Of Magic and Men
Hosted by [Alexi Ice]
The Hogwarts express whined to a stop at the crowded platform. Students and their parents weaved around one another, fretting, anxious and excited for the new school term. Students were throwing trunks about, freeing caged owls and changing into their uniforms. The train whistle yelped, warning people that they should be boarding soon. The golden emblem of the school shined brilliantly, beaconing everyone forward.
Harry, who had only arrived moments ago from a late stop at Diagon Alley, loaded his trunk. Hedwig was already well on her way to the familiar stone castle. He was already sure where he could find his friends in the same cabin they had inhabited for seven years now. The conductor greeted him, famous Harry Potter, with a story about his battles against Death Eaters. Harry, who wasn't entirely sure what to say to the man, slipped away from him rather quickly. Finding himself aboard the too-familiar red and black train Harry made his way to the cabins where he was assured to find his friends. Seeing Ron after the summer would be awkward. Harry and Ginny had suffered a rather heartbreaking break up during the beginning of summer and the wounds were still fresh on everyones minds.
Ron made his way towards the cabin, fussing with his crimson and gold tie. His mother had embarrassed him by insisting she kiss him on the forehead before he departed. He had attempted to wash the shame away in the bathroom, but still felt as if people were laughing at him.
Draco Malfoy gripped his leather briefcase tightly in his hand. It had direct instructions of who he would be meeting later on that night. His father had given him the job of caring for a woman the dark lord himself had taken interest in. It wasn't a job Draco appreciated. He felt almost like a glorified babysitter. What's worse was that his charge had a particular liking for human blood and hadn't spared him the humiliation of having that blood stolen the last time he'd seen her. The marks were still evident on his neck. Locating his lacies, the braun to his brain, Crabe and Goyle and his ever irritating admirer Pavati Patty he settled himself into the cabin for the long, boorish ride to the castle, all the while trying to keep his mind off Vampires and their boundary issues.
Ginny settled across from Neville after challenging him to a game of wizard chess. She wasn't sure if she would be able to beat him at the game she rarely played, but it was an excuse to take her mind off of the summer, the upcoming school year, and above all, Harry.
After bidding goodbye to her parents, Hermione found her way onto the platform and into the groups of parents and students that she noticed clinged far too close together. She loaded her trunk and then climbed into the train, moving through the corridors until she found their usual compartment. She wiggled in and sat next to the window across from Harry and Ron. "'Ello boys." She said, relaxing some now that she was on the train. "This is always the worst part."
Luna took in a good inhale of her fathers smell. He currently had her pressed to his chest, smoothing her hair over her head. "Love and Luck, Luna Lovegood." He spoke to her, kneeling to her level. Smiling, she hugged him once more. "I promise to believe at least one impossible thing before breakfast." Smiling, he kissed his four fingers and pressed them to her forehead. Turning, she pulled her trunk after her. "I'll see you for holidays, father." She waved goodbye, took one last look at her father for the next several months, and loaded the train. After loading her drunk, she moved through the trains swinging her arms. Her long curly hair was up in a pony tail for once and it swung back and forth as she moved. She opened the doors to the compartment where Harry and the rest of the gang sat and warmly greeted them.
"Looks like we arrived here first, hmmm?" Harry said, looking around "Anyone seen Ron yet?" He wouldn't deny that he was dreading seeing his red-headed companion but Harry knew the reunion was inevitable. "By the way, Luna, your father wrote me over the summer. Seems he would like to do an interview. I never got a chance to answer it but I'd be more than willing to meet with him during holidays. I won't have anything planned." He hinted at the fact that for the first time in many a holiday that he wasn't necessarily invited to the Weasly's. Mrs. Weasly had made it clear that he WAS invited, but that scenario didn't suit him.
Ron finally waded his way through the crowds to the Compartment. He had already left his spastic owl behind and was out of breath after wading through a particularly dense group of first years. "Bloody hell!" He said, after flopping down into a seat next to Harry "I think the wizarding world needs to stop breeding for a bit." He shook his head.
Luna sat on the edge of the seat next to Hermione. "You have nothing to do these holidays?" She questioned, thinking she might invite him home with her, but later of course. When no one else was around. She figured it might be nice for Harry to get some time with a family that was not necessarily normal but very loving. "I will let him know next time I communicate with him."
Hermione's eyes flicked to Ron as he moved into the room. "There are quite a lot of first years. I suppose it has to do with the recent baby boom. I hear that quite a few of them aren't full blooded either." She thought quietly to herself about her own making, but didn't comment on it.
"Not exactly" Harry said, attempting to avoid the subject. "How did you enjoy your summer, Luna?" He asked, jumping at the chance to not talk Ron who sat beside him.
"Bet that makes Voldemort happy!" He boasted, laughing "And imagine the look on Malfoy's face when he has to work with half-blood's? Charlie's met himself a gypsy by-the-way. Mum wonders if he will be married soon. I guess it's about time since Bill's hitched and even Percy engaged to Penelope. I think mum's given up on Fred and Gorge ever getting married. I just wish she'd stop pestering
ME about finding a 'nice girl.'" Ron quoted with an exaggerated eye roll.
