“What did he do to you?” Luna asked quietly.

“Honestly, so much of it is a blur. I passed out…” Neville stopped, not wanting to say anything more to upset her. He wondered to himself, however, just how long after he’d lost consciousness did Amycus beat him. “I really don’t remember much.” he finished lamely.

Luna stared hard at his chest. She was trembling and her lips were pressed together so hard they appeared bloodless. To Neville’s astonishment, he realized Luna was furious. She went about applying the ointment to his bruises without saying another word. Neville wanted to reach out to her, touch her, reassure her, but he had no idea what he could say.

“It will be a day or two before you’re completely healed. Luckily, no one will be expecting you back in class, yet.” Her words were crisp, sharp, so unlike her.

“Wait, how am I going to explain…” Neville began.

“I used a memory charm on Crabbe. When he finally gets out, he’ll remember being told to free us. Our story is that he let us go, and somehow locked himself in the cell. I don’t think anyone will doubt it.” Luna said, pushing him back on the cot and covering him. “You need to rest.”

“Luna.” he said her name softly. She had busied herself to hide her anger but the sound of his voice stopped her. She sat down on the edge of the cot, her mouth working wordlessly. Then a sob tore through her. She buried her face in her hands, her shoulders shaking.

“Oh, Luna, no, please. Please stop.” Neville sat up, patting her shoulder, helpless in the face of her tears.

“It’s just...so unfair…so cruel…” she said between sobs. “They treat us like animals, worse than animals.”

“I know, but we have to believe that they will be defeated. We will win, Luna. Harry is out there right now, working to defeat them…him.” Neville wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close. She buried her face in his shoulder, weeping quietly.

“You have so much faith, Neville.” Luna said through her tears.

“It’s going to be ok, Luna. I know it will.” Neville said, stroking her hair.

“I trust you.” Luna said, lifting her head from his shoulder and wiping away her tears. She kissed him softly, then pulled away. “I have to go now. Get some sleep.”

Neville lay back on the cot. Already he could feel sleep washing over him. “Thank you, Luna. Thank you for everything.”

Luna pulled the cover back over him and kissed him goodnight. Neville was asleep before the door closed behind her.

aw...so sweet....Kelly...like it a lot...waiting for more...

Neville forgets that Luna is completely honest always. I expect it gets a little irritating when people are less than honest with her.
It's good how Luna covered all the bases, so they can get back to classes in a couple days.
Neville always has complete trust in Harry. I love how loyal he is to Harry. And I love the softness and the tenderness between Neville and Luna.
Wonderful post. Post when you can, although this is Trick or Treat day, you must have things to do for tonight. I know I do. Have a spooktacular Halloween.

Which is smilieglyphics for I was shocked into sleep on Halloween by your post. I'm tired *Ahem* Moving on ...



Wizard birthday parties are love but I'm always annoyed when you make me do fun things

Moving on. Onto your post!

I love your story. This scene was very tender and sweet. I love that you made Luna cry from anger (which to me seems more canon) than say from crying of sadness over Neville or at the sadness of everything. I think Luna would be outraged not all meek or feeling helpless.

I think your post was brilliant. Your story is very canon but I've said this ad nauseum. I love how the events of the story are plausible and how you capture the characters and well, just everything about your story.

I'm running out of things to say about your fic I should talk about you. You're this beautiful lovely woman, with hair so long and beautiful, a smile that brightens the day more than the sun, lips like soft petals sweet to the touch and to the taste and I can't help but love you ... *swoons in your presence* What? This is in the romance threads isn't it? *goes to check*

Yup it is. Who said all the romance had to be just in the story, hmm?

Thank you all for your replies and for reading. Happy Halloween to all of you!


As Otty says, this is in the romance forum and there is a lot more romance to come.

Bring on the love ♥ train Kellybear. ;P

I mean, as much love as you can write in time of war I mean. Obviously this is happening while Voldemort has plunged the Wizarding world into peril and utter turmoil ... but love blossoms everywhere at all times in the midst of anything, no?

