A/N: Hello everyone!
Thanks for stopping by :) This compilation covers other stories from the universe of A Word of Harmony, following other characters but still using the Word of the Day from dictionary dot com. These words are all ones I have not yet used, or passed up previously. Let me know if there's a scene or character you would like to see!
This one takes place in the beginning of Hermione's third year, and Luna's second. In order to understand this one better, I would suggest reading the chapter "Guileless" in "A Word of Harmony", as well as "Best Valentine's Day Ever" which is a stand alone one-shot. If not, that's fine too.
Since the "A Word of Harmony" universe is an alternate universe, don't bother yelling at me that a character is out of character, or this and that didn't happen. I know. That's the point!
Anyway, have fun, enjoy, and let me know scenes, interactions, characters, etc that you would like to see.
MWAH!
1/2/21
handsel
[ han-suhl ]
noun
a gift or token for good luck or as an expression of good wishes, as at the beginning of the new year or when entering upon a new situation or enterprise.
Before Hermione had even settled into the carriage, surprised that Harry and his family hadn't already been on the Platform, she had been joined by Luna, who, though still airy in her demeanor, seemed like she was bursting with excitement. Hermione welcomed the younger girl in with a smile.
"Where's your trunk?" Hermione asked curiously, seeing Luna with only a bag. The blonde patted her pocket.
"Daddy shrunk it and said the charm will wear off in about 2 hours. This lets me sit my trunk up without having to lug it everywhere," she explained, her hand going to a different pocket and fingering something inside.
"Oh, that's clever!" Hermione commented. "I've featherlight charmed my luggage once we got onto the platform, but hadn't thought about shrinking it-"
"I have something for you!" Luna suddenly burst out, unable to contain herself. Hermione smiled wider and tilted her head to the side.
"Oh, what is it?" she asked curiously, patting the seat next to her. Luna sat quickly, already fidgeting with whatever it was in her pocket, before she pulled out a small white box.
"Here, I've made them myself! It's tradition in my family to give out a handsel at the start of the new year, and well, the start of the school year is as good to time as any, because I didn't have the supplies on hand during the winter holidays, and, well…" She paused a moment, hesitating again, before handing over the small box. "I hope you like them," Luna added quietly. Hermione's smile couldn't have been any warmer as she accepted the box.
"You made it, of course I'll love it," Hermione replied, watching Luna as she nearly glowed with happiness at the blanket praise. Hermione opened the box to see radish earrings. "Oh!"
"They're Dirigible Plum earrings, from the bush outside our front door. They offer good luck, and help enhance wisdom and helps the wearer believe in the extraordinary, so says my father," Luna quickly explained. Hermione beamed at the younger girl and pulled her in for a hug.
"I love them, thank you," she effused warmly. Luna, happy in the embrace, snuggled closer. When they finally drew apart, Hermione pulled out her wand. "Can I transfigure the setting into a clip on? My parents won't let me get my ears pierced until this coming winter holidays, since I'll be 14 by then," she explained, and Luna lit up.
"Oh! I actually have a few clip on settings at home that I can have Daddy send over this week. I'll let you know when they come in, and we can easily switch them out!" Luna exclaimed, excited that her gift went over well.
"That's perfect. Once we switch it out, I'll make sure to wear them when I'm studying. You're so thoughtful, thank you so much!" Hermione added.
"Just during studying?" Luna questioned, and Hermione nodded.
"As a Muggleborn, I grew up not knowing magic. Sometimes I have doubts about whether a spell will work or not. From your description of these earrings, they will help me remove the layer of doubt as I study. I learned that when I had my flying lessons. I was afraid of being in the air. I was doubtful of the magic to keep us safe when flying. So the magic didn't work for me. So these will help me remember to not only believe in myself, but in my magic too," Hermione explained, and there was a look of compassion and understanding on Luna's face. The blonde threw herself back at Hermione and they hugged once more.
"I'm so glad they will be helpful to you! I was worried you wouldn't like them," Luna confessed, and Hermione held her out at arm's length to look her in the eye.
"Luna, I'll love anything you make me, because you made it!" Hermione declared. "You spent the time and energy into thinking up and making this gift, the least I can do is enjoy it." Tears sprang to Luna's eyes, and she hugged Hermione tighter. Hermione hugged her back.
Twenty minutes later, when Harry found them a few minutes before the Express left the station, the two girls were chatting with each other with a magazine between them. Luna was telling Hermione a story about what her Mother did last week, and the two were uproariously laughing. Smiling, he directed his trunk to the luggage rack before joining them on the seat. Third year was going to be a good one.