29/11/1992 - Today I began tracking the movements of a probable skizer-gnatt infestation around the east tower. I've had some success with the turnip paste though results are sketchy. Tomorrow I will try adding onion.

Who are you and what in the name of Merlin's beard are you talking about?

….

"Do you have the paste?" Luna asked as Tom checked through their supply bag to ensure they had everything.

"Yes Peaches, I have the paste. All five jars of it that I spent three hours this afternoon mashing by hand because apparently 'using magic to mash it interferes with its intrinsic magical properties'

Luna smiled sweetly at the boy, not even acknowledging the sarcasm in his tone "Thank you Tom"

"If I don't actually see a skizer-gnatt tonight, with my own two eyes, I am going to be severely disappointed"

"If this goes to plan you will see a whole swarm"

"Oh joy"

…

Hello?

Hello. Who are you? Where is Ginny?

Ginny?

Yes Ginny.

Ginny Weasley?

Yes. Ginevra Molly Weasley. The owner of this diary.

This is Ginny's diary?

….

"Where are we meeting Ginny?"

"In the East corridor near the Ancient Runes classroom." Luna whispered, peering carefully around the column just in case any patrolling teachers or prefects were lurking nearby. "Fred and George are planning a prank over by the greenhouses tonight so we probably shouldn't be bothered by anyone. The teachers will be far too distracted."

"The twins are planning a prank and I'm here hunting potentially imaginary insects when I could be with them?"

"Do you want to see one or not?"

"Yes, I do"

"Then hush and follow me. Ginny should already be there"

"Lead the way"

….

Who am I talking to?

The diary.

How are you responding?

I'm enchanted to respond to my owner in order to offer advice.

I've never heard of that enchantment before.

….

They approached the agreed meeting place without too much trouble. Any other student probably would have been caught by Filch, but Luna had long ago won Mrs Norris's affections and the cat was good enough to not draw attention to them as the caretaker strolled past their hiding place.

Luna would no doubt find a way to sneak the feline a treat later. Probably get Thomas A. Caticus and that ugly orange cat from the Gryffindor house to deliver it for her.

"You know Tom…" Luna mused, looking up at the door to the classroom as they passed "I'm torn between doing Arithmancy or Ancient Runes at N.E.W.T level. What do you think?"

"Ancient Runes" He answered automatically.

"You really think so?"

"Well, you're already highly proficient in Arithmancy and you would only need to study it further if you were planning a career specific to Arithmancy once you graduate."

"Definitely not"

"Exactly. Anyway, you've been doing well at the O.W.L level Runes classes, haven't you? N.E.W.T level includes the study of texts that scholars have not yet translated. I think you would be able to offer a very unique interpretation on them. Also, with all the travels and expeditions you have been on you probably have a greater grasp of language variations and cultural stylization than many other students."

"Do you really think so?"

"I do. Subjects like Runes Translation always need people who can look at things from a fresh perspective. Who knows, you might unlock some lost piece of wisdom from an ancient wizarding civilisation"

"That would be interesting"

"That would be incredible Luna"

"So, you definitely think I should do Ancient Runes?"

"Absolutely"

"Thanks Tom. You always give the best advice"

…..

Who are you?

I'm Luna. Who are you?

My name is Tom and I'm getting very frustrated with you Luna. Give me back to Ginny.

No. I think I'll keep you for a while.

….

"Oh Luna, you were right. Skizer-gnatts are real and I was totally wrong. My hours of passive aggressively complaining about the smell of turnips and onions and the futile effort of searching for an 'imaginary creature' Invented by 'crackpots' were all in vain. I bow to your superior knowledge and accept that there are things in this world I do not yet know. Please teach me your ways Luna. I have so much more to learn"

Tom rolled his eyes at the giggling girl but couldn't stop the smile pulling at his lips as she teased him relentlessly.

"Ok Luna, I concede that there is in fact an infestation of strange insects in this castle which I have never seen before, and that those insects may or may not one day be officially classified as skizer-gnatts."

"Oh, they will. I am already writing a report on them with supporting evidence to be submitted to the Magizooligical society and will be insisting on it."

Tom snorted even as he felt a stab of pride for his friend, for all her quirks he knew how seriously she took this and was sure that any report she sent would indeed be concise and thorough, with all necessary evidence to remove all doubt on the existence of these new creatures.

"I suppose Rolf will be assisting with that?"

"He will. His grandfather has promised to give us some advice on the steps to take when getting a new species officially recognised."

"Will I get a mention in this report? As the one who helped you in your quest to officially prove the existence of skizer-gnatts?"

"Of course, I will include a footnote listing you as my faithful sceptic whose constant disbelief motivated me to prove you wrong so I could then rub it in your smug formerly Dark Lord face."

The young man laughed out loud at that.

"I really have been a bad influence on you haven't I"

"Absolutely terrible."

"You really shouldn't be friends with me." He mused "Just a few short years and I've reduced you to gloating. Who knows what terrible influence I might have in the long run? We should cut ties now to save you from further corruption"

Luna grinned at him, wide and happy. The both knew any influence Tom might have had on her was nothing compared to the influence she'd had on him.

"No, I think I'll keep you"

There it is ladies and gentlemen; I am afraid this is the final chapter of the story.

I didn't want the ending to be an end so decided instead to take a look back at the very beginning, and leave you with the promise of a happy future for all the characters. (Except the bad ones who are now in Azkaban)

I hope you all enjoyed reading this crazy tale. I have loved writing it and am so grateful for all the support you have provided with your kind reviews and helpful suggestions.

Thank you to everyone who stuck with me from the start and everyone who joined in along the way.

Thank you to anyone writing translations. You guys are awesome.

Thank you everyone for putting up with any spelling errors, plot holes, long waits for new chapters and all the general insanity this fic has involved.

Wishing you all a wonderful day and wonderful lives. xxx