The morning broke and with it came a heavy fall of white, crisp snow, the first of the season. The start of November greeted the cold grey sky and already a seasonal feel had taken hold of the castle. At breakfast Hagrid had crashed through the main doors with two ginormous Christmas trees under each arm. The Ravenclaw table was showered with pine needles as he passed over their heads making his way towards the back of the hall. One unfortunate Ravenclaw called Emily Accrington caught a particularly long branch in her bowl and was promptly showered with her morning porridge.
Seymour and Robin were two of the few older students attending breakfast as most were getting ready for the trip into Hogsmeade. Many knew that they would have hardly any room for the delights of Honeydukes if they wasted precious space on something as unimportant as breakfast but Robin considered this notion pure rubbish and pointed this out as he rammed a fifth slice of thickly jammed toast into his mouth.
"How are you still so thin?" Seymour asked watching his friend feast with a tedious look on his face.
"Muush eee vi mooambalasm." Robin replied with a grin.
"Ah right, ok then." Seymour put down his last slice and waited for Robin to finish, the sight of Robin's endless gluttony was enough to put anyone off their food. "Listen Rob, I know you said you didn't mind Luna coming with us-"
Robin swallowed and frowned back rolling his eyes. "I know I did, what about it?"
"Well any chance you could go easy on her today. Please." Seymour knew this was like asking Hagrid to not be so tall but he couldn't shake the heavy weight dragging inside his stomach.
Robin merely looked offended and spoke through a fresh mouth of toast. "I'm not a monster you know Sey? She gives as good as she gets with all her weird facts and odd ideas."
"Yeah well as much as you may hate to hear it but Luna's my friend and if possible I would quite like it if you two could at least get along for more than two seconds without you taking the mickey out of her." Seymour pleaded and could see Robin forcing down the urge to come up with all the reasons why he didn't want to get along with her.
"Why does it matter? It rolls off her back anyway. It's not as if anything I say actually sinks in you know?" Robin looked rather peeved that this was indeed the case.
"That might be true but to be honest that doesn't mean I like hearing those sort of things said about her. It gets to me when people she doesn't even know start saying stuff like that let alone when it's my best mate." Seymour pointed out with a solemn look.
Robin remained silent studying Seymour's face before breaking into a sly grin. "You really like her don't you?" He leaned over the table and peered hard into Seymour's eyes as he frowned back.
"So what if I do?" Seymour tried to look determined but could feel the heat rising from his collar. Robin's bottom lip quivered as he forced the laugh that lingered on his face to hide itself. He got up from the table and grabbed another slice of toast as he did.
"I'm not surprised. You've always had a thing for weird people. Look at Alice and Lloyd… in fact I might be the only normal friend you have." he pointed to himself with one hand the other busy sliding the spare piece of toast into his pocket.
"Maybe." Seymour grumbled as they exited the hall and down to the blustery courtyard which was packed with students queuing up, wrapped to the nose all ready to face the freezing wind on the way to Hogsmeade.
"Ok Sey I'll be on my best behaviour. But only if she doesn't do anything too outrageous or crazy. If I find myself being regaled about tales of the Crumble Hornslack then the deals off. I can only put up with so much I-" but Robin's words trailed off as a vision of blinding green erupted from the gathered crowd. Atop this vivid image was a small blob of red and it was supported by an almost florescent trail of yellow.
They both stood there trying their best to make sense of the arrangement until the object in question waved at them. Luna was standing between Alice and Lloyd decked out in a long green coat that shimmered as if it was made out of tinsel. Her red hat fitted snugly on her head with her long lanes of blonde hair trailing down her shoulders. Most people would have stopped there but Luna seemed to not feel colourful enough unless the whole outfit was stood on top of a pair of bright yellow leggings tucked into a huge pair of snow boots with green fur around the top.
Lloyd was busy desperately looking in the other direction to notice their arrival and Alice merely looked back at them, her eyes open wide, her mouth forming words with no sound before giving up and waving along with Luna.
Seymour slowly took in Luna's outfit before breaking into a huge grin and bounding down the steps to greet them. "Morning Alice, Lloyd. Luna wow I don't think I've ever seen that colour combination worn quite so well before."
Luna laughed and drew her coat tightly around herself. "Thank you Seymour. I was feeling rather festive when I got dressed this morning."
"Did you not bother turning on the light-" Robin joined the four of them but his words stuck in his throat as he caught glance of Seymour's face. "I mean- that's a nice… er… hat." Alice snorted with a suppressed laugh as Robin glared at her. "Anyway are we off then?"
