Hermione was sat quietly in the library reading about summoning magic and manipulation magic. She had been suggested by her teacher that she was powerful enough to attempt summoning a familiar to aid her; so this kind of studies would help her in that field. She was often praised by her excelling in magic and eagerness to learn, which unfortunately also led to bullying from other students out of spite. Due to her Muggleborn nature, she had to work twice as hard to prove her status as a witch, often demeaned and belittled by others around her due to being born from human non magic users. Unfortunately, Ron had a tendency to be ignorant of her desire to earn her place and prove her magics, coming from a family of pureblood wizards, he would never understand her struggle. As goodhearted as Ron was he was infamously clueless to her struggles and other issues which plagued her life. She had always been an intellectual person with a thirst for knowledge and coming first in most of her classes on account of it. Ron always seeing her as a smarty pants and intimidated by the fact she was well read and could often outsmart him in any given situation. Annoyed and frustrated at the fact that he felt humiliated and shown up by his own girlfriend. Balancing logic with her magic to make her a more efficient witch and a deadly foe to any dark wizard she came across, as well as a powerful ally to friends.

But that didn't stop her from being caught off guard by unpredictable circumstances becoming a regular in her life. Leaving her stunned and unsure of how to handle such situations when they caused conflict within herself. She sighed heavily her head aching from reading so much; she was used to being one of the smartest students here but lately her heart had been distracted lately. Whenever she was around Harry her heart seemed to race and she couldn't stop looking into his blue eyes. She felt comfortable around him and her eyes always seemed to roam to his lips. They harbored an immense bond of trust between one another, easily able to convey her feelings towards Harry, better than anyone else. Though they had their moments of disagreements, their arguments never lasted as long as they did with Ron. Having philosophical debates and moral disagreements, of personal matters rather than of childish matters. There wasn't much she wouldn't do or wouldn't say in order to protect and defend Harry when he needed her. She placed her hand on her face contemplating her feelings; she didn't want to hurt anyone but day by day her emotions grew stronger. She wouldn't be able to hide them forever and it was eating away at her on the inside.

"You seem troubled" Luna said gently appearing beside her suddenly wearing a sweet smile. She wasn't exactly a nosy person but she tried her best to give wisdom and guidance to others in need. She had suffered much heartache in her own life, she was labelled quirky and yet intelligent by others around her. However, though people believed her to be odd, nobody harboured an ill grudge against her despite this.

Hermione laughed quietly her tone frustrated "That's an understatement" she muttered quietly. She had tried hard to hide her problems but it seemed even the weird and mysterious Luna Lovegood could see she was troubled. She was so used to helping others, used to people confiding in her that when it came to her own troubles, she felt as though she had to stand on her own feet. She was commonly known for her blunt opinions, at times becoming tactless and painful honesty. But she harboured sensitivity for the emotions of others despite being rather bad at lying. She cared immensely for those around her and couldn't help having a passionate soul.

Luna sat down beside her quietly; she was not one to draw attention to herself and simply made a statement. She smiled gently and took one of her hands gently "Now what seems to be the problem?". She was far more perceptive than people gave her credit for, easily able to understand that Hermione had been harbouring conflict within herself for a long period of time despite attempting to hide it. She knew that Hermione and herself were not the closest of friends, but she wanted to do what she could to aid her in her troubles.

Hermione sighed heavily all her frustrations evident from that one release; where did she begin? Her life was complicated in so many ways yet the biggest seemed to be her growing fondness for the boy wizard. Harry had always seen her as his point of refuge, a place of comfort without judgement where he could unburden himself. She put selfish desires aside and was willing to risk her wellbeing and safety for the sake of Harry come hell or high water. Their continuous support of one another often at the expense of others around them. "I just...I feel so lost and confused. It seems like my head is so full of Harry nowadays I can't seem to think of anything else" she said reluctantly. She didn't want to bother anyone with these thoughts but somehow she felt like she could trust Luna. Despite her unflappable demeanor, Luna was fiercely protective of her father and had suffered the loss of her mother during her childhood. For someone who had endured such loss and sadness in her life, she never allowed anyone to see her pain. Something she greatly admired in her.

