This is like...the best paragraph of Neville awesomeness on the face of the Earth. Yush.

Keep writing! I can't wait for more

aw...that is such a sweet post...loved it...

Soft--and in some cases, not so soft--snoring issued from most of the curtained beds. Seamus never liked being closed in, even in bed, so he slept with his curtains open and so was the only one to see Neville come in. Neville pretended not to notice Seamus’ puffy, red-rimmed eyes.

“Decided to come back to the world of the living, then?” said Seamus with a grin.

“Well, I couldn’t get out of homework forever, I suppose,” Neville said, shaking out his coverlet.

“No, I suppose not.” Seamus sighed and lay back on his pillow, fingers locked behind his head.

Neville quickly stripped out of his robes, and jumped into bed under the covers to pull on his flannel pajamas. He wanted to spend as little time as possible in the chill, damp air. With a hasty “Night, mate.” he closed the heavy velvet curtains and dove back under the covers.

Seamus sighed and turned over in bed. He couldn’t understand his classmates horror of cold air. It’s just as well, he thought. He wasn’t exactly in the mood to chat. He wanted to send an owl to his mum but what could he say?

What he really wanted was a chance to say goodbye to his Aunt Amelia, a chance to be with his family and share his grief with people who understood, to comfort and be comforted. Silent tears fell down his cheeks as he realized that there was nothing he could say or do that would make either of those things happen. Never had he felt so alone.

An: I'd have posted this last night if not for Bella's love of pushing buttons.

KellyBear, that was the saddest thing! Poor, poor Seamus! My heart breaks for him. But yea for Neville! Can't wait to see what tomorrow holds for them. She has her ideas she wants to put in. Things like that happens. I was illustrating a picture for my next chapter, and left my pencils and paper out, and Emily, (my 4 yr. old Grand-daughter) was all proud of her little self when I came back to it. She had just finished helping me with my picture. Lily, now has Pop-Eye arms and a four fingered hand. Great post. I'll be watching for more.

oh my god! Kelly...you know what, i felt like going and hugging Seamus
*hugs him*
written very well...poor Seamus with no Dean around and his aunt dieing he is so alone...
waiting for more...

How sad. I feel for Seamus, and I know that sentiment only too well. There's nothing worse than being surrounded by people and being alone. Post more when you can ...

Hannah saw Seamus come in and quickly got up from the Hufflepuff table to join him. He didn’t notice her until she had plopped down beside him and then he only glanced up briefly to mumble something that soundly like ‘morning’’ around a spoonful of porridge.

“I’m a little worried about Neville,” she said, without preamble.

Seamus swallowed. “He looked fine this morning.” Looking over her shoulder, he said, “See for yourself.”

Seamus nodded toward the door, and Hannah turned to follow his gaze. Neville was just walking into the Great Hall, looking around a little uncertainly. Hannah leapt up and waved him over until Seamus pulled her back down into her seat.

“He’ll be over in a minute, no use in attracting any more attention than you have to.” said Seamus, sounding a little put out.

Feeling as though she’d just been chastised, Hannah turned away from him in a huff. She was just happy to see Neville, that’s all. It was perfectly understandable. Seamus had no business making her feel silly. Still, she had to repress the urge to turn and stick her tongue out at him.

Neville waved at them but to Seamus’ surprise--and Hannah’s chagrin--he took a seat next to Ginny and her friends and did not spare them another look. A raven-haired 5th year girl sat on the other side of Neville and seemed greatly interested in whatever he was saying at the moment.

Hannah gave Seamus an accusing look and he closed his mouth and shrugged. Still, he couldn’t help wondering why Neville had chosen to sit with a bunch of girls rather than with his teammates. He knew Neville had liked Ginny at one point--who hadn’t?--but he thought surely that crush was long over.

For herself, Hannah began to suspect that this was why Ginny had kept her away from the Room of Requirement, and Neville, during all his days of confinement. She shot daggers at the pretty redhead between bites of toast.

Luna took a seat opposite Seamus and had half finished her breakfast before either Seamus or Hannah noticed her there. She smiled at them warmly when they finally saw her.


“How did--? Where’d you come from?” Seamus asked, mouth agape.


“Good morning, Seamus. Are you feeling better this morning?” Luna asked, overlooking his stuttering surprise.


“Uh, yeah, thanks.” Seamus said, feeling a little off-balance. This is what comes of spending too much time around females, he mused.