The crowd of students had already begun to wander off towards the snowy path leading into Hogsmeade with Professor McGonagall leading the way. The five of them joined the procession as they fought against the chill in it's attempt to invade their bones and chap their lips. The grounds faded in the distance as the lane began to wind it's way downwards. A thousand crunching footsteps echoed around them as the snow grew thicker on the ground. They chatted happily between themselves with talk of Zonko's Joke shop and Honeyduke's.
Seymour's group came to a halt midway when Lloyd pointed to a fresh patch of Sizzleweed peeking out from the snow of a nearby field. He pointed out that it would be useful in his Herbology homework as the Fanged Geranium they were nursing had a particular taste for it. With that Luna grabbed hold of Lloyd's arm and virtually dragged him over the small fence to go gather some. It surprised Seymour just as much to see that Lloyd wasn't really resisting even though he did cast a dubious glance back at them before falling over the other side.
"Well they'll be friends for life won't they?" Robin remarked chuckling at the two of them. "But I thought Luna was in Ravenclaw, where did she get that Gryffindor scarf from?" Robin frowned pointing at the house scarf wrapped around Luna's neck.
"Oh that's mine." Seymour explained casually before catching Robin's amused expression. "What?"
"Nothing mate, nothing at all."
The town of Hogsmeade slowly came into view through the light rain of snowflakes. It was already decked out for Christmas and each house was decorated with an extravagant reef as hundreds of enchanted candles lined the streets. They all wandered into the main square to be greeted by a huge Christmas tree decorated lavishly with baubles of every colour and bright lanterns that hung elegantly off the branches.
"Ooh" Luna purred as they approached the tree. Many students had already rushed off to Zonko's but a few remained to take in the festive glimmer that the snowy village gave off.
"Come on you lot. I need some of Honeydukes toffee bombs… and maybe a few chocolate wands while I'm at it." Robin continued to himself as he made his way towards the already crammed shop.
"We'll be with you in a bit." Seymour called after Alice and Lloyd as they hurried over towards the inviting glow of the warm shop. He turned on his heel and walked over to Luna who'd wandered closer to the tree for a better look. She gazed up at the top of it and smiled contently. "Nice isn't it?" Seymour noted standing next to her.
"I love it." she exclaimed her gaze still fixed on the glowing angel at the top. "Mum used to levitate me up to the top of our tree so that I could put the star on myself." she laughed through shimmering eyes and heaved a heavy sigh. "It was just after Christmas when she-" Luna stuffed her hands into her pockets and shivered. "She was so busy that year, locked away in the study working but when Christmas came along she always cheered up. She loved decorating the house, I think it was her favourite time of year."
Seymour went to place a hand on her shoulder but withdrew just before he did so and sunk it back into his coat pocket.
"Luna, Luna!" They both turned around at the voice and were greeted by an almighty flash as a camera whirred into life and a huge lens came into view. Behind it peered out the face of Colin Creevey a Gryffindor boy in their year who was very prone to taking photographs of anything that wouldn't run away from him.
"Colin what the-" Seymour blinked furiously as the tiny lights disappeared but he was already rushing over to them with his camera clench firmly in his hands.
"Harry's lot just went into the Three Broomsticks, I might go in there and see if I can join them. You're good friends with Harry aren't you Luna?" Colin barely bothered to draw breath as he rambled on through a cheerful smile.
"Yes Colin. Harry's very kind." Luna replied in her usual weird way.
"I told my dad I was friends with Harry Potter and he couldn't believe it. They think he's awfully brave taking on You-know-who and everything. They want to see if I can invite him round my house for the summer holidays. They really want to meet him."
"Who wouldn't?" Seymour muttered before checking his tone and forcing a smile back at Colin.
"Exactly. I still wish he was teaching us Dark Arts, I'm not too fond of Professor Goodwin to tell you the truth. I bet you feel the same don't you Luna, you two get on so well and everything."
Luna nodded in agreement, "It was my favourite lesson. I've still got my enchanted coin so that Harry can message me if he ever decides to start them up again."
Seymour shuffled awkwardly between the two of them. He'd never been to one of Harry's Dark Arts lessons before and for some reason didn't particularly feel interested in hearing them sing Harry's praises right now. "Luna I'm going to catch up with Lloyd and Alice so I'll meet you in Honeydukes ok." He went to make for the inviting sights of the sweetshop but Luna grabbed hold of his arm and followed.
"I'll see you in class Colin." she waved as he disappeared off down the street, the flash of his camera going off randomly as he went.
"You could have stayed to talk for a while you know?" Seymour pointed out through chattering teeth as they walked across the cold cobbled street.
