June 23, 1995
"Miss Lovegood?"
Luna looked up, seeing Professor Moody's human eye staring at her, the other looking at Amanda West, a girl from her house.
"Perhaps, since you're not paying much attention, you already know everything there is to know about Boggarts?"
"No, in fact," Luna said calmly. "But seeing how insane you are, I wonder what yours might be,"
Some of her classmates from Ravenclaw laughed, along with the Gryffindors they were with. But some groaned, and some were frightened, looking from Moody to Luna, wondering what happened next.
"There goes Loony Lovegood again," a Gryffindor groaned.
Only her mother had called her Loony. And when she had said it, it was like a pet name, like she was the angel in her world.
But when the Gryffindor had said it, it was like the world's worst insult.
Luckily, some people were laughing at Luna's comment, and were brainstorming what Moody's Boggart could be.
"A unicorn, maybe?" someone called.
"His mother!" Someone else laughed.
"SILENCE!" Professor Moody bawled, and the third-years all settled down. He turned to Luna, who was not intimidated in the slightest bit. "Detention for you, Miss Lovegood," He said spitefully, then continued to talk about Boggarts.
"Hi, Luna," Cedric walked up to her. He looked a bit tired, his hair a bit shaggy, as usual, which Luna liked.
"Hi, Cedric," Luna replied.
"You doing your homework?" he asked, taking a copy of A History of Magic from the shelf, skimming through the pages.
"Yes," she said. "Would you mind if I practiced a Cheering Charm on you?"
"Not at all," Cedric said, putting the book down. "I could use a boost of confidence before the third task tomorrow,"
"Are you nervous? I mean, anything could happen,"
"A little, I guess. I mean, who wouldn't be?" He opened his arms wide, stretching toward his sides. "Do your worst,"
Luna smiled and performed the charm.
If only she knew this would be the last time they had a private conversation.
If only she knew Cedric would only be the second loved one she'd lose.
If only she knew the third task that took place on the next day would only result in the tragic death of Cedric Diggory.