Harry Potter: Wishing Upon A Moon

"Those that are leaving for Hogsmeade, please make their way towards the carriages. The third years should leave their signed permits with Mr. Everest over here." Vanessa Thornton, Head Girl was trying to shout over the crowd.

"It's not that easy, isn't it?"

"Shut it, Everest." She sighed. "I just wanted to have a quiet weekend."

"What happened to the Speedy Vanessa we've all known and loved?" Benedict joked.

"She died, just like her dreams of sleeping late on a Saturday."

"Maybe you need a Butterbeer to cheer you up?"

"Trying to get me drunk?" She huffed. "Bored with your little birdy already?"

"Not at all. However, today I'll be soaring alone. She's going out with her friends."

"Poor you." She couldn't care less judging by her expression. "You'd still have to patrol the village."

"Thank you for reminding me." He took the last permit from an overly excited Griffindor boy. "Don't go sucking out the joy for everyone, Ness."

"And now I'll have nothing to do, Benster. Thanks for ruining my only source of entertainment." She grimaced.

"You're welcome." He chuckled as the witch slapped him on the shoulder.

"See, I told he's been looking at other girls on the side."

Benedict turned his head to the right and saw a wide grin on Ginny's face.

"I beg your pardon?"

"Its not me to whom you have to apologize, but her." She brought Luna in front of her.

"Hello, Sparky."

"We've seen one another not so long ago." He replied.

"But it felt like an eternity."

The twins snickered behind the two girls. The golden trio couldn't help but give the older teen wry smiles.

"You've been reading too much novels lately, Luna. I worry what'll your parents say when they'll hear about this."

"They'll probably make you take responsibility, I hope." She said the last part so silently that even Ginny didn't hear her.

"This is comedy gold, my faithful twin."

"The girls will eat this gossip up, my beautiful stud."

"Leaving the jokesters aside, how have you been doing lately?" Benedict asked the rest of the Griffindors.

"It's alright, I've been making vast improvements in Quidditch." Ron replied proudly.

"Good for you." Benedict gave him a high five. "And what about you two lovebirds? I've heard tales of two sweethearts flying over the Black Lake. Is there something I have to know, Prefect Granger?" He winked.

"Not at all, Mr. Everest." The girl's face was red from embarrassment.

"Hermione wouldn't break the rules. Isn't that right, Mione?" She pinched her cheeky boyfriend's side, making his smile a little crooked.

"My, what puppy love can do with outstanding citizens." Benedict chuckled.

"Anyway, just don't get hurt or caught at that matter. I don't want to look up if the guidelines have any rulings pertaining rambunctious couples. However, I do know that back in the day the second floor was used as a nursery for the children of more energetic couples." The pair's face went was beet red.

"And as much as I'd like a certain Professor to have a heart attack after seeing a small green eyed baby fumbling on the floor, I must ask you to show some restraint."

"I think that's enough, Benny. You've broken them." Luna tugged on his sleeve.

And she was right. All of the Griffindors were steaming red, but because of different reasons. The twins were holding back on their laughter so much so that they almost bit their tongues. Ginny mirrored Hermione's look of embarrassment and disbelief that the older teen would actually go there with the joke. Harry Potter looked as if he desperately needed a reboot of his system while only Ron was totally oblivious to what was being said.

"Hey, they're calling us to get on the carriages." The fifth year ginger remarked.

"Have a good time, Luna." He patted her on the shoulder. "Don't get in too much trouble."

"Will I get detention with you if I do?"

"With how much time you spend in the office with me, it seems as if I was the one having the detention with you."

"You've never complained."

"And I never will." He gently pushed her nose before leaving the now smiling girl behind.

Ginny patted her friend on the back.

"How you still didn't make him yours boggles my mind, Luna."

"I'm waiting."

"Waiting?" Ginny repeated.

The blonde didn't specify what she had in mind. She kept her eyes on the broad teen's back as he got further away, leading the crowd out of the castle.

-------

"How boring." Benedict sighed.