"You're not getting rid of me that easily." she chirped with a smile.
"Figured me out already have you?" he retorted, grinning back at her.
"How come you never attended any of Harry's lessons? I can remember Alice and Lloyd being there but you weren't were you?" she asked.
"Ah well no. You see the day you lot met up in the Hogshead Robin had dragged me along as a double date with this girl in the year above called Salina Frasier in Hufflepuff. We went to Madam Puddifoot's to meet up with her and a friend." Seymour turned his nose up remembering how much he disliked the place.
Luna laughed looking amused and pressed him to continue. "How did it go?" she asked.
"Not well." he replied frankly, "It turned out Robin had lied somewhat and told his date he was friends with Harry Potter. He knew how much this friend of Salina's fancied Harry and promised to bring him along if she went on a date with him."
"That was sneaky." Luna pointed out shaking her head. "What happened?"
"Well basically it took us from the time we entered the parlour till the time we found their table for them to realise that I wasn't actually Harry Potter. Robin's still rather sore about the fact I wouldn't let him draw a scar on my head. Anyway they both got up and left leaving me and Robin sat there like lemons amongst the other doting couples. I guess her friend wasn't particularly happy about me being a substitute for Harry." Seymour finished with a glum look.
"Understandable." Luna murmured before added hastily after witnessing Seymour raised eyebrows. "Well it's just her friend obviously had some sort of crush on Harry. I mean imagine if you were told you had a date with Ginny Weasley only to find me in her place. You'd be rather disappointed wouldn't you?" she reasoned matter-of-factly.
"You- if you were my date?" Seymour mumbled taken by surprise.
"Exactly. Annoyed wouldn't be the word and lying to someone isn't a great way to start a relationship is it?" she added with stern features.
"I didn't lie, Robin did." Seymour replied defensively.
"I'm talking about Robin. That other girl clearly wasn't your type anyway you'd have never made a good couple." she decided without a second thought.
"Do you even know this girl. I'm struggling to remember her name and I've actually met her."
"It doesn't matter. This girl was clearly still pining for Harry and anyway you need someone a bit more challenging. Things like this are important at our age Seymour, there needs to be a spark there in the first place to make it work. That's how it was for my mum and dad." she remarked in a passionate tone.
"Who do you suggest then?" Seymour asked with baited breath.
"Well how about Ginny Weasley. You get along really well don't you?"
"Oh." Seymour's shoulders slumped slightly as he continued, "I suppose we do but we've been friends for ages, it would be like me dating Alice."
"Yes Alice! Now there's a thought." Luna chimed looking up at him.
Seymour burst out laughing and was thankful Robin wasn't here to join in at his expense. "As much as I like Alice I think she'd be as sceptical about the idea as I am." he explained with a dubious grin. They were fast approaching the growing chatter coming from Honeydukes and stamped off the snow from their shoes at the entrance.
"You're more difficult to please than I thought." said Luna busy brushing off the last few flakes from the fur on her boots.
"Well what about you and me then?" Seymour suggested holding his breath.
"Oh very funny Seymour." Luna replied with a droll laugh.
"Why do you find that idea so far fetched?" he asked trying but failing to hide the slight aggrievement in his voice.
Luna blinked and looked up at him, her wide grey eyes fixed on his. "I don't." she replied looking confused, "It's just-"
"I suppose I don't quite match up do I?" Seymour cut in opening the door to the shop. "Come on then." he held the door open with a smile but Luna continued to stand in the doorway looking up at him with a puzzled expression.
"Where have you two been?" Robin charged across the shop his arms stuffed with sugar quills and chocolate frogs. He offloaded his bounty onto Seymour and motioned for them to follow him. "Carry those Sey, I haven't got enough arms when it comes to this place."
After regrouping with Alice and Lloyd the five of them spent the next half an hour pouring over the endless stock of delights the shop had to offer. Robin's admission had indeed rung true as he continued to fill Seymour's aching arms with a collection of different delights, his eyes scanning each shelve and barrel greedily. Lloyd salivated over a small chocolate model of Hogwarts whilst Luna and Alice busied themselves watching the small sugar brooms that were darting around above their heads and by the time the five had left the shop their arms where considerably heavier at the expense of a lighter wallet.
"Fancy a Butterbeer?" Robin didn't wait for a reply and turned toward the loud chatter coming from The Three Broomsticks. If Honeydukes had been crowded it was nothing compared to the crammed space the five of them now found themselves once they were inside the warmly lit pub. Clearly the cold weather outside had driven everybody in and every table was full of loud talk and laughter which blanketed the room.
