Luna the Cunning
Luna Lovegood was always a strange little girl.
Her parents encouraged Luna, but she could see the looks others gave her.
When she'd go visit the neighbors' children, they'd smile awkwardly, and whisper to each other about her.
Luna wasn't stupid, not in the least, and she knew why people would point and laugh when she talked.
But that was okay, because when Luna came home crying, her mother would gather Luna up in her arms and whisper that it was okay to be underestimated.
So Luna went on, talking of imaginary creatures, seeing who would be friends with a little lonely crazy girl.
Mama said it was alright, and Daddy was always so pleased...
And then her mother passed away, and Luna's father grew sadder and sadder, and spent more time with his own imaginary creatures.
So Luna had to figure it out for herself, how all the adults were kind to the little crazy girl who lost her mother.
How only her real friend would stay by her when she talked of creatures not there.
Because no one ever told Luna that adults didn't play pretend.
In fact, her only role model seemed to prove the opposite.
So Luna grew wise, and played pretend all day, letting people believe that they knew her.
The years passed quickly, and soon it was time to go to Hogwarts.
Luna was excited, because there were sure to be people with whom she could make friends.
So she waited in line anxiously, until it was her time to put on the ancient black hat.
It commented on her odd brain, the way thoughts swirled in and out at lightning speed.
She thanked the ancient artifact, and waited to be sorted into a house.
But the hat couldn't pick a place for her, and invited the little girl to choose her own destiny.
And Luna looked around the Great Hall, thinking.
She imagined herself with robes of silver and green, but shook her head minutely.
She could belong there if she tried, but she'd be forced to choose the losing side in the war.
She pictured herself in Gryffindor, with the one friend she had (for Ginny would surely be in the same house as her brothers).
But that would not work either.
There she would be unable to stay neutral in the battle between houses, and would make an easy target.
Then she looked over to the table of the loyal.
She sighed.
Not them, though she would find happiness there.
But they would be too concerned, too friendly, and would not let her be little inconsequential Loony Lovegood.
They would care too much.
So she glanced at the fourth table.
She might be able to fit in there; she had the creative mind they valued.
She would be able to find friends there, too, though some children would be cruel.
But most of all, she could keep her mask, and fade into the background.
And in her mind, the hat sighed because the young girl's choice had been made.
Inwardly, it whispered to her 'good luck', as it shouted to the Great Hall-
"RAVENCLAW!"
Author's Note: Review for Luna! Everyone likes Luna, right?