Luna caught on to the odd way Harry was acting, but decided not to comment on it. "Oh, it was nice. Father and I spent some time learning more about nature and such things. Traveled some. You should come with us sometime." She smiled with her mouth and her misty eyes, and felt the familiar jolt of the train starting to move. "Oh good. We're on our way."
Hermione's back straightened at the mention of Malfoy and his mudbloods, but it straightened even more at Ron's sneering over his mother's wishes. With tight lips she attempted to not reply to him and instead looked out of the window. "That does sound nice, Luna."
Harry noticed the air of the cabin shift into awkwardness. He figured that this train ride would be a long one. "Have any of you been wondering about the transfers? I got a letter about it earlier in the summer. It was a warning that some could be 'dangerous' and parents should remind students to be cautious when meeting someone unfamiliar. I can imagine people like the Malfoy's would throw a fit about that sort of thing. I'm curious as to exactly how dangerous they mean."
"I believe everyone is only as dangerous as they wish to be, Harry." Luna said, smiling. "We could be dangerous, if we wished." She lifted her shoulders in a girlish shrug. "Father told me to take care. I figure the worst they can do to me at school is tease me - which already happens, all in good fun, of course. Who am I to judge anyone?" She looked out the window at the passing world.
Hermione nodded roughly. "Yes, my parents were worried so we went and bought books on all sorts of things like self defense and mental awareness and such. Most of my summer was spent reading. I can't say they were very happy sending me to school this year due to it."
"Which of your summers aren't spent reading?" Ron pipped up. "I haven't even finished my homework. Dad and Mum weren't worried. I think they figure since we've battled death eaters and spiders and the whomping willow that we are prepared for it."
"Do they still tease you, Luna?" Harry couldn't help but ask. He remembered the way Dudly and his friends used to rattle him. It wasn't something he would wish on anyone. "I thought that would have stopped by now" He added. Luna had been somewhat of an indispensable ally of theirs. Cho-Chang had also agreed to ask the Ravenclaw girls to lay off her a bit.
Hermione glared at Ron with a look that equaled fire. "Ronald... You..." She cut herself off. "My parents love me and hope for my safety. They don't care what we've battled. At any moment any of us can slip up and kill the rest of us!" She shuddered a little and then calmed down. "I also know more things than you, Ronald, and I excel in classes more than you have."
Luna wasn't particularly listening to the banter between Hermione and Ron. Sometimes she wished they would just get together and get over it. She smiled. "It's all in good fun, Harry. I have brought extra shoes this year." She wiggled her toes in her new pair of purple converse. "Who knows about this year? They might stop, who knows."
Ron chocked back what he wanted to say only because of who he noticed walking past the compartment "I was hoping he had fallen off a cliff..." He mumbled, watching Draco ghost by. "Guess that was too much to ask for Christmas, huh?" He laughed to himself.
Harry nodded at Luna. "This year will be different. We are seventh years after all. Hopefully this year will be uneventful. I've had enough excitement to last me a lifetime by now." He caught a glimpse of Malfoy as well but decided that it was best to ignore him.
Hermione took Ron's silence for her victory and settled in for the train ride with a book she pulled out of her cloak pocket.
Luna smiled. "We will see, Harry Potter." She kept her hands folded in her lap. "Honestly though, you are invited to come with me for holiday. I can't say it will be very exciting. A lot of staying at home with my father, but he cooks well." She smiled warmly at him.
"I imagine it will be better than staying in the castle. Not that I don't enjoy the company of nearly-headles
s-Nick but he's more-often-than-not off with other ghosts." Harry admitted. He wasn't sure about Luna's father, but was even less sure of staying at Hogwarts over the holidays. "I just might take you up on that offer. That way, at least, Hermione won't worry about me" He teased her. Ron's attention had turned elsewhere and Harry figured they had a bit before the train stopped and the chaos of sorting new students and settling into their dorms ensued.
"I will write my father to let him know of your maybe." Luna smiled at him, and then decided to drag her attention elsewhere other than the almost awkward invite of Harry Potter to her home for holiday. She idly wondered what would happen, and what could happen. She noticed that Ginny was no where near, unlike last year when the two weren't without the other. She then noticed that Ron and Harry hadn't said anything to each other. She frowned.
Hermione glanced at Harry and Luna with some surprise. She didn't comment on it but instead said: "Yes, then I won't worry. I'm sure Luna and her father would keep close watch over you..."
"Hermione, I think I can handle myself" Harry couldn't help but smile. He had come to rely on the somewhat motherly role Hermione played in his life. In fact, he'd almost been spoiled by it. "Hopefully nothing will have happened to prevent your parents from allowing you back after holidays" He added, not sure what he would do if Hermione left him and Ron alone together. He had a feeling the re-head wished he had fallen off that cliff along with Malfoy.
"I wonder what kind of pudding they will have at the feast this year." Luna mentioned, completely changing the topic. "I love my fathers cooking, but I do miss the food at Hogwarts when we're gone."
Hermione finished her wondering stare at Harry and agreed with Luna. "Yeah, i like the variety of things to chose from."
