Between Two Worlds

05

The next morning, breakfast proceeded as usual. Afterwards, Hermione and Harry and Ron strolled through the halls, chatting quietly about their upcoming classes.

As they walked, Hermione noticed a flyer on the notice board announcing an upcoming lecture on magical creatures by Professor Kettleburn. "Hey Harry, did you see this?" she asked, pointing at the flyer. "I think it could be really interesting."

Harry glanced at the flyer, nodding in agreement. "Yeah, definitely. I've always been curious about some of these creatures."

Just then, they heard hurried footsteps behind them. Turning around, they saw Neville jogging towards them, a slightly worried expression on his face. "Hey Hermione, Harry, Ron," he greeted them breathlessly. "Have either of you seen Luna? She was supposed to meet me for breakfast, but she never showed up."

Hermione frowned. "No, we haven't seen her. Maybe she got caught up in something. Did you check the library?"

Neville shook his head. "Not yet. I thought she might be with you guys."

Harry looked at Hermione with concern. "Maybe we should go check the library and see if she's there?" Ron rolls his eyes and thinks to himself, 'Do we really have to?'

Hermione nodded, her mind already racing with possibilities. "Yes, let's go. She could be studying or doing something for the Quibbler."

The four of them quickly made their way towards the library, hoping to find Luna safe and sound.

Meanwhile, Luna was immersed in a book at a corner table in the library, her attention completely absorbed by the magical creatures she was reading about. Draco, looking visibly distressed, approached her with hesitant steps. Luna glanced up, her soft, dreamy expression momentarily clouded with concern.

"I know I might be the last person you want to talk to," Draco began, his voice low and almost pleading. "But I need to get something off my chest, and I don't want any of my friends to know about it,.. and I assume you're not the type to gossip..."

Luna closed her book gently, giving Draco her full attention. She smiled gently, her silver eyes reflecting understanding. "Of course, Draco. You can trust me. What's on your mind?"

Draco hesitated for a moment, gathering his thoughts. "It's about... things I've been feeling lately. Confusion, uncertainty... about..." Draco sighed, struggling to find the right words. "I can't properly explain it."

Luna tilted her head slightly, her soft gaze encouraging him to continue. Draco looked away, then back at her, the conflict evident in his eyes. "A particular person that has been on my mind," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "She... she was even mentioned in my nightmare last night..."

Luna's doe-like eyes widened in curiosity, though she seemed a little oblivious to the weight of his confession. "Well, who?" she asked, her tone gentle and inviting.

Draco hesitated, his heart pounding. He looked down, his voice so quiet it was almost inaudible. "Granger," he whispered between his teeth, as he awkwardly glanced around to make sure no one else could hear.

Luna's expression shifted to one of understanding and surprise. "Hermione?" she repeated, her voice soft but steady.

Draco shushed her, his face flushed with embarrassment. "It's ridiculous, isn't it? We've always been on opposite sides... but I can't stop thinking about her. It's driving me mad."

Luna smiled kindly, her gaze full of empathy. "Well, it seems like you've come to like her."

Draco straightened his posture, trying to regain his composure. "No, no,"  he laughed, shaking his head. "It's not like that."