HP: I got Transmigrated into the World of Magic [Chapter 74: Herbology!] (Patreon)

We march imperiously into the Great Hall and I head straight for the head table, where Dumbledore and McGonagall along with a few others are sitting. 

They look up in shock at what must be the oddest sight they'd ever seen. "To what do we owe the pleasure of your visit, Mr. Lerner?" the headmaster asks, eyes twinkling.

I do not answer.

"Father, this being is the headmaster," Luna supplies.

"Impossible. My hair is far superior to his."

I hear Hermione's distinct gasp behind me, while Dumbledore chuckles.

I spin on my heel and am surprised to see quite a delegation of students behind me. I almost break character and laugh when I see that Crabbe and Goyle are actually standing near Luna, Daphne, and Tracey as if protecting them. 

Harry, Hermione, Neville, and Ron are standing behind them with varying degrees of shock and disbelief. Fleur and a few Beauxbatons girls are standing further back near Cedric and a few Hufflepuffs. Behind them are other students from various Houses, and I think I even see a Durmstrang student.

As soon as I've bitten my tongue enough to stave off laughter, I speak. "As the being with the most perfect hair and intimidating sneer, I invoke the ritual of Headmaster Usurpation, pursuant to the ancient rites and laws of the Founders in the Thirty-Third Article, Section B of the Hogwarts Charter.”

“As my first order of business, my child and her betrothed shall receive Outstandings on all past and future assignments and exams, and shall receive special dispensation to inflict hair color transfiguration as either punishment or reward as they see fit. So mote it be."

I see many mouths drop open in shock, and I almost frown in confusion. It couldn't be because what I said. "Um, father..." Luna says, looking over my shoulder.

I spin around and Dumbledore is standing there with perfectly manicured strawberry blonde hair, falling in waves both down his back and from his chin. His long blonde beard is tucked into his belt, and he is smiling broadly, eyes twinkling madly. "Most amusing, Mr. Lerner. Most amusing indeed..."

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"Luna?"

"Neville's likes Herbology, right?"

"Ding ding ding! You win, Luna!"

"Ooo, what do I win?" Luna's eyes light up.

"Uh...I dunno. Any other time I would have said a hug, but considering our attire – or lack thereof – that might not be appropriate."

"Wait, did you just pass up the chance for a hug with a pretty girl?" Hermione asks, acting scandalized. "Who are you and what have you done with our friend? Surely our William would have tried to slip a kiss on the cheek in there as well."

"Hermione, I am a perfect gentleman, so I'm certain I have no idea what you mean and why are you laughing?"

"Sorry, William," Hermione says, eyes alight. "Please do go on and regale us with your gentlemanly ways, and how a hug and a kiss never crossed your mind."

"Hermione, I believe he is implying that he might become aroused if he hugged me while we are barely clothed," Luna explains. 

The other three of us start making various choking sounds and turning various shades of red. "I'm surprised you don't realize that, Hermione. It's quite a natural reaction for a boy who finds a girl pretty, even if he doesn't have romantic feelings for her."

I try to make very intelligible sounds in reply, but I have no words.

"I-I see, very good then, moving on," Hermione chokes out quickly, looking anywhere but in my direction.

Harry starts chuckling, which soon grows into full-blown laughter.

"What's so funny, Harry?" Hermione asks.

"I wouldn't have thought it possible, but I think we just found somebody who can out-embarrass William."

"You shouldn't be embarrassed, William," Luna says, "I am quite flattered, really."

"Uh...thanks Luna."

"So do I get a hug and kiss now?"

Hermione starts giggling, and I decide to take revenge. "I have a better idea. For your prize...wait, why do you get a prize again? Oh well, who cares? For your prize you get a hug and an optional kiss from me, Harry, Neville, or...Hermione." I clear my throat. "Uh, once we're fully clothed, that is."

"All four," Luna replies instantly.

"I...should have seen that one coming."

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The last week of classes pass with pretty much everyone Fourth Year and above – along with many Third Years – securing dates to the Yule Ball instead of being concerned with end-of-term exams. 

Even the professors get into it, which makes it much easier to pass my practical exams with my still burgeoning ability to fake wanded spell-casting. 

To take my mind off of the Yule Ball I work furiously on the last of my gifts, including the new picture frame for Daphne, to the point where I'm begging off hanging out with Harry, Hermione and the others for the opportunity. 

The Ouroboros wrapped around Daphne's frame turns out so well I consider trying to make some kind of bangle, or an upper arm...wrap thing, whatever it's called.

But then I remember I have no fashion sense whatsoever so she'd probably never wear it. Still, I'll have to think of something. I consider what runes to carve. 

Daphne's in Ancient Runes with me and Hermione, so if I use geboshe'll know it doesn't necessarily mean love. But for the opposite corner? Dagaz somewhat fits, but that's too obvious, I think. No, perth is better, to symbolize both the picture and our friendship itself.

Plus perth will be easier, but I won't tell her that was a consideration.

The runes themselves take the better part of two hours to completely carve out, since my veiner is going dull from heavy usage. I'll have to see Hagrid about that after term is up.