The Light in the Dark | Neville Longbottom

Chapter 78: The Battle of the Seven Potters

*CW: Violence & Character Death*

"Alright, grab onto me." Remus instructed.

I grabbed onto his arm just as the four of us were sucked into the vacuum again. Even though apparition was convenient, I hated the feeling of it. The moment we landed outside of the burrow, I felt like I was going to throw up; I haven't done that in a while, especially that long of a distance.

Seconds later, four people ran out of the burrow, each with their wand raised. I quickly noticed that they were Mr. Weasley, Bill, Fleur, and Fred. I broke free from Remus to go after them, but was quickly grabbed back again as Fred approached me and held his wand to my neck, causing me to tense.

"Fred, it's me..." I hesitated.

"Dad told me to check," Fred stammered as he nervously looked to the side, "Erm... ooh, here's a good one! What did we do last summer?"

I rolled my eyes, shoving Fred in the arm and walking past him, "Piss off..."

Fred dropped his wand as he chuckled, "You never answered the question, Dawn-ald!"

"I SAID PISS OFF, FRED!" I shouted as I continued over to the house.

I noticed the others drop their wands and greet their friends as well. I should have known that Fred was going to bring that up, but I was happy to see him nonetheless. I was first into the house, and by the look on everyone's face, they did not expect to see me.

"DAWN!" Hermione shouted, jumping off the sofa and wrapping her arms around me.

I jumped back a bit in response before hugging her back. Ginny was quick to follow Hermione's lead, joining into the hug as well.

"It feels like I haven't seen you in a century!" Ginny exclaimed, "How was it? Is your room nice? What have you done?"

I broke from their embrace as I chuckled, "I can tell you everything later... erm- what about you guys?"

Hermione and Ginny gave each other nervous looks before Hermione spoke, "Erm... it's been... how about you go first, Gin?"

Hermione faked a smile before she quickly lowered her head and walked away. I didn't know what was going on with her, hell, I haven't spoken to her in weeks. Ginny sighed as she turned to face me again.

"Is she alright?" I asked quietly. Ginny shook her head in response.

"No... she's going through some stuff at home right now. It's the reason she's been staying with us." Ginny hesitated.

"What happened?" I questioned.

"I would tell you," Ginny stammered, "But I don't think it's really my place to do so... she'll come around, don't worry."

"Okay... well erm, how was your summer then?" I asked, changing the topic of the conversation.

"How good could it be, really? I've been stuck in the house with all of my brothers," Ginny complained, "And 'Mione's only so much fun when she's not moping. Also, I've had no contact with Harry... we broke up, just until the war is over though..."

"You guys broke up, are you serious?" I asked hesitantly. Ginny nodded slowly in response.

"He's afraid that Voldemort is going after his loved ones and doesn't want me to die in his place," Ginny explained awkwardly, "I get what he's trying to do, and I know he still loves me, it just... erm... hurts sometimes, ya know?"

"I'm really sorry about that Ginny," I sighed, "But at least you'll get to see him tonight!"

"No... just you guys, mum wouldn't let me go," Ginny shrugged, "But I guess you're right... I'm sure you're feeling the same way with Neville. I mean, I'd be pretty upset... the two of you had just gotten back together and now you can't contact him until the war ends!"