Chapter 24

“You what!?” Ginny and Hermione exclaimed in unison.

“I said yes,” Luna replied calmly, ignoring their shocked expressions.

“B-but why?” Ginny managed to stutter out.

“Because I love him... I know you two don’t like Draco much but he’s actually a great guy.”

“A great guy?! Did you really just call Draco Malfoy a great guy?” Hermione questioned, baffled by what possible reasons Luna could have for dating him.

“Yes, yes I did. Why can’t you two open your minds a little?” Luna huffed, crossing her arms.

Ginny rolled her eyes, “Luna, he’s the biggest jerk in the school, if you think he’s a ‘great guy’ then obviously he’s tricking you for some reason. Do you not remember the prank war? Malfoy would never let you get the last prank, this is probably his retaliation; breaking your heart.”

“I trust him...”

“Well don’t,” Hermione intervened, “He’s nothing but a lying, arrogant git that cares about nothing but himself.”

Luna’s hands curled into tiny fists as she looked at her ‘friends’ in anger, “You’re supposed to be my friends, a real friend would be supportive!”

Hermione’s gaze softened, “Luna-“

“No ‘Mione,” Ginny interrupted, “Luna’s right. A real friend would be supportive; maybe we aren’t her real friends.”

Hermione goggled at Ginny, “what? But-“

Once again, Ginny interrupted her, “Save it. I’m out of here.” With that, Ginny stormed from the room.

Hermione looked between Luna and the door that Ginny had just slammed shut with a torn expression on her pretty features.

“Go,” Luna said softly, “I know you want to follow Ginny so just go.”

Hermione looked at her apologetically, “Luna, don’t listen to Gin, she’s incredibly stubborn and once she gets her mind stuck on something well... it’s hard to get it unstuck.”

Luna shrugged, not saying anything.

Hermione looked at her sadly one more time then followed Ginny. Luna sighed and headed down to the Great Hall, hoping that the rest of the day wouldn’t be as awful as the morning.

“Loony Lovegood.”

“I think he’s gone mad.”

“Maybe her madness rubbed off on him.”

Whispers rippled through the Slytherin common room, hitting Draco like flaming daggers. It took all of his self control to not smack the fourth years talking over their heads.

He had been going down to the Great Hall for breakfast but he hadn’t taken two steps outside his dorm before the rumours and gossip had hit him like a tsunami of insults and lies. His dormitory was looking pretty good right about now.

“Back off maggots,” Blaise growled, walking up behind him.

The fourth years quickly shut up and dispersed, afraid of the towering seventh year threatening them.

“Thanks Blaise,” Draco muttered, turning around, “I think I’m just going to go back to bed.”

“No you’re not,” Blaise said, grabbing his arm, “you’re going to go down to the Great Hall and face the music.”

Draco sighed, “But why?” He whined.

“Because I’ll bet you a million dollars that Luna’s down there waiting for you and I’m not going to let you break her heart Draco.”

Draco nodded; he knew what he had to do. The two walked down to the Great Hall but walked right by the Slytherin table. Blaise was coming for support which Draco greatly appreciated; they headed over to the Ravenclaw table and took a seat next to Luna and Ashley.

“Hi Draco,” Luna chirped happily, ignoring the stares and rude remarks from her classmates.

“Hey,” Draco smiled, giving her a kiss of the cheek. He was still getting used to this boyfriend thing... he was more of the kiss and ditch type and this was his first serious relationship.

“Well hello there,” Ashley winked flirtatiously at Blaise.

Blaise fidgeted in his seat uncomfortably, “urm, hey,” he mumbled, inching away from her.

“What’s with all of the Slytherin’s being so damn hot?”

Luna rolled her eyes at Ashley, a smile playing on her lips. Draco looked at Blaise in concern; he knew that his friend didn’t want to come out of the closet yet and that he was too kind to turn Ashley down without a reason. Draco would have to help him come up with a reason later...

Blaise blushed and gave her a small smile, “I know, it’s a blessing and a curse,” he said, a little bitterly.

“Okay Ash, let Blaise be,” Luna grinned at her friend, “there’ll be lots of time to flirt later but right now, spare Draco and I please.”

Ashley giggled and Blaise looked to Draco for help. Draco just shrugged, unsure of what he could do. This Ashley thing could be a problem...