CW: pranks, mentions of bullying,

:FIFTY-TWO:

Harry did promise not to be rash about things, so he spent approximately five seconds plotting before he went to the Weasley twins. If anyone could deal out justice, it would be Fred and George. They looked at him curiously as he plopped down next to them in the common room.

"What's that intense glare for?" George asked.

"I was just wondering," Harry asked, looking at them both. "If you two would help me prank some bullies."

And he explained what happened to Luna and who did it. The twins looked murderous during the story, but then exchanged Cheshire cat grins at the end. Professor Flitwick had already given the girls detentions, but a prank was well justified as far as the twins were concerned.

"You know, Harry." Fred said seriously. "We love an opportunity to wreak havoc."

"But maybe the best solution is to publicly support Luna." George added.

"How do you mean?" Harry asked, confusion clear on his face.

"Just bring her by the Gryffindor table tomorrow." Fred said decisively. "We'll handle the rest."

Luna had to stay overnight in the Hospital Wing to finish healing her bruises, but Harry met her the next morning and walked with her to the Great Hall.

"Do you maybe want to eat breakfast with me?" Harry asked, uncertainty laced in his tone.

Luna beamed at him, smiling the whole way into the Hall and as they walked over to the table.

She looked a whole lot better than the day before, though her face still had a yellowish tint in some places. The house elves gave her an old set of school robes while they repaired the ones that had been destroyed, so the sleeves were slightly too long and she had to wear a belt to keep the trousers on.

Fred and George's plan became very clear from the minute Harry and Luna sat down. They swooped in and introduced Luna to their friends and brought her in immediately. Within the first five minutes, Luna had an ironclad support system. Harry smirked at George, who winked at him unapologetically.

What made it even better though was when the bullying Ravenclaws entered the Great Hall later that morning. Their heads were bowed, but it was impossible to miss their neon green skin. And, credits to the twins' connections around the school, everyone knew why.

"We figured if they were so green with envy," Fred smirked. "Then they should look the part."

It took a few days for them to figure out how to change the girls' skin back to normal, but the message was clear. No one messed with Luna unless they wanted the wrath of Gryffindor on their hands. All it took was one person, or rather two prank kings, for the school to stop ostracising Luna in classes.

But Luna still preferred to be alone most of the time. She enjoyed having someone to talk to in classes, and spending more time with Harry and his friends, but sometimes she would just disappear somewhere and show up hours later. And her and Hermione could only spend a few minutes together at a time, at least for the first few months.

"I still have no idea where that diadem could be." Harry banged his head on the desk.

They were hanging out again on a Sunday afternoon, hiding out in an old classroom because of the downpour outside.

"And Hermione has been so testy lately that I don't dare ask her again." He muttered.

Luna pondered this for a moment, her back turned as she doodled on the chalkboard.

"Maybe Dobby would know." She mused. "And we haven't visited him in the kitchens since this rain started."

Harry perked up at that - the house elves knew the castle better than anyone. It was so simple that Harry felt stupid for not considering it earlier. He immediately stood up and held out a hand for Luna.

"Let's go!" He said excitedly.

Luna smirked. "Alright, Harry."

They raced out of the classroom, Harry pulling Luna by the hand down to the kitchens. They were breathless by the time they reached the portrait to get inside. Luna tickled the pear and was immediately greeted by several elves. Even they had heard about what happened and were ready to comfort her with food and comfy blankets by the fire.

Dobby did eventually get to them though, beaming as they greeted him warmly. Once they were all settled by the fireplace, Harry explained to Dobby why they had come to visit. He expected Dobby to be confused or dismiss the idea altogether, but he grinned brightly.

"I will look for it, Harry Potter, sir!" He squeaked joyfully.

"Thank you, Dobby." Luna smiled, holding a tea mug with both hands.

Dobby blushed furiously, hiding under his large jumper. Luna had given him a set of socks and a jumper as a Valentine's day present. He'd cried for five minutes, but had since worn them nearly every day.

"Yes, well Dobby must be going back to work." He waved to them both before scurrying off.

Harry sighed contentedly. The kitchens in Hogwarts reminded him so much of home that it was hard not to relax. And he felt like a large weight had been taken off his chest now that Dobby had agreed to look out for the diadem's hiding place.

"Thank you, by the way." Luna said, looking into the flames.

"Hmm?" Harry hummed, taking a sip from his tea mug.

"I know it was you who told Fred and George." Luna said quietly. "And I wanted to thank you for standing up for me."

She fished in her bag, handing him a small box.

Curiosity piqued, Harry took the box and looked at Luna imploringly. "What is this, Luna?"

"Open it."

Harry smirked, but complied. Inside was a long necklace with a butterbeer cork at the end. It had been engraved with an 'L' and a circular spiral on one side, with an 'H' and what looked like a dog on the other side.

"It's to keep away the nargles, see?" Luna showed him her necklace that she kept under her robes. "My dad made me this one before I came to school."

Harry felt odd looking at the dog symbol though...did she know?

"Thanks, Luna." Harry smiled. "I really like it."

He put the necklace over his head, holding the cork in his hand to continue looking at it.

"Why a dog, though? Most people know me for my scar."

Luna shrugged. "You protect people you're loyal to. And I think your scar is why you've got so many wrackspurts around your head."

Harry found himself laughing before he could stop it. Luna didn't laugh, but he did catch her smirking as she took another drink. She just said whatever she felt always and it never failed to catch Harry off guard.

"Well, thanks anyway Luna." Harry repeated once he finished chuckling. "I'll wear it always."

Notes:

Props to our dynamic duo Fred and George Weasley - fantastic performance. We're going to find the diadem next chapter and get kinda dark, so buckle up for that. And then we'll be back to Remus and Sirius time because I miss them.

Happy Reading!