fulfills his purpose. After all, what purpose would the Pillow-Who-Lived have if he did not fulfill it every night? Oh, hush Luna. That's getting into positively dangerous territory there.

Now my face is burning up. I am glad that there is not an egg nearby. After all, I am rather hungry still. I could simply fry the egg on my face and eat it. It is certainly warm enough to do so. However, I feel that would be rather unpleasant.

I suppose that since Hermione was kind enough to ask, I should inquire myself as to what she had been up to on that day. Funny. I did not know a face could turn red that fast. And Harry and I have certainly had much practice. What was that? Nothing much? I see, I see. Well, I think Neville enjoyed his day with her at least. Although on a winter's day like it was, I would expect anybody to be flush after a bit of exertion.

I believe Hermione is done for now though. She's been quite silent since we've reached the Great Hall. There I go again. Although, it is proper to capitalize the Great Hall. So perhaps if I were truly infected, they would be uncapitalized? Yes, I believe that would be the case. No need to scrub hard tonight to rid myself of the Plinklies.

Ah, there is Harry! How wonderful! He's still in uniform though, so I suppose I'll cast the charm on his feet real subtly. There we go. Just like my own Crumpled Horn cookies.

-oo-

Saturday, March 1, 1997

This feels quite odd. How long has it been since I have spent the day with more than Harry? Quite odd indeed. I feel like I am already missing the Roppapuf, but that must be the price we pay I suppose. Not that we've found much of anything. Dobby still hasn't said anything to me, so I doubt he found much either. Which is quite odd. Perhaps the nargles stole it before he could learn what's going on? That would be incredibly typical of them. But he did play with the mistletoe. And I know what I say. If you're going to play with mistletoe, you'll be carried away by marauding nargles. That, or you'll simply be pricked. Not every piece of mistletoe has nargles in it, after all.

Still, I do miss it. It's nice to be alone with Harry. It's rather comfortable, even if all we do is hold hands and hug. I will admit we both were confused. Still are, sometimes. And Sometimes I still wonder why he picked me. And sometimes I wonder who is the sillier. And I just used that word three times in a row. Silly Luna! Even though nobody can hear you, no reason not to use more extensive vocabulary. It didn't even alliterate!

Perhaps later I'll have my Pillow-Who-Lived all to myself, and I can enjoy being with him. I am delighted that he accepted the nickname. Although he put his foot down on me actually transfiguring him. Such a pity, but I suppose I can understand. If I did that, the nargles would be even more likely to steal him away than I fear. Oh well.

Although to be fair, his argument did resoundingly beat mine. If he was a pillow, he could not hug me after all. So, indeed, he had the better argument.

But yes. Maybe later we can go back to the Roppapuf. Enjoy my boyfriend-pillow. And maybe examine that tiara I saw again. It was rather interesting.

For now though, I should get going. Ronald is having his birthday today. And a rather important one too. It's not every day that someone reaches their twenty fourth and a half Snorcack year, is it not? I do wonder why Hermione crossed her eyes when I told her that. It isn't healthy, after all. I remember that one of my great uncles got his stuck like that one time. It was simple enough to fix them thug. Just pop them back into place, and he could see straight again. Of course, he couldn't see any other way, so the point was rather moot.

Odd. I wonder what the whole commotion here is at the Fat Lady. I really wish she would tell me her name. It is rather rude, after all. Even if it is true. I have at one point thought about giving her a name, but I doubted she would respond to it. Generations of my fellow Hogwartians have spoken of her with that moniker, so it would take nearly as log to wean her off of it. Again, such a pity, but what is is what it is.

At least she was nice enough to tell me what her job was. Something about how Ravenclaws always had to know. I believe she must have misspoken. That sounds more like Hermione, when she is a bit cranky. Oh, Cranky-Eye, how long has it been since I have used that nickname. I'm afraid I shan't be using it though, lest I risk her ire. Ok, Luna, this is the twentieth century. I should refrain from using words more than three hundred years out of date. For today, at least.

Oh botherances. Why is Harry having to push all the boys in his year out of the door? I wonder what trouble they could have gotten themselves into. Oh, I think I see. All of them sans Harry are proclaiming undying love for one Romilda Vane. How odd. Is it normal to have a cult complete with followers established on one's birthday? Especially to one person whose birthday it is not? Oh! There's Hermione, and Lavender, and Ginny. Perhaps they'll know?

Oh, I see. So it isn't a cult following. Just some sort of love potion gone bad. How odd. Has any love potion ever not gone bad? Perhaps Hermione would know of an example. It doesn't matter, as the three girls just look amused. Perhaps they are planning a major tibulaling. Or perhaps it was sternuming? It had to involve some variety of bone. Oh well.

Why did Harry have love potions though? He doesn't seem to strike me as the type. Oh, so this Romilda gave potions to Harry in the guise of chocolate? Good thing that he is not a werewolf then. He couldn't resist any chocolaty confection then. It is a rather odd disease. If Harry has had them for any length of time… At least it is good that the potions were diluted between the four boys. I'd hate to see what could have happened if one person ate them all. I take it back. The only one who would do that would be Ronald. I don't see how Ginny does it.

