Hermione felt rather foolish walking out towards the lake just before sunset. She had a book just in case Luna didn't show up that way if anyone asked she could claim she was studying. Of course that wasn't something she had to worry about because she'd hardly opened her book when Luna showed up.

"You came." Luna said as she sat down next to Hermione.

"I said I would." Hermione shrugged. It was then that she looked up and the younger girl and was awe struck. She noticed that in the fading sunlight Luna's hair almost glowed as did her eyes. And her pale skin had never looked more beautiful. Hermione blushed lightly and looked back down at her book.

"What book is it?" Luna asked curiously.

"Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,"

"That's an interesting book; I hope to someday add some of my own findings to that book or at least one similar."

Hermione nodded at the younger girl. She'd never imagined Luna actually wanting to do something normal. They sat together silently until the light began to fade. Luna read the Quibbler and Hermione continued to study though it was becoming increasingly difficult in the fading light.

Luna held back a giggle upon seeing Hermione struggle to hold her wand to light the book and turn pages. "Try this" she suggested as she took the wand and placed it behind Hermione's ear.

Hermione blushed. "I never thought to do that."

Luna smiled. "We should probably be going in soon anyway. I imagine supper has already started."

Hermione unlit her wand and followed Luna inside. She stared at Luna wondering what to say to the younger girl. They hadn't talked very much but she'd been so content just reading near Luna. She felt lighter around her, like things didn't matter so much. Luna glanced rather shyly at Hermione. She smiled realizing that as usual with Hermione she would have to be the one to break the silence. "Aren't the grounds beautiful in this time of year?"

Hermione nodded. "Hogwarts is very pretty all year round." She smiled. It was getting quite dark but that didn't stop her from looking around. They continued that line of conversation until they reached the main building where there was once again a natural yet comfortable lull in the conversation.

Luna had been right about supper already having begun. They slipped into the noisy Hall unnoticed by all except Ginny who smiled and waved them over.

"I was beginning to wonder if you were going to show at all. Where have you two been?"

"Down by the lake." Hermione shrugged.

Ginny snickered. "It IS a lovely night for a date by the lake I suppose."

Hermione blushed furiously and almost spit out the water she'd just taken a sip of. "It was not a date. We we're studying."

Ginny rolled her eyes. "It was a joke Hermione."

Luna remained silent during the meal. She pushed her food around her plate taking bites only when she noticed Ginny looking at her. She wondered briefly how long she would be able to keep her friends in the dark about the way she was feeling. She gave a dreamy smile to them and stood. "I'm not to terribly hungry. I think I will be leaving now."

"Bye Luna, I enjoyed spending time with you." Hermione said shyly. She felt her cheeks warm though she wasn't sure why.

Luna waved and walked away. She felt lighter after hearing Hermione say she had enjoyed their time together.

"Is Loony alright," Ginny asked Hermione after watching her friend leave? "She seemed kind of out of it."

"She seemed fine earlier."

"Maybe I'll go check up on her in a bit. If I get caught out past curfew you won't punish me will you?"

"Why would you be out past curfew?"

Ginny shrugged and stood leaving Hermione all by herself.