Harry wasn't sure how to contribute, he, like Ron, had become consumed by thoughts. The castle was coming into veiw. "I'm going to go change." He said, somewhat un-balanced as he stood up and left the compartment behind. Finding his way to the back of the train where the lavatories were located Harry ducked into a stall to change into his freshly washed robes. He hadn't expected Malfoy to be in there. He seemed to be picking at something on his neck. Malfoy's eyes caught Harry's.
"What're you looking at, Potter?" He sneered, removing his hand from the place on his neck. Harry rolled his eyes. After the death and mayhem he had seen he couldn't bring himself to fear Draco anymore.
"I think Malfoy's got a hickey" Crabe, Malfoy's fumbling companion, offered. Met with Malfoy's death glare, Crabe shut his oversized mouth.
"You don't have to act as if I care" Harry said. "Though I do have to wonder what foul, otherworldly being would put their lips on you" He added before ducking into a stall before Malfoy could insult him. Malfoy and Crabe left the lavatory in a rush moments later.
Luna took the time to address Ron while Harry was out of the compartment. "How are you, Ron? Is everything all right?" She looked at him hesitantly, waiting for him to spew his normal disgust on her. She didn't much enjoy the way he teased her. His never seemed that it was fun at all. She felt unwelcome with him.
Hermione turned her attention to Ron, her eyes lingering on him while she waited for his answer.
"Peachy" Ron snapped, and in a flash left the compartment as well, leaving the girls behind to fair on their own.
Ginny had almost beaten Neville when the train breaks ground to an excruciating stop, throwing the pieces onto the floor. Neville began picking them up but was quickly bombarded by students filling out of the train. "Watch it" She said "A few chess pieces aren't worth risking your life" she said, observing the students rushing out.
When the train came to a stop, Luna stood and looked out the windows and was quickly joined by Hermione. "I wonder what's going on." They said at the same time, and then looked at each other surprised. Glancing back out the windows, they continued searching.
Harry stood at the mouth of the compartment. "What are you two looking at?" He asked, fully dressed in his uniform. "Where did Ron go?" He added, and then "Would one of you fix my tie?" He decided not to mention seeing Malfoy in the bathroom.
Outside the train, Ron could be seen joining Ginny and Neville, Shamus and the twins, and Alicia and Dean. Even the way he walked seemed angry and indignant.
Luna turned. "We were surprised that we were here so early." She mentioned as she watched Hermione quickly move in to fix Harry's tie. Luna had already been dressed in her robes, as had Hermione. When Hermione was finished with Harry's tie, she lead the way out of the train and onto the platform toward the carriages. "What is going on with Ron, Harry?"
"I haven't a clue" Harry lied, watching Ginny ahead of them. He hadn't seen her since the end of June. Nor had he heard from her or Ron. He couldn't help the look of disdain that crossed his face. Especially when Neville absentmindedly placed a hand on Ginny's shoulder. Without thinking, Harry clenched his fists. "I wouldn't worry about it" He added, speaking more to himself than anyone.
Luna frowned as she watched Harry's reaction and touched him lightly on the shoulder with a smile. "It will all be alright." She climbed into one of the carriages and settles in for the ride, not quite expecting anyone to stay with her.
Hermione climbed in with Luna, watching the awkward air ensue. "You'll have to tell us someday, Harry. This year will be awfully unbearable if we spend it hating each other."
Harry nodded solemnly. "I'll explain why I stopped writing over the summer too. Things got a bit out of control" He said, nothing the Griffandor group up ahead. "A little later, I mean" He added, hoping the girls weren't expecting him to spill his guts quite yet.
Neville sat next to Ginny in the carriage ahead from Harry and the others. He rug a hand through his now short and messy-spiked hair and gave Ginny a sideways look. He wondered if she thought he was still the same kid he was the year before. A lot of things had happened over that summer and now he was a different boy - no. A man. "Ginny..." He glanced over his shoulder at his friends behind them. "I hope we can all come to terms with whatever it is that is being bothersome." He tried a smile at her, unsure still. He hoped his group of friends would not be divided by a break up that he still didn't know much about.
Hermione shrugged. "I'm sure it will come out at some point. I must admit that I am a little weirded out about all of this." When Luna didn't add anything, like Hermione wished she would. "Although I figure everything will be strange from now on. I'm a little angry at the fact that Ron is taking everything out on me."
"Speaking of being bothersome" Ginny said, in an attempt to change the subject. "Did you notice how Fred was looking at Alicia?" She nudged Ron's leg. The twins had Followed Alicia and Dean. "Tell me he isn't thinking what I think he's thinking?"
"God help him..." Ron muttered. Alicia was the most vicious girl on the Quiditch team. "She'd straighten him up, at least."
"I'm sorry, Hermione. This whole mess is my problem. I will fix it." Harry seemed determined to be good on his word.
Neville looked forward but wasn't much interested in the siblings talking about more of their siblings. He thought about the scars swirling up his arms now and what they would all think of them when they saw them. The stubble on his chin was becoming less irritating, though now he scratched at it out of awkwardness.
"Mhmm." Hermione replied, watching him. "I'm sure you will."