At least it should only take a little while to make the antidote. Pity. I wanted to get a picture of them with my camera. Unfortunately, I found myself sans hat, and therefore sans camera. I keep on forgetting it recently. I want something to wear on my head, but why would I forget the hat? I find this quite odd. Oh? What was that Ginny? Oh, she wants to get revenge for what Romilda did? I suppose I can understand. Two of them had their boyfriends poisoned with love potion. And one of them had their boyfriend who is not a boyfriend yet is still a boy and a friend had the same. I still think that makes no sense.

Bat bogeys? That seems rather childish, don't you think Ginny? Of course, the whole situation is it slightly, but… Did I have an idea? I suppose I do. I have many ideas all the time. Oh, she means for gaining revenge? I suppose so. But I believe that it would be rather amiss to feed Malfoy Polyjuice so he looks like her, then feed both of them love potions so they are both incredibly in love with herself? At least, I think it would be.

Why are the others so stunned. They did ask, after all. I didn't think the idea was that bad though. Oh, Lavender thinks that it is bloody brilliant? I hope not. At least the bloody part. It should all stay safe, after all. They find that amusing? sometimes, I believe that girls are rather strange, too. Oh well. I'll probably be drawn into their planning, none the less.

Well, Seamus is on his way back. Maybe he was the first one to be cured, and they sent him back. He's the only one without a significant other here. Hrm. I wonder what a significant udder would look like? Even a Snorcack wouldn't have one that impressive, I don't believe. Something to… what was that? Something about a poisoned bottle of mead, and Harry… What?

Harry's been poisoned?

No.

NO!

Where is he? Hospital wing? Still with Slughorn? Where?

On the way to hospital wing. Ok. Going there. Must get to Harry.

He has to be ok. He'll be all right. He always is all right.

Too slow, I am running too slow.

Faster.

Faster.

Must get to Harry.

Finally here. There he is, over in far corner. Where is Madam… Right beside him. Is he ok?

Bezoar? Thank goodness… He'll be all right then? Oh dear. Major internal damage. Slughorn had frozen, not hurried with bezoar? Nearly dead?

No.

Can't lose him. Not like Mummy. Had Daddy all this time. Now Harry. Can't lose Harry too.

No, don't pull me away. Have to be here, have to make sure. He'll be all right. Can't lose Harry.

Can't lose my Harry.

-oo-

Sunday, March 2, 1997

He'll be all right. For a while, thought I'd lost him. Still, he hasn't come back. He hasn't come back to tell me he is all right. But he is all right. Luna, be patient. We haven't lost him. I haven't lost him.

Hermione is here with me, along with Ron. And Ginny. And others. I don't really care. I'm Just waiting for Harry. Madam Pomfrey said damage was pretty severe, he should be down for a week. Don't care. I'll be here. Waiting until he is back.

At least I can hold his hand. Feel how he is still warm, still there. Still alive.

Hermione tried to tell me what happened. Slughorn fixed up other boys, sent them outside to wait. Decided to share a bottle of mead with him, to congratulate him for some other reason. On his progress maybe. Or celebrate his helping of friends? Or freeing him of his burden, so he can help with the… It doesn't matter. Whatever the reason, Harry drank. And the mead was poisoned. And Slughorn froze.

Nobody knew what was happening until he came out of the room, Harry floating in front of him. Still twitching.. oh, no, must get that image out of my head. He's still alive. Still here. Luna, focus. Can't help the tears. I'm still surprised I have any. Spent so many in the last day.

Hermione says I was a woman possessed, running through the castle. She didn't even notice I was gone until they had to check for me. I don't really remember. All I had to, no needed to, do was get to Harry. No matter what.

I feel a hand on my shoulder. Who is it? No, is not Hermione, or Ginny. They are on other side. Mrs. Weasley? She's here? I never noticed. She's been here since yesterday? Sorry, I didn't notice. Yes, I do agree. We've had bigger things to worry about. Such as Harry. He's still alive.

What was that? I love him? I suppose I do. Is that what this feeling has been? Not the Whormones, nothing else. Just that word? At the moment,, I don't want to think about semantics. I just need Harry to be ok. And if it is love, I suppose I am in it.

What was that? He moved? Calm down Luna, you were just imagining things. No, there he went again. A twitch of his eye lashes. Followed by a groan. He's waking up! He's alive and waking up!

I hope I'm not grasping his hand too tight, but I just need to make sure he's there. That my eyes decided for once in my life to lie. Yes, he is all right, just waking up, so slowly. He finally cracked open his eyes. And I see him.

I had to choke back another sob. I thought I might never see them again. Then there is that small smile again. And he's asking if I'm all right.

You silly boy.

I can't help but hug him. I have to be careful, since he's still injured. But I have my silly boy back. My Harry.

Yes, I'm fine. I have you back. I'm as fine as I'll ever be.