Hannah tore her eyes from Neville and Ginny. Turning her back resolutely away from them, she smiled at Luna and wished her a good morning. The spent the rest of breakfast discussing classes while Seamus dug into his breakfast with a will.

good one...
when i read this one i was like oh, you guys need to have a look at Seamus who must be equally miserable maybe much more because of his aunt's death...
good one keep writing...would want to know more...

:sob: Awesome post

But it would have been too obvious, no? Plus, poor Neville decided to stay away from Hannah and Luna *sigh* nothing he does is the right thing, is it? That's girls for you though I guess Luna's alright with it

Awesometh post!

Poor Seamus. Is something else bothering him? Of coarse, everything is wrong at the moment, but it just seems something else particular to him. Oh, Dean... never mind, I'll find out soon I'm sure. Great post.

I most heartily ♥ concur.

Nice post, but where's the beef? I love that you keep your story going and I think the power of your writing is these tender little moments about the characters ... so kill someone already.

Sorry, Teddy and I seem to be sharing the keyboard and a lot of our daily temperaments ... *tries to remember where he left the dynamite*

Your story pwns but I think you need longer updates. though I understand totally why you don't post longer updates ... that nagging boyfriend isn't it? Maybe you should tell him to art more and let you write on the computer then ... Aha! Betcha didn't think about that did ya? Huh?



Nice post. Poor Seamus ... *sniffles* Now I ship Luna/Seamus ... stop it Kellybear!

“It’s been difficult for all of us, but my mother took it the hardest. She practically raised Leeza, we were like sisters.” Hannah’s voice cracked a little and Seamus whipped his head around to stare at her. She ducked her head and Seamus could tell she was trying not to cry.

“I’m so sorry, Hannah.” Luna took Hannah’s hand and caressed it, trying to comfort her.

“Wh-what happened to Leeza?” Seamus asked, trying to keep his voice steady though his stomach felt as though it were in his throat.

“I dunno. When we were listening to the radio, they said she was…” Hannah clamped her lips together, unable to continue. Seamus saw her lips tremble and he put a hand on her arm.

“I’m so sorry, Hannah,” Seamus took a deep breath and plunged on, “I know how your feeling. I lost someone that night, too.”

Both girls turned startled eyes on him and he suddenly felt shy.

“Oh! Seamus, I’m so sorry!” Hannah took his hands in hers, while Luna rubbed his shoulder, murmuring condolences.

“I’ll be alright.” Seamus said, embarrassed by all the attention.

“Who did you lose, Seamus?” Luna asked gently.

“Me Aunt Amelia. She was…” His voice caught and he looked away, fighting back tears. Embarrassed by this show of emotion, Seamus jumped up and ran out of the Great Hall, Luna and Hannah staring after him.

At the other end of the table, Ginny dawdled until they were alone before asking Neville the question that had been bugging her all morning.

“What on earth is your problem?”

“Pardon me?” Neville said, taken aback and nearly choking on his waffle.

“Why are you sitting over here? I thought you and Luna were getting on and this morning you practically snubbed her! What is your problem?” Ginny whispered furiously.

Neville had the grace to blush and look away. “I’m s-s-sorry.” He stammered.

“What is going on?” Ginny asked a little more gently.

“It’s just, I’m all mixed up inside and I just need some time to think. I don’t want to hurt anyone.” Neville said.


Ginny nodded in understanding. “Well, we best get to class. See you at lunch then, Nev.”

Neville smiled gratefully up at her, scooped up his books and headed for what was to be the first in a long string of bad experiences.





An: Bear with me guys, I promise more action (and romance) soon, but first the set-up.

Great update Kelly!! I am loving the way you write Seamus!

PAMS

KellyBear, but this is wonderful! The setup is important, and at the sametime terrific. I'm not disappointed at all, I just can't wait till your next post. I can't believe how well this ties in with JK's book. It bothered me that the little explanation she gave was to convince us why Neville was all the sudden all taking charge, telling Aberforth what to do, sending messages, figuring out umm something about the Room Of Requirements, and lots of other stuff. Even Harry noticed it. When he saw Nevelle and Wood umm doing something, Harry noticed how old Neville looked.(this is tough talking about this and not giving spoilers) Don't get me wrong, I love her work, I just think she didn't setup, like your doing. Getting to read this part of the story makes her story make perfect since. I better stop now. Great post. I'll be watching my e-mail for notice on your next post.

To begin with, I am never disappointed in your writing Kellybear, I think it is very good, lyrical, beautiful, and simple without the hackery of overtly verbose authors who feel the need to belabor a point ad nauseum* or others *cough*No I'm not talking about you Rick Riordan* who drop crate sized foreshadowing and then try to pass it off as intelligent literature because they cover it in the trappings of mythology.

