The Seventh Year

Vigilance

The Hogwarts grounds had always had a certain comfort to Neville. It was more of a home than his Gran's had felt like. Although it was difficult to become more open with his housemates in Gryffindor, he began to realize they would be there for him. However, there was an indescribable darkness that haunted the grounds of the school. A chill filled the air as the trio made their way up the steps.

Lanterns and candles were lighting the school as usual. It looked as though nothing had changed. But then a lumpy man stepped out of the corridor to block the walkway towards the Great Hall. He had a pallid skin tone with tiny eyes that were lopsided on his face. As Ginny observed him, she thought he looked more like a pig than a human.

"Excuse me, sir," Luna said, her voice wavered a little. "We must be getting to dinner. It would be a shame if we missed the Welcoming Feast." The man just looked down at her and snarled. He looked up to see Neville glaring at him. This made him smile and laugh a wheezy giggle. He saw a small but bold boy in front of him; he would have to look keep an eye on him during the term.

After observing the three students, he said in a low snarl, "State your names and what year you are in." All three looked puzzled and turned to face one another. Flitwick had already taken attendance before they got into the carriage, so why did this man need their information?

"Don't just stand there like a bunch of blithering idiots. What are your names, and what year are you in?" The trinity stood stunned, waiting to see what would happen if they did not answer.

After staring and glancing back-and-forth to one another, the man finally gave in and introduced himself. "My name is Amycus Carrow, and I'm the new professor for Defense Against the Dark Arts." He had a grimace that gave Neville a bad feeling, and he made a face of uncertainty. Noticing his expression, Amycus looked towards Luna to make Neville speak, but she did not pick up on the hint. Losing patience, he pulled out a paper and quill and recited his previous statement. "What are your names, and what is your grade?"

Neville's stomach dropped because he remembered reading a snippet of the Daily Prophet announcing the new Muggle Studies and D.A.D.A. professors. He was a Death Eater; Neville was sure of it. Raising suspicions on the first day would not look good, so he decided to do as Carrow asked. "Er," he faltered, "Neville Longbottom, year seven, sir."

"Very well. And what about you?" He turned to Ginny, who was looking down at her feet. She, too, felt a surge of uneasiness around this new professor. Neville lightly kicked her ankle, and she took it as a sign to answer Professor Carrow.

"I'm Ginny Weasley, a sixth year." Staring at each other for a long moment, the professor scratched out what was likely her name. The list he held appeared to be short, and Neville was sure that they would be keeping a closer eye on them as the year progressed.

"And, finally, you Blondie?" he said to Luna, who was turned towards the steps they had just ascended. She looked out at the water with a sorrowful look. Neville tapped Luna on the shoulder, and she jumped slightly. Neville didn't realize she was so out of it, or he would've given her name to Amycus himself.

Neville nodded his head toward Carrow, but she still looked dazed and disoriented. "Her name is Luna Lovegood, and she's in her sixth year," Neville said sharply. Luna continued to stare out into the dark hills below them.

"Very well, head off to the Feast." Professor Carrow stepped out of the way, permitting them to pass with their now heavy trunks. The three continued to walk along the corridor to their dormitories.

Ginny was about to turn towards the stairs to go up to the Fat Lady, but Neville stopped her and said, "I think I'm going to walk Luna to her room and meet you at the Feast if that's alright. She seems like she needs the company, so I'll meet you down there."

"Good idea, Neville. I'm not sure what's going on with her," Ginny whispered to him. "I think it would do some good just sitting with her. It might help her relax a bit. Just remember to be vigilant."

Ginny and Neville parted ways. Luna stood a few feet away from them, humming the same melancholic tune on the carriage. It was one Neville had never heard, but he didn't want to ask, fearful she may become upset with him.