Harry Potter: Wishing Upon A Moon

25th December 1994, Ravenclaw Common Room

The festivities took the dorm by storm. The normally shying away from jubilee Ravenclaw students were talking away with visible excitement.

"He should be here any moment, now."

"You're so lucky, Cho. Going out with the Hogwart's Champion himself." Marietta Edgecombe flattered her friend.

"That makes two Ravenclaws getting the privilege of having the first dance of the evening." Daisy Tonkin squealed.

While the fifth year girls were gossiping in their own small group a lonely figure was waiting next to a small bookcase in the furthest corner of the Common Room. He was wearing dark blue evening robes with silver lining.

"I so wanted to get my hands on the new game." Benedict grumbled. "Stupid May, she sent the cover just to spite me."

"Is there a corner left in this castle that wasn't tainted by your brooding."

"I'm livid not sad, Claire. You look lovely by the way."

"Oh my. That's surely the first time you got out of your way to compliment someone." The witch was touched.

"You wish."

"I've never wanted anything more but your praise." She giggled. "My lazy partner is waiting for me in the foyer. Don't be late."

"I'll be punctual and that'll suffice."

"See you later at the Hall."

The room started to slowly empty as more and more people left. Benedict was becoming worried as he still hasn't seen his pair. After asking her roommate, Eileen Lowe he learned that the girl hasn't got out of the bathroom yet. Worried by this, he sent a small paper plane asking if there was a problem. When the last person other then him left the common room he heard the sound of footsteps going down the stairs from the female part of the dorm.

"There you are... why are you barefoot?"

Luna Lovegood was wearing a light blue princess-lined dress. A small silver tiara was fitted snugly on her head. For the ball she decided to wear earrings that looked like small silver carrots. Anyone from the muggle side of the world would've said that she looked almost like a small version of Cinderella.

"I've been looking for my shoes. It seems some Nargles must have whisked them away." She replied in her dreamy tone."

"I can probably pin a name to those supposedly meddling creatures." He made the girl sit down on the couch.

"I suppose you could." If he had looked up he would've seen a small blush painting her cheeks as he measured and touched her feet.

"Let's go with this."

Benedict Everest summoned two glass marbles from his pouch. He then proceeded to place one of them under the base of her foot. With a wand in hand he started muttering some spells. The glass marble began to expand and coat over the blonde's skin. The shape slowly resembled its final product, a mesmerizing crystal slipper.

"Do you want higher heels or more flat ones."

"Low heels if you may."

He stopped the the material of the heel as it reached about five centimeters.

"Do you feel any discomfort? And is the inside soft enough?"

"It fits like a glove." He saw her toes wiggle playfully within the glass.

"Okay then, let's get the second one done as well."

Having done the first one he already knew how much magic to use to make the missing pair.

"Come on then. Walk a bit." He helped her stand.

Even with the added height she still couldn't reach his chin.

"I want them to be taller." She pouted.

"I'd rather have a shorter dancing partner then a fumbling one." He watched as she made a couple of steps. "Everything alright?"

"I should make you my royal tailor." She did a small curtsy with her dress.

Benedict presented her his hand. "Let's make the Nargles jealous, shall we?"

"Yes." Smiling, she wrapped her hand around his.

The entrance to the Great Hall was already being flooded by students when the pair finally reached the ground floor. The Champions already have entered with the prefects right behind them. Since that was the case there was no need for Benedict and Luna to hurry. They went to the end of the line, garnering some shocked and awed gazes on the way.

"Luna you look gorgeous!"

A red headed girl next to a slighty pudgy boy exclaimed.

"Thank you, Ginny. You look lovely as well."

"Good evening Ms. Weasley, Mr. Longbottom."

"Good Evening, Mr. Everest." The Griffindor pair greeted.

"Ready to party?" Ben asked. "The Weird Sisters are apparently the lastest rage for younglings such as yourselves."

"If he's old then what does that make us, George?"

"You tell me. We even had beards."

"Be nice you two." Angelina Johnson pinched her partner's side.

"Oh my gosh, where did you find those beautiful shoes." A cheerful forth year blonde asked.