That said, I realized after I wrote what I wrote that your strength lies in the intimate moments in the lives of the characters ... and not say, massive explosions like Michael Bay or me. Please note, I've been off of late and I am chanelling Teddy so everything I say should be taken with a grain of salt and tequ ... uhm moving on.

*takes out the scalpel* That said ...

*Seamus goes off the scale on the "Ottery-loves-Seamus-love-meter."*

He's so cute. You write him soooooooooooo cute, but where's Dean? Seriously, leave Hogwarts or something and tell us what Dean's doing. Is he pinning for his old friend? Is he fighting in the fight, is he ... oh gah I need to reread DH it's already gone and forgotten

OMG! *the love meter explodes* OMG! I seriously love Seamus, but not bomb-ketches Then you wonder why I don't review better. Neways, Seamus being a boy is seriously cute. It shows a very tender side to him, and I think it makes me love him more. As if indeed I didn't already. I'm inspired by you Kellybear to go write some Dean/Seamus adventures on my Marxist story. Kankyou

I love how Ginny is such a nag. I mean seriously what's up with her being so meddlesome? I don't know ... grilling Neville like that seems a bit much, considering he is the leader of the revolution. I'd have her in chains and in the dungeons for insubordination ... of course I'd also have Colin doing suicide runs at midnight to the kitchen for a snack for me ... I get notoriously hungry around then

Pun totally intended I'm sure. Set up is nice ... I come from the school of In medias Res Graduating class of 1936 :O

*=Ottery is not referring to himself.
T: Ottery is referring to himself.
O:
T:
O:

“Ah, Mr. Longbottom. What rock have you been hiding under?” sneered the 7th year Slytherin whose name Neville did not care to know.

Neville tried to force his way through the circle of Slytherin students, his arms loaded with books and his jaw set. He’d vowed to keep his head down today, to stay out of trouble, but for some reason trouble seemed to be stalking him.

“Oooh, Snevilley’s gotten a little big for his britches.” taunted a tall blond boy, shoving him backwards. Suddenly, half a dozen wands were pointed at his head. Neville gasped, squeezed his eyes shut and dropped into a roll, knocking two of them of their feet as he bowled through them. A rainbow-hued explosion knocked the rest of them down as their spells collided and Neville managed to sneak away in the confusion.

“Duck, tuck and roll,” Ernie said, catching him up and nodding appreciatively, “not bad. Not bad at all. I came around the corner and saw the scrape you were in and thought I’d help you out. Doesn’t look like you needed it, though.”

“Thanks, Ern, but I got to get to class.” Neville took off at a trot, waving at Ernie over his shoulder, “Sorry!”

Out of breath, he dropped into his seat in Muggle Studies. The recently recovered Alecto sat on the corner of her desk, glowering at him. He sank low in his chair, then heaved a sigh of relief as two other students entered the classroom and Alecto turned her acid gaze on them. She must suspect and hate them all, he reasoned, not just him.

One student after another withered under her eye until the room was filled with cowed and trembling students awaiting Alecto’s wrath. Her lips twisted in a cruel smile and she pulled out her wand, pointing it at each of them in turn. A girl in the back began to weep, no longer able to bear the strain. It was she whom Alecto elected to curse first.

“Crucio! Your guilty tears give you away, you sniveling wench!” Alecto screamed, madness in her eyes.

“Stop, please stop. You're hurting her!” another girl cried piteously, watching her friend suffer.

“You're hurting her," Alecto mocked, "Crucio! So, you were in on it, as well?” Alecto snarled, “Who else?”

Fear turned to white-hot rage as Neville’s vow to keep his head down evaporated. He could not bear to watch Alecto torturing innocent students.

“Stop it, you cowardly evil witch!” Neville stood and shouted, fumbling in his robes for his wand.

Alecto’s jinx hit him square in the chest, knocking him back three rows. Several fallen desks shielded him from the next blast. Then, the classroom door crashed open.

“Alecto!” Professor Snape swooped into the room, teeth bared. “I will see you in my office immediately!”

Alecto turned her impotent rage on him but seemed to think better of it in the face of his fury. She stomped out of the room, muttering imprecations. Seeing the look on Snape's face, Neville almost felt sorry for her. When Snape turned to face the students, however, his cool façade was once more intact.

“As for all of you, clean this mess up.” Snape said, and left the room in a swirl of black robes.