Luna smiled. "Look, the castle is in sight!"
The castle rose above the skyline. It was a beautiful stone monument and immediately Harry felt calmer, less anxious. He felt as if everything was safer at Hogwarts even though he knew that evil could in-fact find it's way into the castle. "I'm hoping for chocolate" Harry said, absentmindedly "Pudding, I mean" He added. He noted the piles of luggage near the entrance that filtch was shifting through.
It was the first time Luna had paid attention since the carriages had begun their trek. She looked at him with a soft smile on her face. "That does sound good, Harry Potter." She left her smile in place and moved her attention back to the castle.
Neville sighed. "Well, at least we're nearly home, hmm." When the carriages stopped, he jumped out and offered his hand to help Ginny out.
"Luna...we are friends, you know. You don't have to call me Harry Potter all the time. Harry would work fine" He offered her a smile. "If it doesn't make you uncomfortable, I would prefer you call me Harry."
"I think it's quieter at Hogwarts than it is at home" Ginny chuckled, accepting Neville's hand. "Thank you" She smiled a brilliant smile. "Let's go see what's for dinner." She added. Ron kept close to Ginny, feeling oddly overprotective of her.
Luna smiled and shook her head. "I do not call you Harry Potter to title you, you know. It is respect. I will respect your wishes, though, Harry." She smiled at him and climbed out of the carriage. "Would you like to invite me to sit with you for dinner as well, Harry?"
Neville laughed, but removed his hand from Ginny's as he didn't quite know what the deal was with her and Harry or whether or not she was truly grabbing his hand for comfort. He hooked his thumbs in his belt loop and followed the siblings into the great hall.
"Consider yourself invited" Harry said, bowing before Luna. "People who call me Harry Potter tend to be people I don't know who seem to think they know me from stories and rumors. Not the people who know me." He turned to Hermione. "If you are worried about Ron, you should talk to him. He might be more willing to listen to you." He added, noting Malfoy out of the corner of his eye, still scratching that place on his neck. He was leaned in speaking in hushed tones with Professor Snape. "Wonder what he's up too this early in the term?" Harry asked aloud.
"Ron, your not going to follow me around forever, are you?" Ginny whined, while Ron took the seat closest too her (earning him a stare from Alicia, who was Ginny's unofficial best friend). "I really," She lowered her voice to an almost imperceptible whisper "I'm fine now, honest." When Ron nodded, realizing that he was being rediculous, she added "I love you." He nodded.
"You too, Ginny. If you need anything...." She nodded her head and he took it as his cue to leave her with her friends.
Luna smiled and touched him again on the shoulder. "I meant no harm." She followed him as he closed in on the great hall, and followed his wonder as he spoke of Malfoy. "Something curious, as always."
Hermione nodded. "I will see what is up with him." She left the side of Harry and Luna, keeping the pair out of her mind as she found Ron already sitting, albeit alone. She sat next to him instead of across from him and smiled at him. "I am sorry for being so tense earlier. This year has my mind rushing. Please forgive me."
Neville paused next to Ginny. "I suppose this is my cue to leave you as well?" He smiled at her and bowed his head politely. "It was nice to have your company on the train and in the carriage. I'll see you around." He twitched two fingers at her in a form of a wave, and moved off to find his own place in the Gryffindor tables.
"Curious and dangerous, I imagine. I met him in the bathroom. He didn't bother insulting me. I want to know what he's up too." Harry said, unable to keep himself from wondering. "C'mon, let's find a seat" He said, unable to let himself be sidetracked by Malfoy so early in the year.
Ron turned to her, momentarily confused. "Your apologizing to me?" He asked, feigning shock. "I'm sure I am not being a cup o' tea, either." He said, swirling his drink around with the tip of his want.
Alicia dropped to the seat beside Ginny and immediately began spilling about her chat with Fred. Ginny, feeling a bit queazy at the thought of anyone being attracted to any of her siblings tuned her out. It wasn't until her eyes fell upon Harry and Luna entering the hall together that she found something to focus on. Unable to help the blush, more from anger and embarrassment than anything, from lighting her cheeks.
Luna followed Harry and sat across from him at the table. "Strange. He usually always has something to say." She glanced up at the enchanted ceiling and the candles. "It does feel good to be home, doesn't it?" She smiled across the table at him, noticing mostly his green eyes. She wondered if other people only focused on his scar. The thought quickly trickled away as she looked for something else to think about.
Hermione smiled at him and placed a hand on his arm. "Is everything alright? Everyone is awfully tense and it's only been a few hours." She didn't want to say if you need someone to talk to, you can talk to me but she was implying. "I just hate seeing everyone so stressed out. Especially you - you rarely seem to feel as such."
"It does" He said, taking a fork in hand and poking at a random object. "It's been too-long of a summer for my liking" He added. "I always feel on-edge outside of Hogwarts. As if something is watching me no matter where I go. It's...unsettling." Harry admitted. It felt almost odd to burden Luna with these things.