A smartly dressed Christmas tree winked brightly in the corner next to a roaring fire which 3 rather merry Goblins had gathered round as they played a rather odd game which involved a couple of dice and what looked like a small bowl of tiny bones. Another table of third year Ravenclaws were enjoying a rather intense game of exploding snap, trying hard not to spill their drink every time the deck blew up in their face.
Hagrid was sat slopping his massive tumbler of mead on the bar as he talked to Harry Potter who then carried his drinks over to a table in the corner where Hermione and Ron were sat bickering is their usual fashion. The atmosphere was very festive indeed and even the presence of Malfoy's group of Slytherins sat at the only shadow cast table towards the back could do little to puncture the mood.
"Lloyd grab a table mate, I'll get the drinks." Robin ordered as he wandered over towards Hagrid leaving Lloyd looking round frantically before Alice pulled him over to one of the few remaining free tables near the other end of the bar. Peeling off their layers used to repel the cold they sunk into the toasted warmth as Robin came over minutes later clutching five bottles of delicious looking Butterbeer in his hands.
"You do drink Butterbeer don't you Luna?" asked Robin as he swiftly took one of the empty chairs from the table behind him for his own leaving Professor Flitwick with no where to sit once he'd returned from the toilet. "It's not full of some weird made up creature ready to pounce down our throat at any moment is it?" he asked smirking towards Seymour who shot a dirty look back.
"No Robin Butterbeer's perfect. Thank you." replied Luna with a smile as they all took long welcomed gulps of their drink. As they settled into the comfort of the pub Seymour gazed around the room taking in each table as he did so, idly blowing into the top of his bottle, catching flickers of conversation from each table before coming to a rest at the sound of Hagrid's voice who was talking to Madam Rosmerta the rather loud toned landlady at the bar as she filled up another punters glass.
"…. going on two months it has." harped Madame Rosmerta looking flustered, "Same room every time. I've had four good paying customers walk out complaining of crying in the night, things moving, doors slamming."
Hagrid nodded and took a long sip from his tankard, brushing off the foam from his beard. "Nasty blighters poltergeists. Look at Peeves, you tell me what good he's done the school in all his years. No Rosmerta my dear, if you be having a poltergeist running a mock in one of your rooms and driving out paying folk then I say you need to be shot of it my love."
"Well of course I want it gotten rid of but I've had four wizards in the past fortnight telling me there's nothing there. Rubbish I tell em but they remain adamant they can't do anything about it. I even had a Rodney Porlack tell me if there was a spirit in there then it's rooted in for the long run and you know how good he is with ghosts." Rosmerta slung her dishrag onto the counter in dismay as Hagrid thought on.
"Well what about our own Professor Goodwin, have you thought of asking him to take a look at it? Knows a fair bit I'm told about this and that. Maybe he could send it packing?"
"Well funny you should say that. I was thinking the same thing. A poltergeist would be no match for an experienced Auror but Clement was in here only the other night and to be honest he didn't look up to doing anything much. Black and blue he was, scratched up proper, coming in here around midday looking like he hadn't slept a wink. Ordered a strong dose of whiskey and didn't say anything else, looked like he rather be left alone so I didn't want to bother him…"
Seymour didn't need the rather sharp elbow in the ribs to tell that this part of the conversation had managed to catch the ears of Luna as well as his own and the two of them stared eagerly at each other as they strained to listen further.
"Well you know me, I don't like to pry but I had to ask him what he'd been doing to end up in such a state." Rosmerta continued leaning against the bar. "Didn't say much just mentioned something about trying to catch a River Troll for his class up at Hogwarts the night before."
Hagrid laugh heavily into his mead and plonked it back onto the counter's surface. "Ha, he won't have much luck with that one considering they're instinct over here due to the up surge in Blood-Sucking Bugbears over the last few years."
"Well he claimed it was the troll what gave him the injuries. Didn't seem to want to talk about it much. Just drank up and left after that."
"No Rosmerta my dear you must have misheard him. I promise you there's no way that's what got hold of him, probably some Hippogriffs they can be trouble when tame let alone wild like they are in that forest." Hagrid and Rosmerta continued their chat as Seymour and Luna returned telling looks at each other.
"Professor Goodwin definitely knows something." Luna whispered leaning in close.
"It does seem suspicious. You don't think- no not after Professor Lupin." Seymour shook his head but Luna grabbed hold of his arm and nodded furiously.
"I was thinking that too. Maybe no one knows about it."
"What are you two whispering about?" Robin asked rolling his empty bottle between his hands and serving them both with a piercing look.