It has only been two hours since he started patrolling the lively streets of Hogsmeade. The third years were walking in groups, giggling and staring at the stores and merchandise they've heard stories about from their older friends. Honeydukes was packed to the brim with overzealous witches and wizards. Just to stay safe, Benedict told two prefects from Hufflepuff to keep the unnecessary shoving and pushing to the bare minimum.

Zonko's was also having a wave of attention of its own. However, because of the lingering presence of Umbridge, not all students were as keen to stockpile gadgets and jokes as they had in the years before. Because of this Benedict didn't have to check up on this place as frequently.

'I wonder if they have already started the meeting?'

He tried avoiding the area of Hog's Head, to not raise any suspicions that he was involved in their little secret party. At first he thought to warn them about the stupidity of a group of underage children going to a shady establishmen, but why should he? It wasn't as if they had a better alternative waiting in the town itself.

'I'll let fate take the wheel. Some things have to happen so the bigger picture remains the same.'

Benedict continued his rounds. Sometimes he would be stopped by younger students for directions or advice on products from Scrivenshaft. Eventually his steps carried him to The Three Broomsticks. After a few seconds of considering his options he entered the inn to get something to eat on the go.

"Hello Mrs. Rosemerta. I'd like your special Sandwich Combo."

"Oh, it's you Everest. One Combo coming right up."

Benedict leaned against the counter with his back. He watched the increasing crowd of students filling up the available tables at the pub. He was surprised to see the familiar trio of sixth year witches from Ravenclaws here.

'Maybe I shouldn't be taken back by this. Not everything is the same.'

After a couple of minutes of waiting he finally got his order. The sandwich had three different types of meat, vegetables and slightly spicy sauce. With a Butterbeer in his pocket he paid for his meal and went to the Square. He sat down on the last vacant bench under the venerable tree standing in the middle of the plaza.

"Its almost fall."

You could feel the changing of seasons in the air. Gone were the fragrances of flowers and taste of cut grass. Earthy tones were slowly seeping into the bouquet of smells.

"Can I have a bite?"

"Of course."

"Thank you for your humble donation."

"Shouldn't you be somewhere else, Claire?"

"I suppose I had." She took a big bite from the sandwich, sauce fell down on her blouse.

"Wait a second." Benedict whisked the stain away with a quick Scourgify.

"Thank you, love." She hummed as the food was so good.

"Don't mention it." He paused. "You know I'm here to listen."

She slowed her chewing. He could see tears forming in the corner of her eyes.

"How did you know?" She sniffed.

"It's all in the eyes, Claire. And I've known you for almost seven years. I know when you're hurt."

"It's been that long, hasn't it."

"Yep." He made a pop sound at the end.

They've sat in silence. Benedict could hear an occasional sniffle coming from his friend. He took out his bag and summoned a small packet of chocolates from it.

"They're supposed to be for your birthday next month."

"You have gifted me these everytime since our third year."

"You don't like them?"

"No." She squeezed the box lightly. "I love them."

"Hmm." He nodded.

"You know... I actually thought he'd be the one."

"What's changed?"

"I've met his mother." She wiped her tears.

"Oh... that's rough."

"Yeah, it explains why Edgar was the way he was." She smiled. "Shy to almost a fault."

"Yeah, but he was a considerate fellow. And somehow he wasn't a pushover."

"I know, right." She grinned. "Even the twins suffered a lost against during our second year. Be it because he kicked the dung bomb in fright and it exploded in their faces."

"Oh, so you've fancied him since then." Benedict had a wry smile.

"Maybe." She chuckled. "But it doesn't matter... anymore."

"Did he break things off with you?"

"His mother did. He was silent during the whole meeting." She lowered her head into her knees. "She's a foul hag."

"So not everything is lost then." Benedict stood up.

"What do you mean?"

"I'll be awaiting good news from you later." He waved as he was passed midway by a huffing man.

"I've finally found you, Claire."

"Edgar?"

Benedict couldn't hear more of their exchange as he was too far away. But he was confident that everything would be alright.

'It's just as I said everything is in the eyes.' He glanced back and saw them hugging with Claire crying tears of joy. 'And in his eyes, all I could see was how he cherishes you.'