"Just do me a favor and keep me from killing Harry, alright? I'm sure he will tell you all about it since the pair of you seem so chummy as of late." Ron said, feeling hurt and left out. "Hell, Hermione, I'm sorry. It's Ginny. I'm worried about her. Could you...do me...a favor? She'll only get annoyed if I stay too close to her. Would you just...watch her for me? She might be less annoyed if it was you...she's always looked up to you." Ron asked, looking embarrassed by the question.
"Things probably are watching you, Harry. You are, after all, the boy who lived." Luna smiled a simple smile and began filling her plate. "We all live with what cards we were dealt. Unfortunately, yours aren't as comfortable. As I said, you can come with me on holiday. I'm sure father would be thrilled to have you." She took a bite of her food and when she was finished chewing, she said "We have an extra bedroom and everything."
Hermione twisted her lips and frowned at her empty plate. "Ron, what is going on? This seems like so much more than some silly teenage breakup." She searched his eyes, a little hurt by the fact he assumed she'd been chummy with Harry rather than himself - not equally. "I can try to hang out with her some but if she doesn't accept me I will not pry. You must understand."
Neville looked at the two sets of his friends. While Hermione and Ron seemed to be in an intense conversation with each other, Harry and Luna seemed content with their own. He frowned, wishing he hadn't left Ginny as now he didn't quite know where to fit in. Frowning, he sucked up his courage and went back to her. "Do you mind if I sit with you for dinner? Everyone else is.. well.. not open for more." He smiled his still somewhat crooked smile, but made sure his stance was not at all a boys but of courage.
"I'm not used to being with anyone but the Weasly's. I don't know how well I would do in a family setting" He admitted. "Hopefully all of the unnecessary hard feeling will have been settled by that time" He mused. "What do you and your father do on holiday?" Harry asked her, in an attempt to sway the conversation.
"It's ok. It's been bothering me all summer" Ron growled, still feeling irritated. "I can't talk to my brothers about it. God knows what Gorge and Fred would do. Percy doesn't care and Charlie and Bill are never around. I'm all Ginny's had, ALL summer....do you know what that's like?" Ron asked, pulling at his hair. "I feel like I need to protect her or something for the first time in my life. It's weird, being a big brother" He forced a smile.
Ginny turned her blue eyes to Neville. "Of course" She said, happy for the chance to escape Alicia's swooning over her brother. "It's weird being at Hogwarts after such a long summer don't you think?"
Luna looked Harry in the eyes. "If you don't want to go, say so. I was inviting you only because you mentioned quite obviously that you had no where to go." She took a few bites and then began explaining the trips her and her father would go on and the many other things.
Hermione frowned. "Well, what is it, Ron? You can tell me." She filled his plate with food, worried about him not eating. "I don't know what it's like, but I can try to understand."
Neville took his time settling in across from her to stop thinking of the flashbacks from the summer. "Oh, yeah, it's great." He smiled at her, keeping his robes down over his wrists. "Safer here. Feels more like family than anywhere else."
Harry smiled "I didn't mean it like that" He said "I'm very honored that you thought to invite me. I was only hoping we could avoid the inevitable conversation of why the lot of us aren't sitting together right now." He explained, hoping he hadn't hurt her feelings.
"Later" Ron said. "It's not something I can talk about in public." He smelt the warm allure of food and began chowing down. "Besides, I don't want this to get to everyone. It's bad enough that I'm mad at Harry" He sounded almost diplomatic "And it'll probably get worse"
"Speaking of that, Neville, where do you go on Holidays now that your gran passed away? I heard about it earlier in the summer but didn't get a chance to write to you. I'm sorry to hear about it, she was a wonderful woman." Ginny laid a pale hand on Neville's arm, hoping to extend her condolences. "If you wouldn't mind it, mum's looking for some people to fill the void Charlie and Bill will be leaving this year since they won't be coming home this time. We always have room."
"I am not going to make you talk about something you don't wish to, Harry Pot- Harry." Luna said, looking up at him from under her long white lashes. "I do not like to dwell on others feelings and drama. It weighs down the soul and I like to be free."
Hermione began filling her own plate and slowly eating. Between bites, she said "Alright." She wasn't sure what else to say other than that. "Would you like to take a walk with me after dinner? Get your mind off of things."
Neville's mouth twisted at the thought of how his grandmother had passed, but he tried to smooth his face over. "Oh, well, I'll have to look into it. It sounds fun. I don't really have anywhere to go, I had planned to stay here or at my grandmothers house since it hasn't been dealt with yet." He took a swift drink and then smiled at her. "I'm sure it would be better than being alone."
Harry smiled "One of the things I like about you, Luna." He turned his attention to Dumbledore, who was taking his position on the podium. He felt warmth spread through him as he realized just how much he had missed the comfort Hogwarts offered him. His friends, the ones he cared for, all gathered together. He glanced at Ron wishing that things could be different.
"Yeah" Ron said "I would." He never was very articulate, and he had to admit that Hermione's intelligence intimidated him a bit. They had always had a relationship built on animosity but now she was different somehow. She wasn't the irritating know-it-all he used to know. Though, he wasn't sure what she was quiet yet. Just sure what she wasn't.