But before either could reply a round of mirthless laughter piped up from the table of Slytherin's at the back of the pub which caused a lot of other tables to turn round including Seymour's. Malfoy was showing them something which clearly provided some form of great amusement. The fact that a few of the Slytherins sent rather leering glances their way did nothing to settle Seymour's suspicious that it wasn't anything productive.
"Well I'm glad someone finds him funny." Robin commented leaning back in his chair and sending an equally unamused look back their way.
"They're probably just afraid of what he'll do if they don't." added Alice looking half angry and half apprehensive. Lloyd remained attentively non existent.
Just then Malfoy rose form his chair and began to make his way between the busy tables not bothering to watch himself as he bumped pass occupants as he went. Seymour's stomach gave an ominous lurch as he tracked Draco's movement towards their table. "Go away, go away, go away." he murmured to himself until the blonde haired troublemaker was standing at their very table surveying Seymour and his friends with a telling look of utmost dislike.
"You'll never guess what I snatched off this first year at breakfast?" he announced drilling his eyes into Luna.
"A rattle to go with that pram your mother pushes you round in?" asked Robin with a smirk which caught Lloyd's eye who in turn suppressed a snigger which Malfoy latched onto.
"What are you giggling at you big oath?"
Lloyd immediately hushed and cast his eyes back onto his already picked apart bottle label.
"Shut up." Alice barked making to get up from her seat but being pulled back down by Lloyd's free arm without breaking from his fierce concentration on his Butterbeer.
"Look's like your ridiculous father's been at it again." said Malfoy turning his attention towards Luna who merely blinked once with a questioning look.
"Hero Harry, what would we do without him hey?" Malfoy threw a colourful magazine onto the table which Seymour didn't need a second glance at to tell it was a copy of this months Quibbler, he had one stuffed into the bottom of his trunk back at Hogwarts. "There's even a quote from you in there Loony. "Harry's the bravest wizard I've ever met. He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named doesn't stand a chance with him around."" Draco recited in a sickly sing song voice.
"Well he doesn't." replied Luna matter-of-factly without taking her large grey eyes off of Draco's.
"I didn't know idiots like you could read let alone talk properly?" spat Malfoy clearly enjoying the tables reaction as they all bar Luna and Lloyd arched in their seats staring daggers towards Malfoy. "If my father could see this he'd probably say the same thing."
"Well your father can't can he? The slimy git's with the rest of his buddies locked up in Azkaban." Robin leaned back in his chair with a grin before fixing Draco with a sharp stare. "Leave Luna alone."
The smug look that had run rife through Malfoy's features had now long gone as he glared back at Robin. "Not for long he's not. And trust me I'll make sure Loony loser here is first on you-know-who's list." he flicked his repugnant look between the lot of them as Seymour began to rise from his chair only to stop as Robin held his hand towards him and continued to look on at his aggressor.
"Carry on making threats like that Malfoy and you'll be in there with him before too long. Sewing mailbags with Daddy."
Draco looked fit to burst as his face red with anger twitched as did his hand towards the wand in his pocket.
"What Malfoy? Going to curse us are you? Feel free mate, go on hit me right here." Robin held out his arms. "Not a wise move with so many people around, not to mention the school keeper sitting at the bar. But if you want to then go ahead. We could do with a few less of your type at Hogwarts." Robin's voice was calm and cool but he didn't take his eyes off Malfoy's lingering hand for a second.
"What makes you so sure they'll chuck me out. A few detention's here and there is worth it just to put one on you Swink." Malfoy growled through clenched teeth his arms shaking.
"Yeah but after I tell Dumbledore about the threat you just made on Luna's life I think it'll be more than enough to convince him what I'm pretty sure he already knows. Just like daddy, a scared little murderer lover. Come on Draco, do it?" Robin looked determined to goad Malfoy into it and Seymour was inching off his chair again when Malfoy took a step back from the table.
"Watch your back. You won't be so brave when Dumbledore isn't here to watch over you." With that he retreated back to his table leaving Seymour's to cast each other confused glances.
"What's he on about?" asked Alice sinking back into her chair with a relieved sigh.
"Oh you know Malfoy, he'll say anything to get a reaction." Robin put his empty bottle on the table and crossed his arms scowling at Malfoy's departure.
"Wow though Rob, that was pretty impressive." Seymour pointed out with a smile,
"That was the last thing I expected you to do considering." he motioned towards Luna who was busy scrutinising Robin with a very intrigued look.
"Yes, thank you Robin. That was really nice of you." Luna added sincerely her orb like eyes still fixed on Robin's furrowed brow.