It's the way it is for leaders. The villains want to take them out so they can better control others. Neville has found out what it was like for Harry. catchy! Good boy Neville! Yea, for Snape showing up in the nick of time. But, how did he know? Maybe he decided to monitor her since Neville was back.
I'm so glad we get to read more of this story, more often. I love it so much. Great post, KellyBear.

I've read your update, I've loved it, especially the action.

Poor Neville can't seem to stay out of trouble, if it isn't the whole 'which girl should I like' dilemma ... *ahem* most boys should be so lucky, it's the Slytherin's picking on him problem or the "I'm getting my vengeance on the whole bloody school" teacher debacle. *sighs*

Poor, Professor Higgins Neville ...

I love your stuff. Your story is still going strong and I'm glad you're posting more regularly. Neways, Bella won't let me write more and I have to get to bed so ... more better comments next post ... sorry luvs.

awesome posts...waiting for more...loved all the action...

I loved reading that scene between Hannah, Seamus and Luna *coughhannahcanhaveseamusandnevilleandlunacanbetog ether*

I love this sentence



For a decent example of Hufflepuff-Ernie behavior Ernie was always really annoying in the books

I almost, almost, liked Snape here Especially since Neville was referred to as Snevilley...very nice touch by the way

Post more soon

Neville walked into his next class, foolishly believing his day could get no worse when Luna sidled up next to him, giving him a sweet smile which melted his insides. He groaned inwardly, feeling like a man on a hunger strike who had just been presented with a feast fit for a king. Then her eyes flashed and he would have gladly thrown himself at her feet if she asked him.

He swallowed hard, yearning to hold her close. McGonagall’s harsh voice recalled him to himself. He sank down into his seat, remembering his promise to keep his distance. Vaguely he wondered what she used to wash her hair, then took himself firmly in hand. He’d never be able to resist her if her sat around wondering why she smelled so good.

He felt a something burn the back of his neck, and he slapped at it, feeling as though he’d just been stung. When he removed his hand, a smoldering scrap of paper lay flattened in his palm. Cursing under his breath, he dropped it onto the desktop. A blister was already forming in the palm of his hand but he hardly noticed as he read the rapidly disintegrating message on the curling, blackened paper. It was just one word: Die.

♥

A small gasp from beside him brought his head up. Luna stared hard at the black ash that remained. Neville prepared himself to laugh off the threat for her sake but stopped at the look on her face. Never, in all there encounters, had he seen such a look of cold fury on Luna’s face. With a quick stroke, she dashed the ash from the table and whirled around, searching for whoever had sent the note. Neville could only imagine the fear that chill look would invoke in the students behind him. With all their adventures, Luna had proven herself as a force to be reckoned with.

Surely it was a Slytherin, taking advantage of the Death Eaters presence to spread a little fear and drama. Neville told himself this must be the case. Still, he knew just how capable Death Eaters were of spilling innocent blood and surely Death Eater Wannabe’s were more than eager to prove they were willing to do the same?

He desperately wished he could talk to Ginny. She would know more than anyone what he should do. Obviously, Luna took this threat seriously, but he wasn’t so sure he should. The way his day was going, he wasn’t so sure anymore he was going to last until lunchtime, but if he did, he would talk to Ginny.

I lost my first attemt at commenting, so I'll give it another go. I don't know if Neville can make it another minute, yet alone lunchtime. I hope he makes it without anymore trouble. I wonder if Luna found the guilty one for that burning spitwad. It's another great post KellyBear. I loved the first two paragraphs! You're an amazing writer, and I hope you can post more really soon. I loved the whole thing!

genius!

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Okay, so now I'm freaking out for Neville, and I need another post...ASAP. Please?

cool post...and i liked how you described Luna...waiing for more...

My sweet love, your story continues to amuse, enrapture and capture my attentions ... and In the fire forged isn't half bad either *smoochies*

Cute.

I can relate ... oh Neville you're too cute ... *tackleglompsNevs* I wish I hadn't killed you off ...

The adorableness continues. Neville is too cute. I love the way you write him, a statement I'm sure I've said umpteen numbers of times. It's just his nervousness around girls just goes so well with his new found ... self-reliance in the face of Death Eaters running the school. Its somewhat reminiscent of Harry's bum-kicking attitude up until book 4 where he's all melty and lovey around Cho. Just goes to show you, saving the world is still easier than asking a girl out! *fires the cannons*

I loved your whole post and I hope you add more soon, love.

Happy Saint Valentine's Day btw, better early than late I always say.