Nova's Universe

Chapter 11 (2012)

Luna Dora

Luna, sweetheart,

Remember how Aoede talked non-stop about her Career Advice appointment all summer? Well, guess what? It's happening in a few days! In her last letter, she tried to act cool, but I know she's a nervous wreck.

I know you find the story about Uncle Bill freaking out before his meeting hilarious, but your dad and I are begging you to look after your sister. Take her outside for some fresh air, even if you have to drag her kicking and screaming. Distract her if necessary.

We have complete faith in you, our Hufflepuff hero! We're so proud of you, and we can't wait to see you soon.

P.S. Say hi to Teddy for us. He's probably right beside you, isn't he?

Love, Mum & Dad

"Mum says hi." I folded the letter, a frown settling on my face. How does she even know Teddy's here with me? It's not like she's a Seer or anything. And that whole thing about not taking Divination because she wouldn't be good at it? Rubbish, if you ask me.

"Thanks," said Teddy. "That reminds me, I need to write to her and ask if I can spend the summer with you again." His hair instantly changed from his usual cornflower blue (Mum loves that term) to a bright canary yellow - a clear sign of excitement.

Just like my late Aunt Tonks (who I was named after), Teddy is a Metamorphmagus. Mum told me Tonks didn't change her appearance much, mostly using her powers to make her friends laugh. Teddy, on the other hand, walking beside me with his tie a mess as usual, uses his abilities to express his emotions. His hair colour changes depending on how he's feeling, and as his best friend, I've learned the meaning of all of them. Canary yellow was always popular right when summer was approaching because he spent most summers with us in Romania.

I remember feeling heartbroken when I got sorted into Hufflepuff. Victoire, my other best friend, landed in Ravenclaw. I'd been so sure we'd be in the same House, sharing a room and everything. After the Sorting, I watched Aoede, the perfect Prefect, hug Victoire and escort her to the Ravenclaw Tower. Left alone with a group of unfamiliar Hufflepuffs, I felt a surge of disappointment. But the moment I stepped into the common room, my mood did a complete turnaround. In my misery, I'd completely forgotten about Teddy being in Hufflepuff! Even though he was a Third Year, we were inseparable. We either hung out in the common room together, or I'd sneak up to his dorm room. Next year, I planned to be as prepared as possible for the Quidditch tryouts, so I also attended every single one of Teddy's Quidditch practices.

After I sent my letter home, confessing to being sorted into Hufflepuff (the first and only Weasley, mind you!), I was nervous. But my parents' reply was filled with pride, and the knowledge that I'd at least be spending a lot of time with Teddy, calmed me down.

However, not even a week in, I was being bullied for my blue hair. Until then, I'd always been happy to share this trait with Mum. We were both proud blue-haired witches! But the way the other kids stared and whispered made me want nothing more than to chop it all off. I considered using the Colouring Charm but then remembered that was the very reason Mum's hair was blue in the first place. Hiding and ignoring them seemed easier, but Teddy saw right through me.

He made me confide in him, and the moment I did, his hair turned cornflower blue - my exact shade. He declared that if they wanted to make fun of it, they'd have to make fun of both of us. After a few days, the staring and whispering stopped, and I was back to being the proud owner of my blue hair.

"As if you really need to ask!" I laughed. Teddy spent most of his time with us, only occasionally going to stay with Uncle Harry. Sometimes so much, that his grandma would ask Mum to send him back for a while.