"I have a personal shoemaker."

"Don't lie, Luna." Benedict scoffed.

"He's still coming to terms with our agreement."

Before the crowd could ask more questions it was time for them to enter the Great Hall. Sparking silver frosted walls welcomed them as the hall had a total makeover. Gone were the long tables in favor of smaller lantern-lit ones, each capable of seating about a dozen of people. The black starry sky was crossed with hundreds of garlands of mistletoe and ivy.

"McGonagall isn't happy." He saw her looking at him from the corner of her stern eyes.

Benedict walked his partner to the prefects' table which was placed right next to the Champions. He could've sweared seeing Cho surprised with how Luna turned out.

'This is just the beginning.' The witch shivered under his glare.

"Is there something wrong, Cho?"

"Nothing. Everything's fine, Cedric." She replied with a strained smile.

The headmaster welcomed the guests with a couple of warm words, before showing everyone how to order their food.

"What do we have here?" Benedict glanced through the menu. "Pork chops it is."

With a clap of his hands the dish appeared before him. "Thank you for your service."

A small cup his favorite soda appeared next to the plate.

"Is that a potion? It's bubbling." A fifth year prefect from Slytherin asked.

"That's a fizzy drink. Could I ask for more?"

Identical cups were summoned to the rest of the guests at his table.

"It's sweet. I didn't know the house elves made a new beverage."

"Because they didn't. It's a muggle product." Luna answered.

The Slytherins didn't know what to do. They've already tried and liked it, but they couldn't swallow the fact that those kind of people could have made anything good.

"A straw and an umbrella no less." He noticed the additional props in her drink.

The pearly carbonated bubbled made Luna's nose twitch in delight as she drank through the candy cane looking straw.

"Mmm, minty."

"Just don't fill yourself with sugar."

"Hmmm." She hummed in acknowledgement.

The dinner part of the ball finally reached its conclusion after the desserts were served. The teen had to limit Luna from her favorite pudding.

"The dances are upon us you'te asking for more?"

"Nothing can stand between a woman and a sweet of her choosing." She blinked.

"And I agree with you." He patted her head. "That's why a little girl like you should stop for tonight."

"You're enjoying this." She accused him as he hid away the pudding she wanted so badly.

"Don't fuss. You'll get it later."

Once he'd dealt with the pouting witch the music changed, signaling that the first dance of the ball are about to start. After helping Luna stand from the table the guests gathered around the dance floor. Four pairs were currently waiting for the Headmaster's cue.

"As to not keep the fellow Champions in suspence, I hereby announce the first dance of the Ball."

The band this time played a slow yet beautiful tune. Benedict could see that one of the pairs slightly struggled to keep up with the ongoing rhythm.

"So much for Harry Potter." Someone close to Benedict said.

"It seems the dancefloor is a higher hurdle to cross then a dragon." A girl giggled when she saw Harry just barely missing his partner's toes.

"Even without the badge I'm still a prefect so watch what you're saying around me." Benedict's harsh reply shut down the peanut gallery.

After the first dance the rest of the pairs joined in for the second waltz of the evening.

"Should I take smaller steps." He asked.

"No, it's perfect." She danced with her eyes closed, losing herself in the music.

"Very well."

When the song ended they've changed partners with the nearby pair, which conveniently was the Griffindor duo they've met before.

"How's your evening... may I call you Ginny?"

"Only if I can call you Ben." She challenged him with a wink.

"It seems being a little gremlin flows in the family." He turned her.

"Should I take that as an insult?"

"Not at all. It's rather refreshing when not everyone acts like they have a broom up their behind."

"Really? You seem like a stuck up person yourself."

"Only for strangers."

"So we're friends now?

"Let's say that we have a common friend."

"I have to thank you for what you've been doing for Luna."

"I beg your pardon."

"I know you've had been helping her ever since she had joined your house. I wasn't very close to her during our first year." She said with a sad smile

"You had your own worries, which is understandable." He sighed. "But this isn't the time for this. So keep your head up high and take in as much fun as you can."

"Huh, so you know how to cheer someone up." She giggled.

"How reassuring it is that you're nothing like the twins."