No. 15 maybe?

Love grows where my Rosemary goes and nobody knows ... j/k

No. 15 perhaps or a little love's mayhap

Love is a splendorous wonderous thing,
when first it our heart stings.
Walking on clouds, soaring in the sky so high,
one cannot think that the love will ever die.
But like a flower it needs more love to grow,
lest you watch it wither, you reap what you sow.
And if you sow nothing but lack-a-daisies, or indifference
then your love will know all about your ambivalence.

So, tend it carefully with seeds of love,
your heart is not food for the doves,
tell who you love that you love them so,
as I do myself with this poem which to my love I show
For the day may come when I am not here,
let her know always my heart wherever it is to her is near.

Ottery it was really awesome and sweet...i loved it...and yes kelly we are all waiting for the new posts...

Neville slept through all of that night and most of the next day, waking only when Hannah, Ginny and Seamus stopped in to bring him something to eat. He had hoped to see Luna but knew she must be resting and recovering as well.

“He really did a number on you, Neville.“ said Seamus, looking both impressed and revolted all at the same time. “Imagine he’s not going to be too pleased to see you’ve got out.”

“Luna made sure Crabbe will take the credit for it when he does realize I’m not only still alive, but free.” Neville said, attempting to make light of the situation. Seamus grinned wickedly, no doubt hoping Crabbe would get back some of his own for last time he'd given Seamus "detention".

“Hey, guess what?” Seamus asked, suddenly excited. “Potterwatch will be on the wireless tonight!”

“What time?” Neville tried to sit up, but Seamus pushed him back down on the cot.

“Whoa there, mate. You’ve got plenty of time to rest. It won’t be for hours, yet.”

Neville lay back down reluctantly. It had been weeks since he’d last heard a broadcast. Now, more than ever, he yearned for news from outside. It gave him hope to know that elsewhere, others were fighting as well, that they were not alone. He fought against a wave of exhaustion.

“Promise you’ll wake me, so I can hear it?” Neville asked.

“Sure, Neville.” Seamus said, understanding in his eyes. The broadcasts meant a lot to all of them.

Seamus was as good as his word, so Neville lay back and let sleep take him, leaving Seamus alone with his own thoughts.

This year had been hard on Seamus not only because of the return of He Who Must Not Be Named and the Death Eaters, but because, for the first time, he had been without his best friend. He had thought that with Dean at his side, he could survive anything so when he’d found out Dean wouldn’t be returning to Hogwarts this year, he’d been devastated.

He looked at the sleeping boy on the cot beside him. He owed Neville so much. Just when he had reached the end of himself and had decided that the only thing left to do would be to run away from Hogwarts, to find Dean or even Harry, knowing that it was suicide to even attempt it, Neville had called together Dumbledore’s Army. Not only had it given him purpose, but it helped to fill the loneliness that threatened to overwhelm him.

He always listened to Potterwatch with a mixture of hope and dread. He longed for news of his family and his friends, of what was going on in the wizarding world outside, but when they recited the list of missing or dead, he found he could not breathe until they reached the very end, hoping no one he knew would be mentioned.

As always, before a broadcast, he recited the names of those he loved. “Mam is fine. Dad is fine. Sis is fine. Dean is fine. Fergus is fine.” and so forth, on down the list, as though the mantra would keep them from harm.

Neville stirred on the cot and Seamus paused in the ritual to look over at him. Thanks to Luna, Neville’s features were now recognizable if a bit discolored. Most of the swelling had gone down, and the cuts had healed. Seamus whistled under his breath.

“You’re a lot tougher than I first give ye credit for, Neville Longbottom.”






An: As expected, I can't post as frequently this month, but I will do my best! Thank you all for your faithfulness!

Wow! Kelly! What a great post. I'm astounded at how well you write. I love this story so much! I am anxious for Potter watch.
You know if there was a way to put your story in with Deathly Hallows, it would make it the best book I've ever read.
Hope NANOWRIMO is going great for you. It's gotta be tough, take care of yourself and good luck.

wow...Kelly...i loved it...i had always thought about Seamus when i read about Dean running in the forest away from the death eaters...they were best friends...i always had an interest to know about what went on in the castle when i read about the trio in the forests. and you have captured Seamus' feelings so well...loved it...waiting for more...