Ginny felt a pang. Everyone seemed so affected by death these days. It haunted even the walls of Hogwarts. She wished she could tell Neville that she knew, perhaps better than anyone, how he felt. "If you need some company, I have time" She offered him a smile. She almost wished that people could be immortal, the good people that is, like Neville's sweet grandmother, Harry's parents...her...Shaking her head to rid herself of the thought tempted to surface, she turned her attention to the headmaster.
"Good evening, students. I hope your arrival here was a safe one. This year is a very important year at Hogwarts. Will will be accepting a new crop of students who have transfered from various circumstances. I will be asking for a group of volunteers to show these students around and be somewhat of a role-model for them. This new crop of students is filled with people I hope you will find most interesting and worth your acceptance and friendship. They will, no doubt, be a bit anxious upon arriving. A few of them have never attended school before. Just like the first years, I will ask you elder students that if you find someone wandering the halls looking lost or confused, please point them in the right direction and, in rare cases, un-confound them before they find themselves in a spot of trouble. It is your duty to show the younger students and the transfers what it truly means to be a member of your house and I have faith that with your help this year will move smoothly. Now, if the first years wouldn't mind stepping forward, I believe we have a sorting ceremony to attend to."
Luna politely smiled at Harry, but reminded herself to not get to close to him as he seemed to be having serious emotional issues that he wasn't ready to speak of. If he wanted her companionship, he would search her out, she decided. She turned her attention to Dumbledore and listened to the speech.
Hermione smiled at Ron and softly said "I am glad." She continued eating while she listened to Dumbledore's speech. Maybe whatever happened over the summer had helped Ron grow up some. Most of Hermione hoped so.
"Mhmm." Neville responded, noticing her strange reaction to the talk of his grandmother. "Same for you as well, you know." He left the conversation at that and tried to listen to Dumbledore but couldn't bring himself to. He traced the swirling scars up his wrists mindlessly under the sleeves of his cloak and lost himself in thought.
Dumbedore finished his speech with a boastful 'Welcome to Hogwarts!' and dismissed the hall. All the students flooded out of the hall, some ready for the comfort of their beds, some wandering about. A few of them caught dumbledore to volunteer to show the transfer students around.
"I think I need to go to bed" Harry said, feeling less than social. "I'll be sure to speak with you soon, Luna. I'm sorry." He frowned apologetically at her before headed up to his dorm. His scar burned unmercifully and the minute he made it to the dorm room he shared with Ron, Shamus, Neville, and Dean he passed out on the stone floor.
Ron held his hand out for Hermione "It's crowded" He explained, figuring he would be taken aback by the gesture "I don't want to lose you" He added. Students rushed past them, eagerly yelling.
"Thank you" Ginny mumbled. Once Dumbeldore finished his speech and exited the hall she wondered what she would do. She was a bit too jittery to head to bed.
Luna watched Harry leave and made her way up to her dorm as well. Sitting on her bed, she began crafting a new necklace.
Hermione was surprised by Ron's offer, but took it anyway and let herself be pulled through the swarm of teenagers around her. She didn't have to focus for once, just allow herself to be pulled. Smiling, she thought about how easy it was.
Neville smiled at Ginny, although not all out. He sat at the table still, waiting for the flood to pass. Licking his lips, he tried to find anything to place his mind on except for what was knocking on his forehead like the damn wooden door to his grandmothers house. "It's almost suffocating to be here." He said, without realizing.
Once Ron had reached the entrance of the castle and the two were out in the open fresh air he released Hermione's hand. The sky was littered with stars and the night air was crisp. "How was your summer?" Ron asked, in an attempt to begin the conversation on a less than awkward note.
Ginny blinked. "What was that, Neville?" She asked, having a hard time hearing over the crowd of students. "We could have a walk?" She suggested "It's cool out and we don't have class in the morning. If we don't get trampled by the crowds that is..." She said, watching the students.
Hermione drew in a deep breath of the fresh air and found a place to sit in a shadowed area so they wouldn't be quickly found by a professor. "Oh, the usual... Parents excited for me and all." She shrugged one shoulder. "Nothing really exciting happened. Although, everyone came back a different person this year. Even Luna."
Neville snapped back to reality when Ginny began talking to him. "It was... nothing." He stood and began the walk down to the end of the table and waited for her to near him. "A walk sounds nice. I could use something to get my mind off of things."
"Maybe it's about time we grew up." Ron said, taking a seat across from Hermione. He settled into a position where he could look her in the eye, though he couldn't do it anyway. Instead he watched the damp green grass. "You didn't think we could all be friends forever, did you?" He asked almost solemnly.
"You seem troubled" Ginny noted "More so than the rest of us, even. Did something else happen?" She asked him. Ginny had never been one to ignore prying into others affairs, it came with the territory of being the youngest of a number of siblings. She attempted to stick as close to Neville as possible despite the crowds of students pushing them like waves.
Hermione bit her bottom lip and looked away from him. "I suppose not but I thought we all wished to be." She resumed biting her lip and began pulling the vines away from where she was sitting. "It was that serious? Their break up..." She felt a deep crushing feeling in her heart. Would they all seriously leave each other? Did they all no longer care? "Do you wish me to leave you alone, Ron? Do you wish to forget it all?"
