Looking into those crystal-clear eyes, Hermione felt something gently touch the softest part of her heart.
Others might worry about her too, but they relied more on the Witch's power and the sense of security she brought.
Only Luna was thinking purely of her as a person.
Hermione sighed and reached out to rub Luna's head, mussing her silky platinum-blond hair into a tangled mess.
Luna did not resist the touch at all. Instead, she obediently leaned into it like a kitten, her eyes narrowing happily.
Hermione felt a little guilty.
Harry was one thing, but leaving Luna here waiting over a year without a word from her really weighed on her conscience.
"I'm back."
Hermione smiled. "Thank you for everything you've done while I was away."
"Mm, welcome back."
Luna blinked, then added:
"It wasn't any trouble. I just missed you a little."
After a moment's thought, Hermione bent down and leaned close to Luna's ear.
"Get yourself ready. I'll take you over there in a little while."
Harry and Ron listened in complete bewilderment, assuming Hermione was going to take Luna somewhere secret to have fun again.
"Where? Take us too!" Ron exclaimed.
Hermione ignored him. Only Luna understood, and her eyes lit up with delighted surprise.
At Hogwarts, only she and Tom knew about this.
And Tom was one of Hermione's summons.
So, strictly speaking, she was the only person in this world who truly knew Hermione's secret.
That feeling of being one of a kind filled Luna with both happiness and sweetness.
She nodded firmly without asking a thing, merely giving an obedient "Mm."
The revelry in the Great Hall lasted nearly an hour before the students gradually dispersed.
Only then did the three professors approach Hermione.
Professor McGonagall's usually stern face was now brimming with