Summary: Even during the darkest of times friendships can be made. - — 1997/1998 School Year (Deathly Hallows).

Rating: K

Genre: Friendship

Warning Tag: N/A

Songbirds

October 24th, 1998

Luna hummed a strange melodic tune while watching the freshly conjured songbirds in varying shades of green flutter around her. She was hoping to have them learn the song she quietly sang in the autumn breeze, but she had no luck. They were more focused on their own musically whimsical sounds instead. At least they came out the colors that she wanted, which was a sign of progress.

It was considered early for most students to be wandering about the school grounds on a Saturday, but she liked to come and sit by the bank of the Black Lake and watch the early sun shimmer off its dark waters. It was like the equivalent to a night sky with twinkling stars piercing through the darkness. The fresh, cold air and lovely view helped set the mood and hone the witch's concentration in order to practice the complex magic among the quiet morning.

The signs of winter tinged the air. There was a war raging all around them, and even though Hogwarts was allegedly considered safe, it truly wasn't when some of the teachers—and the Headmaster himself—were full-blown Death Eaters. Practicing the bird-conjuring charm may look innocent in the hands of the Ravenclaw, but Luna knew that, with the right combination of spells, it could become quite dangerous when needed. This is why she practiced it, using the song as a harmless way to will the spell to do as she pleased, it was essential for when it could be utilized as a weapon.

As she banished the birds away and ceased her song, the witch focused on the spell once more. Taking care that the tune she wished they sang in mind, she let out a slow breath before making the needed motion with her wand.

"Avis."

What Luna was not expecting to be that morning was a teacher. As three periwinkle songbirds burst from the tip of her wand with delicate pops, someone had approached the Ravenclaw.

"Your spellwork is beautiful."

Sparkling silver eyes looked up to meet hazel ones of the Slytherin witch who spoke.

"Thank you," Luna replied, turning her attention back to the birds flying around the water's edge.

The girl sat down beside her and watched the birds with the blonde. "It's refreshing to see something look so free and peaceful, especially now."

Luna gave a shrug, waving her wand in the air to have the periwinkle birds explode into tufts of feathers around her. The Slytherin appeared startled at the popping sounds and watched as the feathery remains of the birds cascaded around them. Luna was wary of her presence, wondering why she was bothering to converse over the birds.

"Sometimes even the peaceful nature of something innocent and beautiful can become destructive." The Ravenclaw gave her attention back to the dark-haired girl beside her, asking a silent question of why she was there.

"I'm sorry, I should have introduced myself." She held out a delicate hand. "I'm Astoria."

The Ravenclaw made no notion to accept it. "Luna."

Astoria should know the transgression she was facing that came with the colors she wore. Betraying the mass was not a wise choice when it came to conversing with someone who openly supported Harry Potter. At the moment Luna didn't care, all she wanted was a friend it seemed, but she would have to tread cautiously. She wasn't usually biased against anyone based on their House, but this time it was different, the Ravenclaw had to be careful to not expose the remaining D.A. members to the wrath of the Carrows. Being a Slytherin did not help Astoria's case, but Luna was not going to judge her so quickly.

Luna prepared to cast the spell once more.

"Are you able to make them be colorful like a rainbow?" Astoria asked.

Luna didn't answer. Instead, she focused on the colors for the birds as requested. With a practised movement of her wand, she focused on the spell.

"Avis."

Ten birds burst from her wand, each one an individual color of a rainbow. They chirped Luna's song she hummed to them earlier now, and the Ravenclaw smirked at her success. Holding out her hand, the periwinkle bird landed happily in it and continued to sing.

'I did it.'

Astoria sighed, holding her own hand out for a bird to perch on. She observed the magic-conjured creature carefully as it sang its melodic song. "They are quite lovely. I wish I could do something like it."

"You can do anything you put your mind to." Luna's gaze met Astoria's, a light smile on her face. "But the secret is believing in yourself."

Astoria returned the gesture as the violet bird took flight from her hand once more. "I suppose that's true."

The two fell into a comforting quiet. Luna watched her creation soar around her and over the lake, Astoria observing them as well. Despite not knowing the girl who decided to socialize with her, she found her presence welcoming and soothing. It kept the thoughts of what was to come at bay while she made a new friend.

Originally written for:

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry (Challenges & Assignments)

Monthly Challenges for All

Word Count: 854

Originally Written: May 2018