"Don't bother." he snapped turning in his chair to face her. He leaned an elbow on the table and fixed her with a blank expression. "This is exactly what I'm on about." He snatched up the copy of The Quibbler from the table and waved it in front of her face. "He wouldn't have even come over would he if it wasn't for this?"
Luna leaned back in her chair but her expression remained as serene as always. "Well no but-"
"No nothing, instead of a nice drink in here like we always do this time we have to put up with visits from a sly little nerk like Malfoy. Why do you think that is?" Robin's face was getting redder and redder as he awaited her reply.
"Well Malfoy's always looking for trouble, He's not a nice boy is he." Luna remarked without faltering but her eyes flicked momentarily towards Seymour who was griping onto the neck of his Butterbeer with great force. "Though he's not to blame I think." she added taking hold of The Quibbler from Robin's hand. "Malfoy was probably born within the crying distance of the Yougle Bird, it says in here that anyone child born within earshot of it's cry is doomed for a troubled life, it also says-"
"Cut it out!" Robin snatched back the Quibbler and sank back into his chair once again folding his arms.
"Robin lay off." Seymour gritted his teeth as he glared towards his friend but Robin merely rolled his eyes and shot back. "I'm not being mean Sey I'm just pointing out a fact. He came over here because she's with us, if she weren't here then none of that would have happened. Just like every other time he's given us grief this year."
Luna stared back at Robin wearing a look that was a far cry from the usual serene and soft expression she usually adopted. For the first time something Robin had said appeared to register on Luna's face. Her eyes remained unreadable but they didn't hold his gaze for long, neither did they when she looked over at Seymour who leaned forward in his chair. "Rob please, you said you'd try and-"
"Well I can't mate. Luna why don't go over and see how Harry's lot are doing and give us a rest. I've had more than enough of Loony Lovegood today."
Alice leaned forward to say something but was silenced as Seymour shot up from his chair clutching his fists at his sides. "Don't call her that!"
Robin's hard gaze faulted but refocused as he scowled back at him. "Oh sorry Sey didn't mean to insult your girlfriend like that I just-"
"He's not my boyfriend." interrupted Luna in a quiet voice as she turned towards Seymour, "Look it's ok Seymour, I've got to go talk to Harry anyway so I'll just-"
"See she want's to go. Probably can't wait to get away from you I bet." Robin smirked as Luna made to reply.
"No that's not it at all I-"
"What's wrong Rob, jealous or something?" Seymour barked across the table causing Robin to slam his chair back into Professor Flitwick's makeshift stool he'd fashioned out of beer crates which toppled him to the floor.
"Jealous of what mate?" he laughed frowning back.
"Am I only allowed three friends or something? Are you scared one more will muscle you out?" Seymour didn't care what he was saying and all he could think about was the arrogant look on Robin's face.
"Oh yeah." Robin laughed all the harder, by now their little row was beginning to attract the attention of quite a few occupants of the pub. "Jealous I'll be replaced by a crack pot with one screw loose too many. Loony Lovegood here going to push me aside is she?"
"You call her that one more time Rob and I'll-"
"STOP IT!" both Seymour and Robin took a step back from the table as Luna already standing put a hand between the two of them. Seymour had never seen her look like this, if it wasn't for the doting expression that lingered in her large silvery eyes he would have almost thought she was angry.
"Bloody hell." Robin held up his hands and cast her a dubious look.
"What do you mean stop it I was only sticking up for you when he-"
"Well I don't need you to." Luna cut across Seymour and fixed him with a hard look.
"What do you mean I don't need to?" he shot back his anger beginning to rise further.
"I don't want you fighting just because of me." she explained her expression softening somewhat.
"But I can't just sit there and let him call you-"
"Do you think it really matters? Everyone else does. Why does it bother you when I'm fine with it?" Luna replied her soft tone hinted a harder edge as her voice rose slightly.
"Well I do mind it. Do you think I'm trying to act all tough to impress you or something?" Seymour didn't know where this new rise of built up aggression was coming from but once it had started he found it very hard to stop even though somewhere in the back of his mind a small voice was screaming "Shut up, shut up, shut up."
"Well you've made it perfectly clear there's not a lot of point in me trying to do that is there?" He was going red and his mind was racing as he surveyed Luna who was glaring back at him.
"I- I never said that." she replied frowning.
