something different

part two

"Well, hello you lot," Fred said.

"It's only been five minutes," complained Ron.

"We just stopped by to check that our baby sister was well taken care of..." George started.

"But we can see that young Harry has, as he did most of the summer..." Fred continued.

"Got it well in hand!" they said in unison, breaking into wide grins.

"Yes, Gred, Forge, I have her well in hand," Harry said as he raised their interlinked hands with a shy smile. Ginny giggled. Ron groaned again. Hermione just stared at Harry and Ginny wanting an explanation.

"You know, you two should worry less about me and Harry and more about Angelina and Alicia," Ginny said smugly. The twins turned red, especially when Harry pointed out into the hallway as the two Gryffindor Chasers walked by the open door. They had stopped to wave at Harry but Ginny had seen them and knew her older brothers had crushes on them. Fred and George quickly left, following the giggling girls. Harry and the others laughed at the twins' hasty retreat.

"That was just devious, Gin," Harry smiled.

"I try," Ginny smiled back. "An artist of blackmail has to string her victims along somehow." Harry laughed and brought her hand up to kiss the back of it. Ron made a gagging noise.

"Will you two tone down the sickly sweetness?" Ron complained. Before either Harry or Ginny could retort, the compartment door opened again.

"You guys mind if I sit with you?" Neville Longbottom asked looking a little harried.

"No, not at all, Neville," Harry said. "Nev, this is Ginny. Gin, Neville Longbottom."

"Hi," Ginny said.

"How do you do?" Neville nodded as he sat next to Ron and Hermione. "I'm glad I found you guys. I was being hounded by a blonde first year with these big blue eyes. She's kinda out there. Kept talking about something called Nargalls."

"Really?" Ginny asked excitedly. "I'll be right back." Ginny stood, leaving the compartment quickly. Ron groaned.

"Sounds like someone she knows," Ron said. Ginny returned followed by a short blonde girl with large blue eyes that seemed to stare through to a person's very soul.

"Everyone, this is my best friend, Luna Lovegood," Ginny said. "Luna, that's Hermione, Neville, you know Ron, and that's Harry."

"Hello, all," Luna said dreamily as she sat next to Ginny. She remained silent for several seconds, as if studying each of the others. Finally, she turned her gaze on Harry and Ginny, and broke into a wide grin.

"What is it, Luna?" Ginny asked. "I know you. What do you see?"

"Intertwined souls," Luna smiled. "You and Harry Potter." Ginny sat speechless as her mouth fell open. Harry looked at her dumbstruck. Could that be why we feel so connected? Harry thought.

"What?" Ron exclaimed. "How? They barely know each other!"

"What are you talking about, Luna?" Hermione asked, confused. "There's no such thing!"

"You're a Muggle-born, aren't you?" Luna asked turning her gaze to Hermione with a slight tilt of her head.

"Yes, but..."

"Wizards and witches are very different from Muggles," Luna explained. "Most of it is our Magical cores."

"Oh," Hermione said. "I haven't read anything on Magical cores yet. Please, explain further," she sat up looking very interested now. Luna smiled.