The Seventh Year

An Early Christmas Surprise

Detentions with Hagrid passed quicker than Neville thought they would. They joined him for tea only once more, and he seemed quite lonely. Luna loved to strike up conversations with him. They went on about different magical creatures, unique artifacts that they found fascinating, etc. It astounded Neville and Ginny that they had so much in common. 

The final week before the holidays was passing by in the blink of an eye. Muggle Studies was repetitive attempts to brainwash them, so Neville doodled on his parchment with his quill. Dark Arts classes weren't horrible, but only because they weren't attempting to curse the first-years. Potions with Slughorn were actually somewhat interesting. Of course, herbology was Neville's favorite. He always had questions for Professor Sprout, and he never failed an exam in the class. 

It was Wednesday, only two more days before the Hogwarts Express would carry them away from the hell that the castle turned into. 

"M'be 'e coul' 'ry o'e las' r'be'ious 'hing b'fore 'e 'ea'e t'nigh'," Neville told Luna and Ginny with his mouth stuffed with the most delicious Christmas pudding. The girls exchanged puzzled looks as Neville swallowed his dessert. 

"Come again?" Ginny asked.

"I said, maybe we could try one last rebellious thing before we leave tonight. We could make a statement before leaving. I feel sorry for the lads that have to stay here for the holidays."

"Yeah, but I don't wanna be tortured before Christmas. That's no fun," Ginny said, rolling her eyes. 

"I'm sure we can make a 'welcome back' statement when we come back," Luna joined in.

"They'll hate us!" Ginny laughed, and Luna and Neville joined in. It wouldn't hurt to have a laugh before parting ways for Christmas. 

"Okay, but in all seriousness," said Neville after the laughter died, "are we sure Death Eaters won't come knocking at our doors? I mean, three of 'em are running the school. What if they told the others, and now they're going to come after us?"

"Oh please," Ginny scoffed, and Neville was confounded. "They wouldn't have time for us! You think Vol— You-Know-Who has time for us? What, with his plot to rule the wizarding world and all?" This made Luna begin giggling again, but Neville wasn't convinced. 

"Gin, come on! I'm serious. What if—"

"IF!" Ginny cut him off. "We'll be alright, won't we, Luna?" she asked, nudging a giggly Luna beside her. 

"Fine." Neville clenched his jaw, agitated that the girls weren't taking their safety more seriously. It was their choice, but Neville knew he would feel responsible if something did happen. 

----

Luna began packing her trunk with her things. She'd return, so all of her clothes could stay. The train was arriving soon, and she had forgotten to pack. She brought her radish earrings because those were her favorite. She also grabbed a salmon pink turtleneck and purple-pink dress that was washed in color. 

She heard Ginny calling for her in the common room, so she quickly threw the shirt and dress, grabbed her trunk, and ran down the tower. As she rounded the corner, she saw Ginny's red hair glowing in the firelight. 

"Hey, ready to go?" 

"Yep! I've got my trunk packed and ready," Luna said cheerfully. "I can't wait to see Daddy. He says he's got something special planned for us!"

"That's— that's great, Luna." Ginny couldn't help but think about her own family and Ron being gone with Harry and Hermione. "We should leave before we get left behind," she said quickly and headed for the door. Luna didn't take the hint that she was upset and gladly followed.