That was a seriously lovely post about Seamus I love Seamus and Dean. Their friendship transcends all ... *criesglompsthemboth*

Keep writing. Poor Neville ... I thnk it's cute that he's missing Luna and I love how you keep incorporating elements from DH keeping this fic very very canon even if it isn't ... technically because Jo isn't writing it. I'm sure if she read fanfiction she would be flattered and impressed, as I am.

Give us more story please, when you can. We know you're Nanoing too and the whole having children and a boyfriend who never relinquishes the computer well, most mornings he's not on it

loves,

~

Oh~ Wonderful posts! I agree with Ottery, that is some fabulous writing about Dean and Seamus. They are such amazing friends

A small wireless sat on the table next to Neville’s cot and all of the D.A. gathered around it, pressing close, awaiting the start of the broadcast. A crackle and a chime issued from the radio.

“’Allo, this is Potterwatch!”

Seamus sat up and grinned. He’d know that voice anywhere. He tried to move in closer to the radio as Dean’s voice filled the room. There had been no new Potter sighting or rumors, but plenty of deaths and disappearances, he was sad to report.

Another voice chimed in that the news wasn’t all bad. It sounded like Fred, but Seamus couldn’t be sure. It was one of the Weasley twins, at any rate. From the sound of it, the Order had been very busy making things more difficult for He Who Must Not Be Named. The Ministry, of course, was hopeless.

Then came the part of the broadcast that Seamus dreaded most. The list. He was still grinning, knowing without a doubt that his best mate was safe and whole at this very minute, when he heard a familiar name and his stomach leapt up into his throat.

“Amelia Bonebridge, deceased.”

Aunt Amelia was--had been, he corrected himself--his favorite aunt. He mother’s eldest sister, she never failed to spoil and coddle him at every opportunity. At family gatherings, she would always bring a pot of her famous Haggis and a warm bowl of Colcannon just for him. He brushed away tears, wondering what had happened to her. He might never know.

Others were crying around him, several of the girls wept openly on each others shoulders. Colin and Nigel were both paler than normal and Colin seemed to be trying to comfort his brother. Seamus wondered who in the long list had belonged to them. Backing away, he headed for the dormitory to grieve in private. He wished more than anything that he were home.



An: I must profusely apologize for not being online. The last few weeks have been hectic beyond all reason. However, my schedule now has breathing room and *crosses fingers* hopefully it will stay that way. Thank you for your patience and your faithfulness. This post is lovingly dedicated to Ottery. Sorry it took so long, my love.

Poor Seamus!! *pets him*

Great post PAMS

nice post...never read about seamus much...nice pams...

Welcome Home KellyBear! I missed you so much! KellyBear, you have a life outside of SS. Don't think you have to apologize for that. Nobody could possibly hold that against you.
I was wondering if you was able to write this with dry eyes. I couldn't read it with dry eyes. I love it when the author can make me feel like the story is real! Your terrific! Love your post and post again when you can.

Guess who's back! Guess who's back! Guess who's baaack! So, I'm all caught up and lovin' it As always, you're doing a fantabulous job

LUNA/NEVILLE FTW!




PAMS!

When the broadcast was over, everyone began straggling back to their dormitories. Hannah, who had been consoling Lavender Brown, made her way to Neville’s bedside. She hung back until most of the students had left, hesitating even when Neville met her eye and smiled at her. Finally, smiling shyly, she sat next to him on the edge of his cot.

“I’m sorry I didn’t come see you sooner. Ginny didn’t think it would be a good idea.” she shot Ginny an annoyed look before smiling back at him. “I’m so glad you’re alright.”

Neville thought about how he’d looked when he and Luna had emerged from the dungeon and choked back a laugh. Ginny had been right to keep her from visiting, he didn’t like the thought of worrying Hannah, though he wasn’t entirely sure if that was Ginny’s intention.

