Luna had left the party when Harry had disappeared. She liked parties but this one had given her a lot to think about and she couldn't do that with a lot of people around.

She marched up the stairs to the astronomy tower, her shoes gripped tightly in her hand. She could feel the cold stone through the material of her tights but she plodded on, her feet growing more icy with every step. As she reached the top she slowed to a stop. Someone else had stolen her thinking spot and by the silhouette she could tell straight away who it was stood in her place, looking blankly at the stars. She walked over, speaking as she drew level with him. He barely noticed her, a distant, thoughtful expression on his face.

'You shouldn't have done that you know, gate crashed I mean. It was very rude'

Draco ignored her statement.

'So did you have fun with scarface? You make a good couple.'

'Yeah, it was fun, there were interesting people there. I was talking about something quite fascinating when you barged in actually.'

Draco's elbows were resting on the railing, his hands clasped together as though he was praying. His head turned sharply in Luna's direction, irritation but not malice in his eyes.

'Do you think I really care what you were talking about at that pompous old man's party?' He spat the last word so violently Luna felt herself jolt slightly.

'I don't think you care about anything right now. You're thinking about something difficult and sad, I can see it from the way you're standing.'

As if to prove her wrong, Draco stood up to his full height and walked away from the railing. Luna turned and let her eyes follow him as he walked. Abruptly he stopped and looked at her, a dark look in one eye that Luna could only describe as crazy.

'I bet you've never had to prove yourself, have you, Loony?'

'I don't think so, n-' she stopped as she realised the question was probably rehtorical.

'Even as a little child, I was never good enough. Never smart enough, never perfect enough for my father to be proud. My mother loved me but there was no pride, I wasn't worth anything. After all love is worth nothing in the end. It gets you nowhere.' He gathered himself for a second and Luna realised that he could no longer see her. That the Draco she was seeing now was never meant to be seen by anyone.

'But just in one moment I got given the chance to prove to everyone that had ever doubted or laughed at me that I am not a waste of oxygen. And so many people are trying to steal the glory from me. Out of everyone, I was the one trusted enough, valued enough to be given such a task and...'

He seemed to wake up and finally see the small wide eyed blonde girl in front of him. He looked confused and then a little scared.

'Why am I even telling you this?'

Luna turned, and Draco saw the intelligence that had put her in Ravenclaw glisten in her eyes.

'To share the responsibility, to convince yourself that you're right, to get it off your chest. There's lots of reasons but they all come down to one thing.'

She took a final few steps towards the stairs, one hand on the handrail as she finished her speech.

'You don't want the glory. You've just convinced yourself you so. There's another reason why you're doing this, which would explain why it's fear rather than determination I see in your eyes.'

She took a step only for her eyes to meet level with Draco's wand.

'You mention this to anyone...'

Luna looked up, her eyes almost seemed to be laughing.

'I know, worst nightmares. Merry Christmas, Draco. I'll see you next year.'

It was a strange feeling, but a part of Draco hoped he did see Luna next year.

Huzzah! I've made it to christmas! The next part should be a bit more interesting. If there's any situations or ideas you'd like to see happen please tell me in reviews or PM, I'm always welcome to ideas, they're helpful when writers block takes hold.

Also, I know this is a bit cheeky but could I ask anyone who has facebook to maybe check out the 'I am a person therefore I must be stereotyped' page. It is a project being run by one of my friends which I am involved in, trying to stop people from labelling each other.

There's some great pictures on there as well so please have a look! Thank you!