Canto IX
"I am thinking that this existence is very different from that of being alive." He felt like the understatement was less because of mistrusting her than because of wanting to keep the darkness of his soul from putting a damper on the pretty, lively creature that was, strangely, showing him what seemed to be kindness.
No doubt she wanted something from him, as did anyone who was kind to him for any duration of time, but he knew Luna Lovegood's motives tended to be a little less orthodox, so he was intrigued.
"That is no surprise," the girl answered without hesitation. "Probably, Professor, it is so different because you still have much to learn, and the powers that be do not want you to become confused."
The idea that he had not learned enough in his difficult lifetime insulted him, but he let it pass because the idea that he might become bewildered about anything irked him considerably more. Severus Snape had confidence that nothing, if he had reason on his side, should bewilder him, so he asked, "Confused about what, pray?"
"Well, I think that some in your position might confuse your immortality with divinity. There are a great many grown Ramscore-Flunnies that become ghosts after their passing, and oh, if you saw them swarm around a living Ramscore-Flunnie nest you would know what I mean."
This explanation provided little in the way of a tangible example to Snape, which made him want to shriek at her with anger at her nonsense. The years had taught him and the past hour had reminded him, however, that she was incapable of responding in the usual human ways to his anger, and that his breath was better saved for Longbottom, who could not so easily diffuse wrath.
Moreover, the innocence in her voice made him wonder anew, as he had wondered for years, if Hagrid were teaching the children this sort of thing, or if it was just the temperament of Luna.
Ultimately, as he beheld the waxing moon fading into the sky as it set, it was probably just her.
"Why did you come so far to look for the dead, alone?" he asked, knowing as soon as he asked the question that her answer would only serve to bewilder him.
"I'm not alone," she stated, her celestial eyes luminous and feline as they wandered over the moorish terrain.