“I’ll be up on my feet in no time, don’t worry, Hannah.”

“If you need anything, let me know, ok?” Hannah said, squeezing his hand.

“Hannah, we have to go.” Ginny called from the door, clearly impatient.

Hannah scowled at her, then quickly kissed Neville on the cheek before running after Ginny.

“Uh, oh…” Neville said under his breath, letting his head fall back on the pillow.

“Neville! I’ve been dying to tell you! The display Halloween night, it was amazing!” Colin Creevey fairly danced on his toes with excitement.

“Absolutely amazing!” piped up little Dennis Creevey.

Colin leaned in close to Neville. “I think it made Mildred Velch cry,” he whispered, winking.

Understanding slowly dawned. “Y-y-you?” Neville gaped at the grinning Colin.

“Sorry she almost smooshed you, though. Totally intentional.”

“N-no problem” whispered Neville.

With a final wink, Colin steered little Dennis away.
Neville stared after them, mouth agape.

“You look much better,” said a voice, “you should be able to go back to class soon.”

Neville turned and reached for her hand.

“Thanks to you, Luna. I’m starting to get tired of this cot, but I’m worried about going back to classes.”

“You may not care about being pureblood, but they do. They won’t kill you if they can help it.” Luna said, dabbing ointment around his eyes.

“Yeah, well, they don’t seem to mind turning me into pork pie.” said Neville, ruefully.

“No, I don’t suppose they do.” Luna said, surveying her work, “It looks nearly healed.”

“Have you heard anything about how the mission went?” he asked. Having been dragged off and nearly beaten to death had driven the whole Halloween Feast out of his head.

“Everyone is still talking about it!” Luna’s smile was radiant. “No one has guessed who was responsible but there are dozens of theories, most of them quite silly.”

Neville leaned back, feeling quite satisfied with himself as though he’d pulled off the whole thing all on his own. Luna laughed at the smug look on his face and gave him a shove that nearly toppled him off the cot.

“Personally, I think the phoenix was brilliant. Ginny really outdid herself.” Neville did not miss her emphasis on Ginny.

“Yes, it really was.” he said, chuckling a little sheepishly.

“Neville, I know you’re scared and I don’t blame you. I think though, that you are healed enough to leave here. It will a lot of people good to see you. Promise me you’ll think about it.”

Neville swallowed hard. He hadn’t really been trying to put off returning to class, but he had to admit to himself that he hadn’t exactly been rushing back. He hated for Luna to think he’d been cowardly.

“No, Luna. I don’t have to think about it. You’re right, I need to get off my bum.” she looked ready to protest, but he silenced her with a finger to her lips. “There’s no reason for me to sleep here tonight. I need to get ready to go back to my own dormitory. You go on ahead. I’ll see you at breakfast tomorrow.”

Luna kissed the finger covering her lips and smiled.

“Goodnight, then.” Luna kissed him goodnight and left for her own House.


♥♥♥

Happy New Year!! May 2010 be a wonderful year for you all!

I can't believe I missed the last post and it was dedicated to me and all. Goes to show you ... I can't keep up with all my fics ...

I love your stuff Kellybear ... keep posting when you can. Neville with Luna AND Hannah :o Seriously needs to make up his mind ...

Neville's a playa.

Neways ... it's late or early and my brain isn't coherent and they cancelled the new Kid Flash book that was maybe coming out next year and now I'm all angry at DC again because they're idiots ... Whatever ... I WILL SAVE DC! From the evils of Dan Didiot.

♥

hey nice post....Kelly...liked it as always...this Neville/Luna post is cool...waiting for more...

and Happy New Year to you too...hope you have a wonderful year and hope you keep writing such awesome stuff...

KellyBear, very, very nice post! You just made my year by posting.
I LOVE Luna's communication skills. That was powerful, all by itself.

I....love...it!

Happy New Year luff!

Neville watched her go, then gathered up his few things. It was getting late and he had no time to spare if he was going to make it back to his dormitory without being caught.

