Chapter 6: The Special Invite

Harry led Luna to an empty corridor. They sat on a stone bench that had full view of the courtyard. The trees swayed above their heads side to side. Everything was quiet except for the sound of rustling leaves brushing against one another with a mixture of Luna soft sniffling.

She gulped and began slowly, "It was a group of girls in my second period class. I thought they were being pleasant because they offered the carry my books. They invited me to eat lunch with them. So I took that offer." She stared straight down to the ground

Harry nodded looking down at her.

"I was misled into thinking at they actually would like me. That I, Luna, would get a new group of companions…You see, Harry, I don't have that many friends except for Ginny," Luna said. She looked up at him.

What Harry saw was a completely different person crying in front of him. Her cheeks and lips were rosy. And her eyes were sparkling with tears. This was the first time Harry had ever seen Luna cry like this. He found this a heart aching moment, but there was also a sad beauty. For the first time Luna looked…

Come off, Harry! You seriously weren't going to say Luna was beautiful. I mean, she's not ugly…She's comely. Harry thought.

"That's not true, Luna. Not all. I'm…err… your friend," Harry replied awkwardly.

Her watery gaze locked into his and suddenly lost their sadness. A new brightness grew in them.

"Really? Is that true, Harry? Are you really?" asked Luna excitedly.

"Um… I guess. Yes. Yes, I am," said Harry hesitantly.

"That's lovely! I never had a boy friend before!" exclaimed Luna happily.

"BOYFRIEND!" Harry asked appallingly.

"Why, yes! A boy that is just a friend," replied Luna serenely.

"Oh yes, of course. I thought you meant…oh never mind. Luna, didn't you know I have always been your friend?" asked Harry with relief.

"Well you have never been up front about it. I'm so glad you're my friend, Harry. I like being your friend," Luna said dreamily.

"Now, about those girls, Luna, shall I have a word with them?" he asked.

"No it's alright. I don't mind that anymore. That will be tomorrow's news," Luna said rationally.

"Alright, well I've got to go and meet Ron at the library. We're going to escort Hermione out of the hospital wing," he said.

"Hermione's coming out? That's lovely. We should have a party," Luna suggested.

"Yes, that's what Ron and I were thinking. It will be held tonight. Stop by if you'd like. It's in The Three Broomsticks," Harry invited.

Luna smiled and nodded. Her eyes were smiling too. "I shall come then," she replied.

"See you soon, Luna!" Harry said. And with that he raced off to the library.

"Goodbye Harry!" Luna yelled back.

"I'm going to a party. That's lovely. I should wear my chocolate frog broach," Luna said to herself. She looked at her clothing. "Speaking of pudding, I need to wash up. I can't go looking like this." She clutched her books to her chest and started walking on her way back to the dorms. As she passed by the transfiguration classroom, she heard a voice called after her.

"LUNA! HEY LUNA!" a voice cried behind her. She turned around to see Ginny.

"Why, hello, Ginny. How are you?" asked Luna.

"I'm going great, thanks. Are you coming to the—what on earth happened here?" Ginny said pointing at Luna's clothing.

"Pudding accident. No worries. If you were asking if I was going to the party tonight, I am," Luna replied matter-of-factly.

"Oh good! Do you know what to wear?" Ginny asked.

Now that she thought of it. Luna had no clothing to wear at all. Her silver spangled dress was back at home.

She shook her head, "No."

"Oh…..OH! Luna, how would you like to borrow one of my dresses?" asked Ginny.

"No, I couldn't possibly----"

"Oh no! I insist. I really want you to go to the party tonight. There's no one from our year that's attending. I don't want to be there alone," Ginny implored.

"Well, if you say so. I wouldn't mind wearing your dress," Luna replied.

"Good, meet me at the girls bathroom by the astronomy tower. We can change there. I'll bring my things and you take a shower. See you soon. Cheers!" Ginny said as she walked off.

Although the thought of Luna wearing a dress of Ginny was nice, she felt there were more than clothes that she was going to worry about. She'll just have to see for herself.