Luna smiled "I see; and what kinds of feelings for harry would they be?" she asked gently her tone understanding. She didn't see anything wrong with how Hermione was feeling, it was their personal business. How they felt, what they had, it was not something that other people needed to understand or become involved in. They didn't owe anyone an explanation, they would work through their problems on their own terms.

"Confusion; desire, content, longing and joy. I just feel so happy when I'm around Harry but sometimes I find myself getting lost in his eyes and I get an urge to kiss him. I don't know what's wrong with me" Hermione rambled quickly nervousness obvious in her tone. His deep blue eyes, his warm smile, his cheeky smile, his dark hair, his kindness, his protective nature over her. They had a trusting relationship and he never belittled her like Ron did; ever. She felt so safe with Harry, she could pour her heart out to him and he would always understand her feelings. He would never disregard her opinion or belittle her, he could keep her secrets and was always there to comfort her.

Luna sighed heavily and shook her head laughing slightly; she may have been a teenager herself but the feelings she was having were quite obvious. "I think that you may have discovered your feelings for Harry" she said solemnly. She and many other students had sensed the bond between Harry and Hermione, often believing them to be dating which was why so many female admirers of Harry never came forward. Despite claims otherwise that they were never more than just friends, it was becoming clear that things had changed between herself and Harry. She was now only beginning to recognise this change and realise her growing romantic feelings. Falling in love with your best friend often created a conflict in others, a sense of shame and confusion, wondering if it was wrong to feel this way. If perhaps you were a bad person and if you should act on these feelings.

Hermione blushed gently, wondering why Luna was so calm and long she had known this "My...My feelings?" she said quietly. She had known she felt strongly for Harry for a long time but had never been able to figure out why. Harry was already famous for being able to survive Voldemort, the boy who lived being cursed by the dark lord. She had been able to bond quickly with Harry, finding a sense of comfort in one another. She had never been shamed by Harry for her nerdiness, instead he encouraged and praised her for it. They felt as though they could tell each other anything, able to appreciate the ability of the other and never feel bitterness towards each other.

Luna nodded content with her answer "Yes; you've finally realized that you are in love with one Harry potter" she explained gently. While Luna wasn't really bothered about a relationship currently; she was always open to one. She just concentrated on her studies and being herself while allowing love to find her instead. However she was always willing to give guidance and advice to those who seemed confused or in need of answers. She knew people thought her to be odd, but she didn't mind that, perhaps someday she would meet someone who saw her uniqueness and fell in love with that.

Hermione bowed her head slowly her brown waves tumbling over her face; she did love Harry very much so. They had been best friends since their first year and felt like she could tell him everything. He supported her, joked with her and was always there when she needed him. They never argued, they could always banter, even in a crowd of thousands they could find each other instantly. They respected each other for their abilities and what they were capable both knowing they were formidable allies. "But...what if he doesn't...I mean what if we don't..." Hermione stammered anxiously. If her love wasn't returned then they would spend their years as students constantly seeing each other with that uncomfortable past. They always knew what the other was thinking, their hiding places and what recklessness they should ever befall. Hermione could talk Harry out of being an idiot and Harry could give Hermione an insight that her honesty may have missed, strengthening her empathy.

"You'll never know unless you try; chasing love is never easy and very scary. But it's worth the risk if you care about someone" Luna explained tenderly her eyes full of wisdom and caring.

Hermione slammed her book shut and jumped to her feet; if she kept hesitating and putting this off it would only eat away at her. She had to act now before it was too late and she regretted not being honest. She didn't know if Harry would feel the same, what may become of this and if they were making a hasty decision. But she felt safe with Harry, they learned from each other, they made a great team, never knowing what she would be without him. "Thank you Luna" she said quickly before dashing off with her book in her satchel. She needed to find Harry and fast; It was too late to look back and she needed to act now before it was too late.

Luna watched the brunette leave hastily and smiled fondly; she slowly got to her feet and went to find Harry. He had most likely gone to the girls dorm thinking she would be there; so she would send him somewhere they could be alone. "I wish you happiness Hermione" she said quietly before walking away to complete her mission.