Standing Alone

Part 29

After Christmas break Dumbledore's Army quiets down, the Carrows seem to accept our submission. But then they must've gotten bored because they started getting creative. They often found it hilarious to see student hanging by their arms from the ceilings, they once even left someone there for a whole day. Neville and I couldn't handle it. It felt wrong turning a blind eye. Ginny filled me in on what she could about Harry. There wasn't much information but so far everyone was safe.

Then Ginny never returned after spring break. I was so scared without her.

"It's down to you and me Neville." I look at him

"Luna sent a message. She's safe now with Harry, Ron and Hermione." Neville tells me the news

"Oh, that is brilliant news" I reply

"I'm glad you're here this year, you've could've gone with Harry." Neville says softly

"I made the right choice. As much as it hurts being away from Harry, this is where I'm meant to be. I'll see him again; I can feel it now." I say with a smile

"That gives me hope." He smiles back

"Neville, I'm incredibly proud of you." I admire

"Me? I can't imagine how you are standing here still fighting every day." Neville says proudly

"I'm a warrior. You're a true leader. I believe in us." I say holding my head up

"I believe in us too!" He says smiling

"Holly! Neville! It's Michael" Lavender shouts for us

Neville and I take off sprinting.

In a lonely corridor Michael is hanging by his wrists, his face swollen bruised and cut up. His clothes cut up and he's barely hanging on.

"No!" Neville shouts kicking the wall

I cover my mouth with my hands crying.

I walk over and free him, the small group of us carefully carry him back to the dorms and tend to his wounds.

"They found out Neville is our leader." I am told as I look down at my friends bleeding face

"Neville?" I call out softly and he groans

I clean the cut on his face.

"I didn't tell them anything. Be careful." He warns

"We will. Get some rest." I say softly

I look up at the frightened faces of my house. One by one we will be picked and tortured.

"If you can stay in groups." I advise and everyone nods

"I found it! Holly I found it!" Neville races in excited

"What?" I ask tending to yet another wound

"The Room of Requirements!" Neville says grinning

"You didn't?" I ask amazed and he nods

"Can I see it?" I ask

"Come on, it's brilliant." Neville sprints out the door.

I walk into the room. It's a huge bunker room but it'll keep everyone who needs shelter safe.

"Neville you are brilliant!" I exclaim

We quickly get the word out to all the high-risk students, and move down from there. It becomes so emergent that we discover it had grown to accommodate. I couldn't believe my eyes and I felt better knowing we could actually keep them safe. There was just one problem we faced.