"Ah, well..." Neville noticed her struggle to keep close to his long strides through the groups, so without thought he wrapped his arm around her shoulders and brought her snug against him. "Things change. Things happen. Turns out Potter isn't the only one who can stand up to someone." He slid his cloak sleeves up a half an inch to show just the beginning of the swirling scars that started on the back of his hand.
"Harry and Ginny tried to keep their relationship secret" Ron said, looking anywhere but at her, not answering. "I guess we all knew though, huh?" He picked at random strands of grass. "What happened with Krum and you? Remember that bloke, from the yule ball? Do you still write each other?" He tried to keep the jealousy from his voice, but seemed to be having a bit of trouble with it.
"Neville!" Ginny gasped. "What IS that?" She asked, catching hold of his wrist without thinking. She ran a finger along a few of the scars. "Where did you get these?" She looked up at him with her clear eyes in an attempt to read his thoughts.
"Nothing is ever secret between any of us." Hermione said, taking a deep breath. "Actually, no. We don't write anymore. He began dating some... girl... at his school." She laughed, thought it seemed stressed. "I never really had that much interest in him anyway. It was just someone to talk to mostly." She tried to look him in the eyes but found herself unable to. "Why do you sound jealous?"
"They're scars, Ginny." Neville said. Once they were outside, he brought her to a secluded corner and pulled up both of his sleeves. "They're on both arms. You know how Harry and Voldemort have the odd stale-mate against each other? I have that with Bellatrix. She killed my Grandmum, Ginny. These are what happened when we tried to kill each other at the same time. She has them, too."
"I'm not jealous!" Ron yelped, indignant. "But...I'm glad to hear it. He was a jerk." He said, still not looking at her. "You don't seem like it was only for company. Something I'm missing?" He guessed, sounding a bit more wise than he felt at that moment.
"Neville..." Ginny gasped his name once more, too shocked to know what she should say. She couldn't even bring herself to say how sorry she was for him, how she wished it didn't have to be this way. Bellatrix killed his mother and father as well. Why did such evil have to exist? Her muscles went ridged as a warm anger flooded through her, she felt the familiar buzzing of her excited wand.
"Well it sounds like you are!" Hermione snapped before she stopped herself. "Listen, we're all.... adults here." She rolled her eyes and sighed again, sinking further into the grass. "He was a jerk... He seemed to be the only man to ever show interest in me, though, so I suppose that's all over." She realized what she said and quickly apologized. "I'm sorry. Everything has got me feeling down I guess." She looked back at him. "What about you? How have YOU been?"
"It's over, Ginny. For now, anyway." Neville sighed and slid down the wall, closing his eyes and putting his hands to his forehead. The cold crisp air helped his mind clear, although not completely. He let his arms drop as he looked back up at her. "Ginny, if I could take your pain away..."
"Like hell" Ron admitted, moving to sit beside her, leaning against the rock they hid behind. "I've been fighting with Harry, having to deal with Ginny and all of the things that happened. It's been unbearable" He said, watching the moon shimmer across the lake. The grounds were quiet, whispering trees in the distance, and Ron felt almost at ease.
Ginny sighed "It won't be over. Not for a long, long time." She looked down at him, feeling both a pang of sadness and her usual bubbling anger boiling in her all at once. She almost wanted to hunt down Voldemort, Bellatrix and everyone who had ever caused another pain and end their lives. Then she realized how immature and hypocritical that sounded. She was sure she had caused someone pain at some point, herself. Even Neville...she was hurting him even though she did not know why.
Hermione, without thought, rested her head on Ron's shoulder. "Sounds like you haven't had enough time to worry about yourself." She liked the way he felt out of control where she was so held tight. She almost couldn't bear the idea of the group not being friends anymore. She told herself that it was life and to deal with it. "If you're fighting with Harry over Ginny... I don't know. I think maybe you should let her fight her own battles. No matter how much it pisses you off."
Neville looked up at her. "Hey, don't be sad!" He stood to be closer to her, and smiled his crooked grin. He scrubbed a hand through his hair and looked her in the eyes. "We're all alive right? That's what we have to realize. We're alive right now. We shouldn't waste our time worrying about things that haven't happened or have passed already." He gently tugged on the very end of her long red hair. "You're too pretty to be sad all the time."
Ron placed a hand around Hermione's shoulder. "I can't think of myself, Hermione. I'm the chosen one. I was chosen to be a lackey for the famous Harry Potter" He laughed outright. "I can't let it go, Hermione. He left her. I can't forgive him. Not yet, anyway." He ground his teeth together in frustration.
"What about the people who AREN'T alive? Sirius...your mother and father, Harry's parents, Ja- er, all those people who are gone because of this battle we can't seem to win." Ginny seemed more frustrated then, her anger sparking feelings that had been lurking just beneath the surface. "Doesn't it hurt, Neville?" She asked, catching hold of his arm once more to veiw the scars. "Doesn't it hurt?" She repeated, more quietly.