Taking a last look around to be sure he hadn’t missed anything, Neville spotted a soft blue scarf lying near the foot of his cot. It was the scarf Hannah always wore, the one that just matched her eyes. She must have dropped it on her way out. Her snatched it up and shoved it into his robe. He’d be seeing her at breakfast tomorrow, as well.

Somehow, the thought of seeing both Luna and Hannah filled him with nervous excitement, and with not a little dread. He was still all tangled up inside about how he felt about them, but he had to choose. He grinned at the thought of him having to choose between two girls. If Ron could see him now, he wouldn’t be so quick to tease.

His next thought, however, wiped the grin from his face. Hannah cared about him and he cared for her but he felt closer to Luna. He knew her better and liked her a lot. The temptation to simply leave things as they were, harmlessly flirting with both of them, was strong but he knew it was simply another form of cowardice. As much as it hurt, he was going to have to keep his distance from both of them for the time being.

He made his way to the Gryffindor Common Room, getting turned around only once. Climbing in through the portrait hole, he had the sensation of coming home again. There hung the old familiar tapestries, here were the overstuffed chairs, so inviting. Except for the cold ashes in the fireplace instead of a blazing fire--the fire was rarely if ever lit these days--everything was just as it had always been. He exhaled the breath he didn’t know he’d been holding, then climbed the stairs to his bed.

Our Neville is growing up. Still, it's nice to see somethings haven't changed about him. It's what I do when I'm reading your posts! Another great post KellyBear. Gee it's so great to be reading your story again. I'll catch ya later.

Oh look everyone, I'm back and I'm lucid

Sorry, I was just seeing red about the whole Kid Flash book going on permanent hiatus ... you know it did since no one actually drew anything and the scripts were probably tanked ... Moving on ... I can't stand emotional outbursts ...

A proper critique of your first post ...

+600 points ...

Cute. I mean twins would sound alike wouldn't they? The touch of humor is cute in a sad instant ... and this post was sad.

That was jarring ... and it played off really well, what with Seamus all happy and then *Bam* 9_9; horrible news ... nice set up. I'm going to have to borrow it. Euphoric happiness and then ... catastrophic disaster. The Colcannon and the Haggis were nice touches too. *goes off to look Colcannon*

You display timidity admirably.

The HannahvGinny antagonism works cutely especially considering Ginny is Luna's friend if Luna likes Neville I mean :o

Then the set up for Colin with the whole "uh, oh..." 2 cute I love the Creevy's *book 7 Spoiler* I think Colin's ... *ahem* in book 7 shocked me second most to Dobby's. You fall in love with a character you know ... Neways, I root for non-canon and then I get N/L and C doesn't have to meet that fate ... no? *crosses fingers*

My only criticism here though would be the whole thing with that Velch girl. Uhm, seeing as you haven't updated in a while ... I don't remember so well what happened at the dinner ... so ... uhm, you shouldn't do that to your readers we have to go back and reread ... *goes back to re-read* so you should maybe drop context clues in the paragraphs ...

Fun-e. And I like pork pie ... I always decry SS's lack of a piggy smilie ... oh woe.

The Luna kiss, subtle but conveying soooooooooooo much. Nicely done. Now your new post. *goes to read*

Oh, Nevy-poo If I could see Ron ... *sniffles* but I thought this was cute and neat. It's a nice reference to events outside of Hogwarts, it shows character, and it's funny and cute and goes with what I said in my last post which shows you actually read what I say and take it into consideration Now about the giant Death Eater Mecha ... or maybe the werepigs ... I mean ... you could always retcon it if it doesn't work

Okay, that was a shocker again ... gah boys are so stupid in love ...

All in all nice posts all of them. My only gripe would be if you reference something from a while back like say ... last month you should link it, mention it, or don't make me go look for it ... it throws off reading the present post. Otherwise, all around brilliant writing as always ... kewl.

PAMS when you cans loves ... *pets* and Happy New Year love ♥ ;3