"I assure you. I have a bigger temper." She whispered into his ear.

"So do I." He returned the smirk.

With the first hour of dances behind them most of the students returned to their tables for some refreshments. Benedict sat down to rest after his last dance which was with McGonagall.

"She really knows how to use her claws." He sighed after taking a cold sip of punch.

"I liked dancing with Professor Flitwick. He's quite the gentlemen." Luna swayed to the music on her chair.

"When did you get back?"

"Maybe 20 minutes ago?" She put her finger on her chin.

"So that's way you're still so energetic." He stood up. "Come, let's bedazzle the competition."

"Is it time to rise up and overthrow the dastardly plot of the Ministry?" She asked with a serious expression.

"I don't think I want to know what that pounce is doing other people's gums." He took her hand.

"I'll make you a believer one day."

The tired crowd looked at the pair in confusion as they stopped in the middle of the floor.

"Is this some kind of act?" Fleur Delacour asked.

"Nothing we know of." Cedric was curious why the teen took out his wand.

Meanwhile at the staff's table.

"Is this your doing, Minerva?" Albus Dumbledore smiled.

"I'm as surprised as you are, Albus."

"It's yet to be seen if they'll make another mess." Snape kept his attention on the Weasley twins who already made his regret of being here reach the highest of levels.

Benedict had his eyes closed, so the image of what he wanted to accomplish could become much clearer.

"Stand still for a moment. It'll be done..." He opened his eyes. "In a flash."

With a flick a cloud of sparkling dust poured from the tip of his wand. The particles flowed towards her back, slowly building two constructs.

"Are those wings?" The crowd was in awe.

Blue transcendent wings shined with brilliance, illuminating the lonely dancefloor with brightness.

"Are you ready to take flight, my Queen Titania?" He bowed.

"It's time, my faithful knight."

A small gramophone flew out of his breast pocket, it then enlarged itself to its normal size. With a push of a button a sweet ethereal melody spread to every corner of the Great Hall.

"Trust me." He whispered.

"I shall." Her unwavering eyes shined in the blue halo.

With a snap of his fingers Luna was gently lifted from the ground. He took her hand and proceeded to dance a flying waltz. With each passing second the steps became lighter. And with each turn that they took, sparks were released from the fluttering wings. The audience marveled at the taboo sight they're witnessing. A descent of the Fairy Goddess into the mortal world .

"If they think this is the best we can do then let's show them." He whispered.

After releasing Luna from his grasp he made her move higher in the air, simulating the flight of a fairy. She looked as if the sky was truly her dominion. Not a shadow of hesitation was seen on her face as she was doing her solo performance under Benedict's watchful eye.

As the music neared its end the wizard once again reunited with the small witch. The drums struck like the ticking of a clock, counting down the last magical seconds of this dream, her dream.

Unfortunely even dreams have to come to an end. Luna slowly descended to the floor, her glass slippers gently brushing against the marble. Next, along with the the fading mesmerizing chant of the violins the wings broke into small fireflies. The pair was left swaying to the melodic tune of a grand piano, their eyes interlocked with one another. They've continued to dance for a while with only their heartbeats as maestros. Benedict reluctantly released the witch from his embrace.

Nobody knew who was the first one to clap, but the Great Hall soon drowned in aplauz and cheers. The pair bowed and returned to their seats.

"I didn't think you had it in you, Everest." Claire quickly accosted him. "Where did you even find the charms to do such a thing?"

"Transfiguration and charms aren't just boring subjects, Claire. And if you looked closer you would have seen my wand poking out from my sleeve."

"So that was just a levitating charm?" The other prefects asked.

"Yep, nothing too complicated. As for the wings it was just plain transfiguration."

"Said Mr. I have McGonagall as my personal tutor." Claire rolled her eyes.

"You looked so divine, Luna." Ginny hugged the small blonde from behind. "Why couldn't I get the same treatment."

"Hear, hear!" The surrounding girls added.

"See what you've done." The seventh year Ravenclaw prefect, Reginald Looker couldn't help but sigh. "Now we'll never hear the end of it."

