Chapter Seven: The Birth of a New Invention

The detonation of Fred and George's practical joke device echoed through the room and left the room absolutely mortified.

All color drained from Hermione's face. A pained expression marred her features.

Reluctantly, Hermione slowly shifted to looked down upon Luna, wanting to make sure that she was there for her friend, but Luna had her head down with her hair curtained both sides of her face, effectively shielding her from view.

Dread filled the pit of Hermione's stomach and she suddenly a wave of nausea wash over her.

Oh she felt terrible! Luna was likely embarrassed to death. Who wouldn't be? It was the worst social faux paus that one could have committed in a large setting, and it wasn't even truly coming from her!

Guilt took prisoner of her heart and held it in iron-clad fists. Her heart literally ached for the poor girl and she would give anything to turn back the time.

It was all her fault.

If only she had been more resolute in stopping the twins…

If only she had the courage to tell Lord Malfoy straight out about his bloody booby-trapped seat, then he wouldn't have questioned Luna… which in turn, meant that she wouldn't have sat in it…

Her mind was running on overdrive, listing out more reasons to blame herself with when a pair of voices boomed into the eerie silence, drawing all attention to them.

"Surprise!" Both Fred and George shouted and jumped up from where they were seated with arms outstretched. "You've just been pranked by the Weasley Twins!"

The outburst echoed into the room, and then it the dining hall was deathly quiet again.

The smiles fell from Fred and George's faces, and they awkwardly put their arms down, head dangling dejectedly, regretting all the trouble that they had caused.

But then, they were saved…

Luna started laughing.

She started quietly at first, and Hermione became even more alarmed because she thought Luna was crying. All she saw from her angle was the slight shake from her slender shoulders and Hermione thought that the girl was sniffling. But pretty soon, the girl doubled over, clutching her stomach and wholeheartedly laughed to her hearts content. Laughter proved to be infectious. The guests around Luna started to join her, and pretty soon the laughter traveled to everyone in attendance.

Hermione's face scrunched up in confusion and could only force out a meek laugh herself. She looked up towards Lord Malfoy and Lord Zabini, they were both laughing as well.

When everyone got everything out of their system, the guests went back to their earlier conversations, and the past ten minutes was seemingly forgotten.

Ginny, Fred and George rushed over with an apologetic look on their faces.

"Luna," Ginny started, but was interrupted by Luna before she got a chance to apologize any further.

"Was this gift from you guys?" she exclaimed, the humor still in her eyes. "It's brilliant! I should have guessed the Weasley Twins were behind all of this!" She looked towards Hermione, "You make a fine actress, Hermione. To have gotten Mister Malfoy in on this ruse as well, it was certainly a well thought out surprise. Thank you."

Draco straightened his composure before flashing his set of pearly whites, "Don't thank me, Miss Lovegood. It was all Miss Granger and her friend's idea. They must've gotten word about the bouts of trouble the Brownies were causing you and came up with this idea so that you can trick them, to get them to leave you alone."

Hermione stared at the man across her in awe. Lord Malfoy caught her stare and he winked at her, looking smug. He winked at her! Excuse her crudeness, but what the bloody hell was he playing at? Was Draco Malfoy really helping them? And did he really come up with all that just now?

She noted that he referenced the earlier conversation they had with Luna. Hermione didn't even think that Lord Malfoy was taking Luna seriously when she spoke of the Brownies. She sure didn't! The realization made her feel a tad guilty again. But no matter what intent he had- and Hermione was sure that Lord Malfoy had some sort of malicious intent up his sleeves- she was grateful.

The joke was intended for him, yet he completely turned it around and even helped the Weasley's save face.

Luna's eyes sparkled with understanding and appreciation. "You all are so thoughtful she said, jumping up to give Fred, George, and Ginny a hug." The three Weasleys accepted the hug, albeit very much reluctantly. They felt so awkward, getting this response from Luna.

George cleared his throat and reach forward to pulled the device out from underneath the cushion of Draco's chair. "Here you go, Luna. This is the first prototype that we've made since we just invented it. Will you do the honors of naming it?"

Luna beamed as she took the object from George. Curious as to how it worked, Luna blew some air in to the cushion and then deflated it with her hands, and the sound promptly drew more looks from the guests around them. That didn't seem to bother Luna and she laughed whimsically.

She mulled on the idea for a little bit, before replying. "I know, I'm going to call it the 'Whoopee Cushion'."

After both twins commented that it was a fabulous name for their new invention, Luna invited them to take a seat so that dinner may be started.

The twins and Ginny were whispering in hushed voices. "What the bloody hell are Brownies?" Fred asked.

"I'm so relieved that Luna didn't take it seriously. Why did she have to sit there! It was intended for that blond prat." George said in a hushed tone and gave Draco a dirty look over his shoulder.

They weren't nearly as quiet as they thought they were and Draco heard every word. His eyes narrowed at them and he said curtly, "I'm right here you know."

George managed a strained laugh before linking arms with Ginny and Fred, leading them back towards their table. As the three walked away, Hermione was just about to turn and follow them when Draco caught her wrist. His hold was firm and warm.

"Where do you think you're going, Miss Granger?" Draco said with a sardonic smile.

"Um… to my seat?" Hermione stammered, looking up at him incredulously.

Draco chuckled, before releasing Hermione's hand. He was aware that there were more than a few pairs of curious eyes trained on him at this point.

"Miss Granger, what happened just now must have joggled your memory." Draco said easily. "I do recall that you were going to switch seats with Blaise and that Blaise was going to take your seat next to Miss Weasley. He had wanted to meet Miss Weasley tonight." He announced, intending for the whole table to hear. He was absolutely certain that there would be more than one individual at their table that were friends with his parents, and it won't do if any rumors were to start and reach his parent's ears.

Draco took a small step forward and leaned in so that what he said next could only be within Hermione's earshot. Draco whispered, "Besides, you owe me one for saving your friends' arses back there. Do me the honors and we'll call it even." Confident that Hermione wouldn't object, he then turned to Blaise gave him a nod over in the direction of Ginny's table. Blaise flashed him a knowing smile, then a wink, as if to wish him good luck before he set off towards his seat next to the beautiful redhead.

Ever the gentleman, Draco circled behind Hermione and pulled out what was Blaise's chair for her.

He gestured to her with a genuine smile on his face, "Care to take a seat, fair lady?"


A/N: Hehe, this story is so fun to write! Did you like this chapter? Review to let me know that you want more! Thanks for reading :)