IWSC4 round 6 writing school

Beauxbatons exchange student 1

Techniques: commas, conciseness

Optional prompts: stargazing [action]; eternity [word]

Word count: 242 (maximum 250)

A/N: I've always thought that the two people most likely to befriend Draco when he went back to Hogwarts for an 8th year would be Neville and Luna. Both understood what it was like to be ostracised, and both were, in their different ways, mature enough to be able to bridge the gap created by Draco's inevitable defensiveness. I've already written a reconciliation scene with Neville ("Across Space and Time"); here's one with Luna, although due to the 250-word limit, it isn't nearly as in-depth.

However, it's a happy accident that both stories are set on the roof of the Astronomy Tower.


Friends for Eternity

Draco turned from his telescope with a frown as he heard footsteps behind him. He groaned at the sight of Luna's blonde hair and protuberant eyes. Seventh-year Astronomy homework was difficult enough without hearing about Nargles, Crumple-Horned Snorkacks, and whatever else she might imagine existed!

He resumed his task, knowing she'd stay whether he ignored her or not. He swung the scope back and forth, but he couldn't find Delphinus. Luna tapped his shoulder.

"Here, use these. They're Clairoculars, magical binoculars that make things appear when you can't find them."

He muttered awkward thanks, pushed the telescope aside, and took the Clairoculars.

"Gosh, you're right—there it is!"

Fearful the constellation would disappear the moment he stopped looking, he scribbled in his notebook. Luna gazed at the stars.

"They go on for eternity," she mused. "Like friendship."

"Friendship doesn't go on forever," Draco said, not looking up. "I don't have a single friend left from before."

"Oh, but that wasn't real friendship," said Luna, pitying his cynicism. "Real friendship doesn't end. It just gets better and better. But, of course, you have to start from the right place. Trying to prove you have friends isn't the same as being a friend."

Draco winced at her candid perspicuity.

"I don't know how to be a friend," he confessed.

"Just begin, that's all."

Luna held out her hand. Draco saw the warmth in her eyes and put his hand in hers.

Eternity had begun.


Sentences for marking

Coordinating conjunction: "He swung the scope back and forth, but he couldn't find Delphinus."

Beginning sentence with dependent clause: "Fearful the constellation would disappear the moment he stopped looking, he scribbled in his notebook."

Appositive: "They're Clairoculars, magical binoculars that make things appear when you can't find them."