"Unless you want me to remind you about this until the end of the next year." His partner hid her chuckle behind her palm.

"I think I need to get myself some fresh air. You coming, Luna?"

"I won't disturb you any further." Ginny gave a knowing look.

After answering all of the questions the persistent crowd kept asking them, they were able to reach the outskirts of Hogwarts.

"They went through and through with the Winter Wonderland theme." Benedict said.

Fairy lights illuminated the small grottos filled with rose bushes. Some kind of charm must have been placed because he didn't feel the full power of the normal Scottish winter. After finding a vacant alcove the duo sat down and took in the wonderful view of the Black Lake.

Small flakes of snow started falling from the sky. Benedict turned to Luna and saw her rubbing her hands.

"It's cold, isn't it?"

"It reminds me of my trip to Iceland with my parent's." She blowed into her palms for warmth.

"Thankfully I've come prepared. It's time for your belated Christmas present." He took out a package. "Close your eyes, please."

Luna could hear the unraveling of paper stop. The next thing she felt was a comfortable warmth slowly encompassing her.

"You can open them now."

Following his instructions she looked around her. She was now wearing some kind of cloak. It didn't feel too heavy or too light. The color reminded her of coffee milk, a mix between light brown and beige.

"It's nice." She put her arms through the long sleeves, which covered her hands minus the fingertips.

"It also has a hood." He brought the piece of fabric over her head. "Now that's one cute rabbit."

Two bunny ears were falling to the sides of Luna's head.

"I hope this cloak will help you on your mission."

"Mission?" She repeated.

"It's a sturdy and self-fitting piece. Maybe the likeness to a creature will allow you to find your fantastic beasts easier." He grinned.

"Do you believe that they exist?"

"Not at all." He replied.

"Then why?" She looked at him eye to eye. A hint of hurt flashed behind those clear windows of her soul.

"It's quite obvious." He sat back next to her. "It's because I believe you."

"Me?" She whispered under her breath.

"Yep. That's what friends are for."

"Mmm." She hummed.

"I'd like to thank you."

She looked at him. He was staring into white sky, enjoying the spectacle of snowflakes.

"What for?"

He turned back to face her.

"For making this mandatory social event bearable. And for giving me a small challenge. As much as I've made it sound easy, it was hard to make you float like that."

"I didn't think you'd gone through with my request." She blushed, remembering how she agreed to go with him to the ball if he could help her feel like a fairy."

"Did I make your wish come true?"

She stared into the gentle blue eyes of the teen before her.

"I'm afraid that you've made me wish for more."

"Ha ha. I think this will suffice for now." He checked the time. "It's time to come back."

"Could we sit here a little bit longer?" Her voice faltered.

"If that's what you want." He smiled.

"Thank you."

Without any warning she placed her head on his lap. She wrapped herself tightly with her cloak, hiding away the embarrassment on her red face.

"We'll go when you're ready." He gently patted her head.

Saturday September 1995, The Forbidden Forest

"It seems that history likes to repeat itself."

Benedict Everest was carrying Luna in his arms. At some point while he was walking back she dived her head into the crook of his neck; where he could feel her warm breath tickling his skin.

"So much for hanging out with the Thestrals."

After two hours of watching over her the witch just continued to sleep. Not even the whines of the playful foals could awake her from her dreams. To satisfy the young Thestrals' needs for entertainment he transfigurated some balls and played catch with them. He tossed the balls only as far as the adults had allowed it.

"I'm surprised how gentle they were. Completely not fitting their rather menacing image."

His thoughts were abruptly disturbed by a wave of clicking sounds. He quickly recalled his wand from its holster and cast a revealing spell. He could see two faint red shadows in front of him.

"I'll give you chance to retreat." A vicious glint flashed in his eyes. "Otherwise you'll give me no choice."

Unperturbed by his warnings the previously hidden creatures jumped towards him. They were two middle sized Acromantulas. But before they could reach him two blinding streaks of lightning struck the spiders through their heads. A scent of burning flesh drifted in the wind. Without any concern he threw the smoldering carcasses into his bag of holding. After checking the area for more strandlers he continued his walk with a sleeping Luna in tow.