Snitches and Spectrespecs

Chapter 3: Unwrapping Secrets

She saw the entrance doors but decided to quickly wipe her remaining tears with her sleeves before she entered. She didn't want Luna to see her like this. When Ginny was convinced that she looked happy, she opened the doors to the Great Hall.

The tables were all in the middle, just like last night. It was easy to spot Luna, as she was wearing a giant wool hat. It was in the shape of a reindeer head. Of course Luna would have a giant reindeer hat. Luna was also wearing a painfully bright red and green Christmas jumper. Somehow, the wool that made the jumper was neon and glowing. Luna's bright face turned and looked back at Ginny and smiled. Even if Luna was on the farthest table, Ginny could still see her waving. Even just Luna existing, seemed to cheer up Ginny a bit.

She quickly walked towards Luna, a smile growing slightly on her face. Ginny, distracted by Luna, forgot she was holding presents and dropped them. She had to tear her gaze away from her friend as she picked up everything.

As Ginny sat down, Luna began to speak.

"How are the fairies?"

"What?"

"The five fairies in the jar, how are they?"

"Oh yes, those. Nicely fed." Ginny lied, she had forgotten to feed them that morning.

"You seem sad and confused. Did something happen?"

Luna could read emotions like they were pages of a book.

"Did something happen?" she repeated.

"Well, I'm sad and confused because... I might not get the presents I was hoping for!" Ginny lied again, wearing a fake smile too.

"You don't have to lie to me. I know you'd be grateful no matter what. If you don't want to tell me, then that's fine too, Ginny."

Her words felt more like friendly advice than a lecture. Ginny smiled gratefully. She was glad that Luna didn't force her to talk about it. That was one of the good things about being friends with Luna Lovegood, she was always laid back about things.

"Anyway... If you help open these prezzies then I will give you some chocolate fudge!"

Luna rapidly tore up the wrapping, like she was some kind of hungry lion. But then her hands froze and curiosity grew on her face.

"Wait, how do you know that you will get fudge?"

"My mum. She's consistent, but predictable. Every year, we get a box of fudge, a boring old jumper and maybe some other bits if we're lucky."

"A jumper? What's so boring about a jumper?"

Was Luna offended? Her jumper obviously wasn't boring, but the handmade ones from Mrs Weasley felt repetitive. Same design, every year...

"Not jumpers in general, just... Mum's. I'm not trying to be ungrateful, but it's always the same every year. I don't even like maroon."

Luna's expression seemed hopeful after Ginny had spoke.

Hopeful? Why would she be hopeful if the conversation was about Christmas jumpers?!

"Luna? Wait, do you... want my jumper? Oh, is that one of those things you like collecting? Yeah, you can have it if you like, it arrived yesterday. As a Christmas Eve gift, I guess. I'll bring it to you tomorrow though."

"Nice! Don't you want to open those gifts then? Why else would you bring them here?"

Luna was smiling again, a perfectly sweet smile. Her grin was powerful,
it made you feel like you were in a sunny meadow, filled with sweetly scented strawberries.

"Ah, yes. The gifts."

They unwrapped them together and Luna seemed to smile even more. She had found something.

"I hope you enjoy wearing these beauties!"

Ginny turned her head to see Luna holding a pair of pygmy puff shaped earrings. As she she held them, she had a small twinkle in her eyes.

"You can have them if you want."

"Thank you so much, Ginny. I bet they'll go well with my new ears!"

"I'm sure they will- Wait, what do you mean by 'new ears'?"

It couldn't be...

Luna pulled out a pair of Extendable Ears from her bag.

It was...
No, why was this happening? How? Was Luna in on this scheme? So many questions but an urge to leave. Where to? Only one place she can go..

Ginny sat there shocked. Luna could see she was thinking about something and opened her mouth to ask something. But it was too late. Ginny got up. She left her belongings on the table and made a run for it. She sprinted out of the Great Hall, past the staring faces. She knew where she could go.