They were on the train, the dark clouds outside signaling the rain that was about to fall. He was sitting next to Ginny, who was reading a teen witch magazine as Ron slept on Hermione's lap. Hermione was already starting her early reading, reading a small potions book. All of them were content and at ease, which made him feel at ease.
He grabbed for a chocolate frog that was laying on their mountain of snacks and sat back, taking in the view of the mountains.
"Ow, excuse me- sorry-" he heard rustling outside their compartment door.
"Is that Neville?" Ginny asked, getting up. She opened the door and in front of them lay Neville on the floor, his suitcase wide open, his school supplies everywhere. A couple of 7th years were bickering as they walked by.
"Stupid pricks." Ginny said, helping him up.
Harry got up, and walked over, noticing that Neville had a black eye.
"Are you all right?" he asked.
"Hiyah, Harry. And yes I am, kind of tripped back there-" Neville said nervously.
"No, he did not." came a soft voice from behind Neville. Luna stepped out, holding his bag. "He was jumped."
Her blond hair was long, tamed and pinned back with headband, revealing her new slimmer face. Her grey eyes shone brightly against her eyeliner, and Harry could notice her physique under the tight jumper and shorts she was wearing. He blinked several times, trying to recollect the old Luna.
"I think we'll take care of it, thanks Luna." Ginny said bitterly, fully aware of Harry's stare. He snapped out of it and took Neville's bag from her.
"Would you like to come and sit with us?" he asked. "I would like to know what happened."
Ginny mumbled under her breath as Luna and Neville came inside, Luna taking a seat next to Ron.
"Wha?" he moaned as Hermione tapped him awake.
"Shhh, everything's okay, we just have visitors." She whispered, knowing all too well how Ron reacted when he woke up.
"Do you need something for your eye?" Luna asked Neville, reaching into her purse. "I have Pollysickle leaves."
"What do they do?" he asked, taking the bright orange leaves from her.
"They reduce swelling." Luna explained, showing everyone the bright round leaf. "They grow on trees in special caves, where no light can reach them."
"So, you're saying they grow in the dark?" Hermione asked, fascinated. Luna nodded. Harry couldn't keep his eyes off her, not recognizing the girl he knew only a few months back. Her awkward wardrobe and posture were gone.
"Enough, what the hell happened to Neville?" Ginny asked, irritated. He knew he was going to hear about this later. He was surprised Ginny was acting that way with him.
Neville chewed up the leaves, making a face as he swallowed. "They are nasty."
"Sorry, here have some water." Hermione said, as Ron still leaned against her shoulder. He eyes were open, but that was as much response he was giving.
"As I said earlier, he was jumped." Luna said, making eye contact with Ginny. She didn't look happy. "We were in our compartment, bothering no one, when a group of boys I have never seen came in, told us to leave, and when we refused, they got on Neville. I hoaxed them, making their pants fall down and we ran down the corridor, with them on pursuit. It wasn't until Ginny opened the door and they saw you guys did they leave."
Ginny looked away from her and back to Neville. He had both his eyes closed, his head rested against the side of the seat.
"You know we have to report them, right?" Hermione stated.
"Report who?" Ron mumbled, startled.
"It's okay, Ronald. Go back to sleep." Hermione told him. He shook his head, and his eyes got wide as he finally realized Luna was sitting next to him.
"Oh my gosh!" he exclaimed. "Are you Luna?"
She nodded, smiling shyly.
"Stop, I must be dreaming." Ron told her, poking her face.
"Ron! Stop!" Hermione said, slapping his hand.
"Ouch, what was that for?" he said, crossing his arms.
"Guys-" Harry cut in, wanting to laugh at the scene that had just taken place. He looked over at Ginny who was still not amused. He sighed.
"Yes, we will report this." Luna said to Hermione, who was giggling at Ron's pouting.
"I'm sorry Luna," Hermione said, trying to regain control. "I'll go report it with you as soon as we get to Hogwarts."
Neville had begun to snore, which made everyone go silent. Hermione handed Ginny the blanket Ron had been using and she placed it over Neville, shutting the light as she did so.
"Looks like you guys will be riding with us tonight." Harry said softly. Luna smiled.
"Does this mean I can go back to sleep?" Ron asked yawning. Before anyone answered, he lay on Hermione's lap again, and place his legs over Luna's lap. Hermione mouthed "I'm sorry." Luna giggled.
"It's okay. I think I'll get some sleep too." She whispered, tilting her head back. Hermione nodded in approval.
"You going to sleep too?" Ginny snapped at him. Harry stared at her surprised.
He shook his head, got up, and walked out of the compartment.