"Aren't we all chosen one's?" Hermione asked, refusing to allow herself to even touch his hand in response. "You don't have to be anyone's lackey, Ron. Be who you want to be... Who cares what Harry says or does." She closed her eyes. "I understand about not letting go.."
"There's nothing we can do to change that. We cannot dwell on them. We have to be strong for the fight." Neville replied, shivering when Ginny grabbed his wrist and traced the scars. He ignored the fact that she cut off a name, he wouldn't pry her. "They hurt sometimes. Sometimes I wonder if they hurt like his does. Suppose none of us will ever know each others pain, will we?"
"You care" Ron said. "I always wondered if the pair of you would get together one day and wondered where I would be if that happened. I wish I knew how to...settle this. I've never been good at words or thoughts. I've never been good at much, come to think of it. Not like you" He paused "Tell me what I should do, Hermione." He almost whispered.
"Maybe not. But sharing pain makes it a little easier, right? Having someone to talk to makes you less afraid. Having friends makes you stronger. These things....they are worth more than death. Friendship, happiness, love...I suppose that's what we should focus on." Ginny nodded her head, feeling a bit better. "Every once in a while though, that's hard to remember"
"Ah, well." Hermione stumbled on words, biting her tongue, wondering what she should say. "Emotions aren't my thing, Ron. You know that." She snaked her arms around his body and pressed her head back against him. "I never liked Harry... Like that..." She started, and then sat straighter, looking at him. "Why are you so worried about us being a couple anyway?"
"You're right. It is hard to remember." Neville smiled with only half of his mouth, and the smile didn't touch his eyes. "Listen, I'll help you remember, alright? How does that sound?"
Ron smiled at her, feeling coy "Don't worry about it, Hermione" He said, trying to change the subject "It's cold out" He noted, still smirking. Maybe Hermione would catch on to the feelings he almost wished didn't exist. Should he feel something for her, with everything as messed up as it was at that moment? With Voldemort still alive, with Ginny hurting so badly, with everything? "Hermione." He said, pausing. He couldn't continue.
Ginny couldn't say anything, chocking back tears, she fell into Neville's chest. She attempted to stay quiet as she sobbed over things that she couldn't control, evil, death, her own emotions. Neville's scars. What was she so afraid of? Lightly, as she leaned against him and sobbed, she placed a hand gently against her stomach and wished she could feel him move again. Knowing she would drive herself crazy if she kept up with that, she removed her hand and cried harder.
Hermione smiled and returned to her position against his shoulder. She listened to him muse for a while with her eyes closed as she breathed in his scent. "Yes, Ron?" What did she wish him to say? There was something in the way his voice said her name... Was there something deeper?
Neville was taken by surprise, but held her tight against his chest anyway. "Ginny... You can tell me." He soothed her hair over her head, trying to calm the sobbing girl. How did other men calm women? He was just now a man - nothing had ever happened to him like this before.
"Nevermind" Ron said. "Ginny, her and Harry. I wish that things could be simple again." He said. "Relationships can complicate things..." He said, feeling fear choke down everything he wanted to say. "They can destroy things, too. Good things. Like friendship."
"I don't think I can" Ginny whispered between sobs. "I've already hurt enough people. I won't hurt you too." She kept her face buried against his chest where she felt momentarily safe. "Maybe it's time for bed?" She suggested, wishing things could be different. She hesitated, not sure she wanted to move.
Hermione quickly removed her arms from him, catching the hint he meant. He didn't like her. "Ah.. yeah. I guess so." She sucked in a deep breath and tried to look like she was shifting into a more comfortable position but failed at hiding how awkward she felt.
"That's alright," Neville said, holding her close. "I'll walk you to the dorms, yeah? Everything will be all right." He straightened her, wrapped his arm around her shoulder and began the long trek to the dorms.
Ron let out a long breath. "I think, for a while now, I've been thinking of you." He said, feeling weird. "Emotions that make me hate myself." He almost laughed and turned to look her straight in her eyes "You scare me" He admitted, but he couldn't keep the smile off his face. "I might like you, you know." He stretched out and stood, holding a hand out to her. "We need to go back. No use in getting in trouble on the first day." He wasn't sure how she would react to his admission. Wasn't sure he wanted to know how she would react.
"I hope so, anyway" Ginny said, as they made their way through the port hole. "G' night Neville" She said, as she broke away from him to climb into her own bed. "Maybe things will look a bit better tomorrow?" She gave him one last parting, saddened smile before closing the door to her dorm behind her.
Hermione was caught by surprise. She had read his hints all wrong. "I... Ron." She frowned, taking his hand and allowing him to pull her up. "You shouldn't hate yourself." She touched his chest lightly, a smile on her face. "Good thing we live in the same dorm area, hmm? You can walk me all the way home.."
As she climbed the stairs, Neville smiled. "You'll see." After her door shut, he waited there for a few long moments. Part of him wished she would look back out of the door to see him again, the other part wished she wouldn't so she would stay away from him and not get hurt by the evil surrounding him. Sucking in a deep breath, he climbed the staircase to his dorm. Once inside, he began changing into his bedclothes.
"Convenient, isn't it?" Ron chuckled, walking with her hand-in-hand back to the dorms.
A.M.
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