The Hollow Beneath Hogwarts

112. Nasty Boy

While Sloane, Draco and Newt thought attempting to heal Euan was at least worth exploring, everyone else had reacted rather differently.

In fact, most people thought the idea was completely insane.

Harry thought it was reckless.

Hermione thought it was statistically unlikely.

Ginny thought it was dangerous.

Blaise thought they had all finally lost their minds.

Theo had stared at them for a full thirty seconds before asking if they had suffered head injuries during their Firestorm training.

Even Professor McGonagall had pinched the bridge of her nose and muttered something about "certain students having far too much optimism."

Only one person besides the three of them had immediately loved the idea.

Luna.

Which, surprisingly, had not surprised anyone.

The blonde witch had listened to the entire discussion with shining eyes and a hopeful smile. Where everyone else saw an impossible situation, Luna saw a challenge. Where everyone else saw a monster, Luna saw a creature in pain.

And apparently she hadn't stopped thinking about it since.

The following morning found the entire group gathered around the breakfast table.

The Great Hall buzzed with conversation as students filled the room, owls swooped overhead carrying post and enchanted candles floated lazily above the four house tables.

At the end of the MiraArtis table, however, an entirely different conversation was taking place.

"I've actually been researching it." Luna's quiet voice immediately caught Newt's attention.

The elderly magizoologist looked up from his tea. "You have?"

Luna nodded. She tucked a strand of blonde hair behind her ear. "Cases of gargoyles returning to human form permanently."

The entire table fell silent.

Even Hermione stopped buttering her toast.

Newt leaned forward so quickly he nearly knocked over his teacup. "You have?"

Luna nodded again. "I couldn't sleep."

"Join the club," Harry muttered into his porridge.

"I thought if Euan became a gargoyle once..." Luna continued thoughtfully, "...then perhaps somebody somewhere managed to change back."

Newt stared at her.

Then slowly a smile spread across his face. A genuinely delighted smile. "You really are a remarkable young lady."

Luna immediately turned bright red. The compliment coming from Newt Scamander clearly carried a great deal of weight.

"I mean it." Newt set down his cup completely. "Most people would never even think to ask that question."

Luna looked down at the table. A smile tugged at the corner of her mouth.

"Have you ever considered becoming a magizoologist?"

The question made Luna's head snap upwards.

Instantly her face went scarlet. Her mouth opened. Then closed. Then opened again. A tiny squeak emerged. Nothing more.

Ron smiled beside her. His arm was draped casually across the back of her chair. He looked impossibly fond. "It's her dream job."

Luna looked horrified. "Ron."