When the Moon Smiles

Ch 1 Deimos

7

That was the number penned into the scrap of parchment Draco Malfoy held. It was ridiculous, choosing partners like they were five.

"Oi, what'd you get?" He asked aloud. Across from him sat two of his closest friends. They looked quite cramped seated around one of draped round tables that were stuffed into this alcove meant to pass for a classroom. A thick nauseating incense hung in the air and the entire room was covered in tacky drapery, from the curtains that hung on the wall to the carpets blanketing the floor.

"12" Crabbe said.

"8" came from Goyle, "you?"

Draco just scoffed and headed towards Pansy at a nearby table. He nudged her and she shifted to make room on the bench. "Get a 7."

"I've got 15."

"Yeah well get a 7."

"Hmm," Pansy stroked his cheek with long black fingernails, "Would be fun, huh, working together," she leaned in, "late at night" she said in a sultry voice. Before he could respond she pulled back, scratching him.

"But you're too late." A large taunting smile played on her lips.

"Tough luck Malfoy," Millicent interrupted, budging Draco out of the seat. She clutched another 15 which Draco knew was stolen. By now the class had settled into pairs. Pansy wasted his goddamn time. He'd just made up his mind to get payback tonight when he heard an excruciatingly docile voice.

"Number 7 anyone?"

He turned to see a girl on the other side of the room hold up her number, scanning the room with daft doe-eyes. God no. He made to switch with whomever nearby, but a Hufflepuff resisted.

"Oh it seems Draco is also missing a partner sweetie, '' Professor Trelawney said in that annoying whispered voice. Damn it. This semester's going to hell. His idiots of friends snickered as they watched him make his way to Luna's empty table. He shot glares in return.

"Hello Draco" Luna said as the Professor started giving instructions for the project. He scoffed when he saw the cork necklace around her neck.

"Looney Lovegood," he taunted, "How's the attic? Empty as ever?"

If he was going to work with an idiot, might as well get some fun out of it.

"Actually my father keeps past editions of the Quibbler up there and it has grown quite cluttered."

Wow. Folks weren't kidding. She was a complete airhead.

"You're not serious are you?"

"I believe mother's old equipment is also stored up there. They must be in need of dusting by now. Father doesn't like doing it himself because-"

"God, I don't care! I didn't mean your actual attic." He pointed a finger towards her forehead, "I meant you, you daft thing. Your head's as empty as- oh forget it." Draco interrupted himself. "I'm working with a lunatic."

There was a moment of silence where Luna just stared at him. For some reason he began to feel uneasy. He did not regret a word he said, he never does. But god does this girl ever blink? He almost sighed with relief when she spoke again.

"Are you worried about the project, Draco? The skies are going to be clear tonight, perfect to see the stars. We will be able to start early."

Draco was getting bored. Not a single insult garnered a reaction from her. He scoffed and turned around towards Professor Trelawney who was animatedly explaining how to chart stars. As if any of it could really be useful to predict futures.