The Storm Rolls In
The room was eerily silent. They sat alone, in a far corner, cross-legged and silent, listening to the clapping of the thunder and the pounding of the rain. Her eyes were wide as she stared out the window that had appeared just for them in the vast, dark room. Most of the others were asleep, back in the common rooms or serving a detention. She had returned to Hogwarts only two days prior. She looked thin and pale but otherwise unharmed by her stay at the manor. She had told him about it, shortly after her return. He worried for her but; she continued to assure him he had nothing to worry about. She was safe now.
Safe. The word echoed in his mind. No one was safe. They were in the midst of a war, preparing to do battle, preparing to fight, and preparing to die. No safe was not the word for it.
"It's coming you know." She said quietly. Her eyes still focused on the large pane of glass. They followed the droplets of water as they cascade down like tears.
It was coming, the fight, the storm; a storm so much more sinister than the one outside. One that would leave death and destruction in its wake; tears like raindrops, curses like lightning, cries like thunder and bodies like broken tree-limbs. "I know," he murmured as he, too, watched the storm. It was beautiful, in a way all its own. Cleansing, purging his mind of thoughts and plans and worries. It was a moment of peace, of solitude.
He smiled when she reached out and took his hand in her own. "It is quite beautiful, isn't it?" She said, pressing her back against the cold stone wall.
He turned his gaze to her and nodded, "It really is, Luna. I've never paid much attention before. Now I really wish I had."
She gave him a knowing smile, "Times like these do make you think of things you never have before." She agreed. "Are you frightened, Neville?"
He wanted to say no, to live up to that Gryffindor bravery but, after one look in her eyes, he could not lie to her. "A little," he admitted. Then he blushed and looked away.
"Don't be embarrassed Neville. Everyone gets frightened sometimes. I'm frightened too. I think everyone is, really. What really matters is that you are willing to fight despite being afraid. That's what makes you strong."
She said it in a way that only Luna could, with such empathy and wisdom and complete idleness. It amazed him how she could seem so utterly distracted and voice such infinite wisdom. She was a frustrating little enigma wrapped up in a rather pretty little package. It both annoyed and infatuated him, the way she never ceased to amaze him and had him hanging on every word.
He smiled, "Thanks Luna."
She nodded and turned her attention back to the storm. It was letting up slowly. The wind still blew the trees, causing them to dance and sway amongst the raindrops, but the thunder grew faint in the distance and the lightning did not brighten the sky as it once had.
He squeezed her hand gently in his and moved the other behind her neck. He slowly pulled her close and pressed his lips against hers. "You know Luna, you really are amazing." He whispered against her lips.
"Why thank you, Neville. I think you are pretty amazing too."
It was true. The storm was coming but as long as she was by his side, he was ready for it.
Disclaimer – I am making no money of this piece.
For the Pairing/One hour challenge, hardest challenge ever III.
Hope you all enjoyed it. Reviews would be nice (: