When Luna awoke, her sleepy eyes met mine and the world was righted. Then suddenly her eyes went wide.

"What's wrong?" I asked, rising to put a hand on her forehead.

"I could ask the same. What happened to you, Hermione?"

I took note of my state and laughed heartily. "It seems your ill health has left me quite disheveled."

"It's morning now! Did you sleep at all?" she chided.

"Well, I dozed here and there. I knew there was no danger, but I couldn't leave you."

Luna took my hand. "I understand, but I wish you wouldn't worry so."

"I'm sure it will please you to know that I have finished worrying!"

"Good! Have you seen Mr. Potter and Lady Delacour this morning?" Luna asked brightly.

I recalled warm breath moving along my cheek while delicate fingers covered me with a blanket. "No, I haven't seen them yet this morning."

Luna raised her eyebrows. "You are blushing, cousin."

"I am surely not! I have just found myself suddenly too warmed by this blanket!"

I stood and quickly folded the offending object over my chair. Lady Delacour showed surprising character last night. Apparently, it was more disquieting than not, but that was no reason to dwell on the subject!

"You must be hungry, Luna. I will send for breakfast and return shortly."

I retreated quicker than a chocolate frog leaps. Sadly, it only led me to my doom faster, for I was not in the hall more than a few steps before I saw the one person I wanted to avoid.

"Ms. Granger, is there something you need?"

She was a picture of grace. I looked down at my rumpled garments. "Could you send for Luna's breakfast and could I? Is there a..."

"Would you like me to show you to your room so you may freshen up?"

"Yes. Thank you."

Lady Delacour walked me to my quarters, which thankfully was not far from Luna's room. When we arrived, I immediately saw a familiar suitcase.

"I took the liberty and sent for some necessities."

"Thank you, Lady Delacour. I am astounded."

She turned away and when she next looked at me, her demeanor held her all too familiar icy countenance. "Good day, Ms. Granger."

"I didn't mean to..."

She was already moving down the hall. I sat on my bed, flustered and embarrassed. Wretchedly, that wasn't to be the end of my humiliating spiral. Believe it or not, my gaze fell on a bookshelf filled with my very own ancient rune books! With flaming cheeks, I remembered mentioning my love for runes at dinner. I knew not how all of this could possibly be happening, so I did the one thing I knew I could do to circumvent it temporarily—I slept.

When I woke, my first thought was of visiting Luna. That was before I heard Mrs. Weasley's shrill, untimely voice down the hall exclaiming at Luna's luck. Luck! To be poisoned by yucca! I threw off the covers and dressed in haste, all the while praying no one else heard this shallow, yet strangely motherly rant. No doubt Mrs. Weasley felt this stay at Netherfield was opportune for Luna. I couldn't disagree, but these indelicate words would surely not convey Luna's innocent intentions towards Mr. Potter. I raced in hopes of introducing temperance in enough time to counter Mrs. Weasley's lack of restraint. These hopes were dashed when I was met with a very dour Lady Delacour.

"Greetings, Lady Delacour."

"Hello, Ms. Granger," she replied stiffly.

My intention then was to give thanks for her unexpected kindness, but once again I wasn't quick enough. Lady Delacour walked away! Confounded and frustrated, I finally entered the fray of Luna's room where I was met with the twins, Ginny, and the very excited Mrs. Weasley. I found my cousin's eyes and she looked upon me with the brightest of smiles. We shared sly winks and I knew all would be well.

— —

Hi you. Thanks for reading. Eek...Who's going to be Mr. Wickham?