"That's just what I do if someone attacks my friends. It's what Robin does as well even if he is the world biggest arse." he shot a fierce look back at Robin who merely surveyed the two of them with a gawping stare. "So don't tell me you don't need me to stick up for you because I'm not just doing it for you. If you'd said something like that to Rob I would have been just as annoyed. I won't let someone put down one of my best friends without backing them up." Seymour was fuming and didn't know who he was more angry with. Luna went silent and merely stared back at Seymour, at one point she went to say something but the words seem to lose their way on route.
"But no you're right, you go find Harry because I've had enough." He kicked aside his chair and stormed across the pub ignoring Alice's voice calling him back until he was out the door and onto the snowy pavements of Hogsmeade. He stomped his way back towards the castle but slowed down once he was half way there and cursed out loud. "What an idiot." he thought to himself, already going red with frustration. He knew he'd been far too harsh on Luna and every part of his body wanted to turn back but he couldn't face walking into that pub again after the scene he had just caused. Instead he buried his face deep in the neck of his jacket and trudged back the remaining distance until the vast grounds of Hogwarts were in his sights.
He slid his way past the muddy gates and was half way across the huge lawn when a small voice beckoned to him from Hagrid's hut.
"Seymour." Marie wrapped tightly in her school robes was hobbling across the heavily snowed grass. Her long black sleek hair billowed behind her with her red cheeks bringing the only bit of colour to her pale face.
"Hello." Seymour hadn't expected to meet anyone on his way back but smiled through the anger as she approached his side.
"You're back early." she remarked smiling up at him.
"Yeah I - er." he stammered trying hard to come up with a convincing excuse.
"Where's Luna?" she asked looking round as if expecting to find her somewhere. "I saw you leave together. She told me she was really looking forward to today's trip."
Seymour's heart sank like an anchor as he looked back into Marie's cheerful face. "She- she's still there I think." he came to a halt and shuffled his feet avoiding Marie's gaze.
"Oh I thought you'd come back together. She said she doesn't normally bother going most times." Marie looked confused and kept her focus on Seymour's face.
"Well we sort of had a bit of a row." he confessed trying not to look too bothered by his admission but Marie merely rolled her eyes and grinned back at him.
"Oh is that all." she replied pulling her long hair round her shoulders and tucking it into the neck of her robes.
"Yeah." Seymour replied flatly before adding, "Well it's my fault I suppose. I sort of yelled at her when she was only trying to keep the peace. She probably thinks I'm as right idiot."
"Probably." Marie grinned as she carried on, "But I wouldn't worry about it too much. Me and my dad argue all the time. I've said some terrible things in the past but he's always forgiven me. Just apologise later and I'm sure she'll forgive you. Me, I'd rub your face in it but Luna's not like that."
Seymour broke out into a smile and laughed. "When did you become so upbeat Marie?" he asked, it seemed to be a far different girl from the one they had met sobbing her heart out only a few months ago.
She smiled back at him, shivering slightly in the wind, "Luna's probably rubbed off on me."
"Well that's good, maybe you can put in a good word for me as I doubt she'll be wanting to speak to me any time soon." he replied with a heavy sigh.
"No need Seymour, turn around." she grabbed hold of his arm and pushed him to face the huge gates that led out of the castle grounds. Luna visible due to her elaborate wardrobe was walking up the sloping lawn and was fast approaching the two of them. She caught sight of Seymour and smiled before coming to a stop in front of him, she waved to Marie who had began to make her way back towards Hagrid's garden patch giving Seymour a grin as she went.
"Can we talk?" Luna piped up, her voice oddly distant. Seymour nodded and began to walk towards the distant lapping of the lake with Luna at his side. For a long while they both remained completely silent, Seymour had tried to say something on a few occasions but each time couldn't find the words he wanted. They came to a stop at the edge of the lake with the freezing cold air causing thin patches of ice to form over parts of it's surface.
"Still going strong considering the weather." Seymour grinned and pointed to a small patch of Doxiebells peeking there heads out of the snow, which still managed to sway happily against the heavy wind. Luna looked down at them and smiled but then focused her eyes on Seymour's. She didn't say anything instantly but just studied his face as if troubled by a Potion's problem.
"I'm sorry." she finally said and broke into a soft smile partially hidden by the Gryffindor scarf wrapped round her neck.
Seymour looked surprised but smiled back, "I'm sorry too Luna." he'd already gone viciously red but he hoped the cold chill would excuse him.
"So you should be." she replied causing them both to start laughing only stopping once the awkward tension had drained from the air.
"That's the last time I get on your bad side." Seymour chuckled kicking some snow at her feet.
She smiled but looked somewhat sad, "That was horrible wasn't it? Let's not do that again." They both grinned at each other and watched the huge squid break through the patches of ice with it's huge tentacles.
