The Seventh Year

Muggle Blood

"Oi, what's up with ye?" Seamus slid into the seat opposite of Neville. When he didn't respond, Seamus changed the subject. "So, erm, do ye have anythin' planned for the D.A. yet? A few lads were curious."

Neville hadn't thought much about what he wanted to do with the D.A. after Gran disappeared.

"Er, I'll get right on that," he slowly replied. "Tell them I'll think of a few things before we reach Hogwarts." Seamus nodded and went back to his seat, leaving Neville alone with his thoughts yet again.

The train pulled into the station, and Professor Flitwick led everyone to the carriages. Neville was the last to arrive and barely made it in time for a carriage. Flitwick hopped into the seat next to Neville, and they began the journey back t the castle. 

He did his best not to be rude and make small talk with him, but it proved to be much more difficult after Flitwick asked him where Ginny had gone.

"Erm, I- I don't think she's coming back, sir," Neville responded. 

"Oh, that's probably for the best," he replied softly and gave Neville a slight pat on the back. The conversation ended, and an uncomfortable silence followed. 

When they finally arrived at the castle, Neville quickly grabbed his trunk and proceeded to the Gryffindor Tower. The Fat Lady eagerly allowed him into the common room, and he hurried up to his dormitory. 

Setting his trunk down, he hopped onto his bed and laid there for what felt like hours. It was nearly sundown when Seamus entered and asked if he was going to dinner. Neville told him he'd be right down, but his appetite said otherwise. 

Seamus nodded and silently shut the door on his way out. Neville forced himself to sit up and go down to dinner with the rest of the Gryffindors.

When he arrived at the Great Hall, a magnificent feast appeared. Neville became skeptical because they had already served them a feast as great as this before the holiday. 

Seamus nudged him and exclaimed, "Maybe we'll get lucky an' have a supper like this tom'rrow!" 

Neville gave an encouraging smile and went to take a seat alongside Seamus. He took a chicken leg and half a corncob. He forced himself to take small bites despite his lack of hunger. 

When his plate was empty, Neville left the Hall early and went straight to bed. He changed into pajamas and tucked himself beneath the covers.

He laid still and stared at the ceiling, his mind racing. His first thought was of Luna. He hoped she would stay safe and hidden wherever she was. Then, Ginny popped into his head. He debated whether the Death Eaters would consider attacking the Burrow for her. He shuddered, shaking horrible images from his head. Last, he thought of Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Neville knew wholeheartedly that they would bring an end to whatever second war You-Know-Who had started.

This slightly calmed him, and he was able to rest his eyes. By the time Seamus returned from dinner, Neville was sleeping, snoring softly into his pillow. 

------

The first week back at the school was worse than anything Neville had imagined. The Carrows were hungrier than ever for punishment. If they caught any student breaking a minor rule, they were to be punished to the fullest extent in front of the class. 

Sometimes they used the Cruciatus curse for several minutes on end; other times, they would allow Crabbe, Goyle, and several other kids of Death Eaters to practice curses on the younger years.

This wasn't the school Neville remembered—this wasn't his home. In hopes of staying away from the Carrows, most students stopped hanging out outside of their common rooms. Others stayed in their dormitories because the twisted siblings began making sporadic visits to each of the houses merely to bully more students.