Love Hurts

Chapter 1: The Invitation

Luna Lovegood sat on her bed in the Ravenclaw dormitory and thought about Ron Weasley--her best friend's brother and (according to her) the very handsome Quidditch keeper.

She hadn't really liked Quidditch, but since she had been asked to commentate at a match by her Transfiguration teacher--Professor McGonagall--and Ron had complimented her on her style, she had found an interest in Quidditch, and more importantly Ron.

In fact, she went to see every Quidditch match, except the ones Gryffindor, and Ron, wasn't in.

He was just so cute with his red hair and long eyelashes. And so good at being a Quidditch keeper--even though he was in another house...

Suddenly, her redheaded friend came into the room. Ginny wasn't allowed in the Ravenclaw dormitories--but she didn't care.

"Hi, Luna," said Ginny, "I was bored, 'cause Harry and Ron were miserable as they don't know what to do over the summer. I just hate to see Harry so sad."

Luna sympathized with her friend. Ginny had had a crush on Harry Potter for over six years and had finally managed to get a date with him. She was pleased for her best friend, but wished she could have better luck in her own love life. Still, Ginny had fancied Harry much longer than she had shown interest in the Gryffindor Quidditch keeper.

"Oh sorry Gin, just thinking about your brother," apologized Luna, who had fallen into a daydream and didn't realize what she had said.

"What one?" teased the Gryffindor.

"Ronald," said Luna dreamily.

"OK," said Ginny, going into her serious mode--the one the boys adored, "I know the signs. You're in love with my brother."

"Mmm, I just love his scarlet hair and eyelashes--and he's so brave," swooned Luna.

"Well invite him over for the summer then," Ginny instructed.

"But, what if he says no. I'm a bit shy," Luna argued.

"We'll invite Harry and Hermione as well. Then it won't seem like you're so focused on Ron," counter-argued the redhead.

"Thanks Ginevra," said Luna, using the name Ginny hated. At this Ginny frowned, but Luna carried on, "I'm sure you'd like to come too."

"Sorry, but I can't, I've been invited on a camping trip all summer with my muggle friend Anne-Marie," Ginny explained, "anyway, I'm going to go the Gryffindor common room and ask Harry, Hermione, and Mr. Oh-So-Handsome."

And kiss Harry, thought Luna.

"Do you want to come with me?" Ginny asked.

The two girls crept back to the Gryffindor common room, where Harry and Ron were playing chess half-heartedly and Hermione sat studying next to a massive pile of books.

Luna's heart flipped when Ron turned to talk to her. "Um, I was wondering whether you two and Hermione would like to stay at my place for the summer--I heard you were bored and looking for something to do." Luna smiled at Ron as Ron shot daggers at his sister, who was sneaking around the corner with her new boyfriend.

"Sure," he said, smiling at Hermione. Luckily, Luna didn't notice the look between the two friends, "if Harry and 'Mione aren't busy."

"That would be great," answered the only Ravenclaw in the Gryffindor common room.

Luna almost punched the air--but then decided against it. She didn't want to seem too keen to spend time with them.

But not everyone was happy. Next to her books in the corner, Hermione glared at Luna...