"Seriously though Luna, I didn't mean to shout at you like that it's just-"
"It's just I can be a bit frustrating sometimes can't I?" she pointed out in a matter of fact tone, smiling up at him. "I don't mean to be Seymour it's just… I'm not really used to people like you."
"People like me?" he asked raising his eyebrows.
"Well to be honest most people here are only nice to me because they're being polite, which is fair enough. Good manners cost nothing." she added waving her finger in the air. "I think even Harry took a while to get used to me." she smiled to herself before returning her focus, "But you've never really been like that. You're a bit odd to be honest." she finally decided causing Seymour to stare back at her in shock.
"Thanks."
"Well you are." she replied defensively before continuing, "I mean why aren't you bothered about the things other students say about you when you're with me?" she asked with an inquiring look. It was as if she'd always wanted to know the answer to this question.
Seymour frowned and thought hard, "Well why would I? They're not my friends are they? I guess I'm just not that preoccupied with what other people think most the time."
Luna smiled again and nodded murmuring to herself. "Like me." for the first time since they'd departed this morning Luna genuinely looked like her old self again. "You see I didn't understand that till now."
"Took you long enough." Seymour muttered rolling his eyes at her.
"Well after a few years of the same old routine I guess I just fell into a negative pattern of thought."
"Nargles?" Seymour asked grinning at her.
"You never know." she smirked casting her eyes down at her elaborate boots. "I suppose somewhere at the back of my mind I always worried you were just being polite. And then to see you fall out with Robin, your best friend over something I caused-"
"You didn't cause anyth-"
"There you go again." she smiled up at him, "I just didn't want you falling out with such good friends over me."
"But you're a good friend too." Seymour frowned at her and was surprised to receive an elated expression staring back at him.
"I know that now." she skipped over to the edge of the lake humming to herself as she did, "I'll have to make some adjustments but I'm certain there's space for you on the ceiling."
"On the what now?" Seymour asked but Luna wasn't listening, she was too busy mumbling something about needing more paints to herself.
"So what now?" Seymour asked, shuddering against the strong wind. "We could still make it back for another Butterbeer if we hurry. Mind you I doubt they'll let me back in after all that."
"Oh let's go feed the Thestrals. I haven't been to see them since we got back this year." Luna tugged at his coat sleeve her smile all the persuasion Seymour needed.
"Come on then. What do Thestrals eat anyway?"
"Fresh meat's good, the bloodier the better. I've found they are rather fond of small cuts of steak."
"Should we go get some from Hagrid's or maybe the kitchens?" asked Seymour casting his gaze towards the castle.
"No need I should have some in here somewhere." Luna chirped swinging the bag she was carrying round her shoulders. Seymour wished he hadn't asked and didn't think he'd make much more sense if he bothered to ask why she was carrying round something like that in her bag.
They made their way towards the outskirts of the Forbidden Forest passing Hagrid's hut as they went, Luna busy rummaging around her bag, Seymour trying to make sure she didn't trip over anything as she went. They crunched over the untouched snowfall on the ground and edged their way towards the place Luna explained the Thestrals were being kept. They were only a little way into the forest when Luna finally procured a tightly wrapped package from her bag of wonders and handed it to Seymour with a triumphant grin.
"I knew it was there somewhere." she continued as they scrambled over the rocks and tree roots. "I'd planned on feeding them when we got back anyway. They're rather private creatures so we mustn't press them too hard to take our offerings. Though there is this one who always-" but Luna didn't finish for her attention was already taken by the long strands of oil like liquid running off the branch on the tree ahead of them. She blinked hard and rushed forward, touching the black substance with her fingers. They both looked down and were surprised to find more of it on the ground. Thick pools had stained the pure white snow on the ground ahead.
"It looks like drag marks" Seymour noted pointing towards the line of black trailing off towards the entrance to a clearing in front of them. Luna frowned as slowly moved on, pushing aside the heavy tree branches as she approached the end of the trail.
"I don't understand. It looks like… but it can't -" what it was Luna never did say but then Seymour no longer required an explanation. As they finally stepped out into the clearing it was plain to see and a sight one that Seymour could never have expected to be greeted by.
On the ground ahead was at least ten Thestrals scattered on the ground around the clearing, all dead, there bodies ripped apart and strewn across the snow, stained with the same black liquid which was pouring from the wounds of the corpses of the creatures that lay unmoving, their large black eyes wide open gazing back at the two of them, though no life lingered behind them. Somewhere in the distance of Seymour fogged up mind he could hear Luna scream.