Mooch
"So where are you two headed after lunch?"
The redhead sitting across from the two blondes was sipping a warm butterbeer, trying to chase away the chill that had come over her during their walk over to The Three Broomsticks.
Luna glanced at Draco who shrugged at her.
"I suppose we don't have any plans." Luna said repeating his shrug.
Ginny's face broke out in a wide grin.
"Oh good, you can come with me to pick out a dress for the Christmas ball. Have you picked out your dress yet?"
Luna's head shook as she glanced again at her menu. Draco was watching her in his peripheral wondering if she had been asked by anyone yet.
"No, I don't plan to go." She said simply.
Before Ginny could respond the waitress interrupted stepping in to take their orders.
As soon as the orders were given and the witch gone back to the kitchen Ginny snapped back to Luna.
"What do you mean you aren't going? It won't be fun without you." Luna flashed her an 'oh please' look.
"You two will be so preoccupied with one another you won't even notice my absence." She said pointing between Ginny and Harry.
"I'm sure Draco will." Harry interjected.
Luna blushed and shot Harry a very stern look.
"I'm sure you're being silly Harry." Luna said while still shooting him a look that said, 'I will destroy your very soul with my eyes if you do not shut up this instance Potter.'
Harry simply smirked, knowing his friend was about as dangerous as an angry kitten.
Draco glanced over to her grimacing.
Oh dear, he didn't feel obligated to ask her to the dance now did he? She really didn't care to stay in and get a head start on her studies for after the holiday.
"I wasn't planning to go either." He was staring down at his butterbeer now.
Ginny's intent glare shot over to Draco, he was supposed to be her savior, the one to convince Luna she had to come.
"But," he added nervously, "If you wanted, we could go as friends, just to have fun and keep from being stuck in the dorms with all the first through third years." He glanced at Luna then quickly back to his beverage.
Luna's eyes widened as she stared at him, she had wanted him to ask, but had not been expecting it to even come up.
Luna nodded gently. "I'd like that."
"Wonderful! So dress shopping after lunch it is!" Ginny clapped her hands and began to blabber on about the style she was looking for, and how she wanted to wear her hair.
Harry however, noticed the awkward way Draco and Luna were trying to avoid one another's gaze and he smiled to himself.
He had never seen anything make Malfoy's massive ego falter before and it was amusing to watch now.
When the group had finished their meal the waitress brought over the checks, she had apparently assumed they were coupled off because she brought Harry and Ginny one ticket, and Draco and Luna another.
When Luna began to correct the mistake Draco quieted her.
"I don't mind getting it." He told her in a quiet voice.
"I don't expect you to do that Draco." She argued.
"I know that, but I don't mind you being a mooch."
