Written for the Sober Universe's "Christmas Card Challenge"
Dear Dean,
I was just going to put the usual couple of words, but I just couldn't write them. What is there to be Merry or Happy about?
It's strange just having two of us in the dorm now. As soon as we look at the empty beds we decide there's nothing to talk about, so we just go to sleep. I hate it that I don't remember being asleep and can't count the seconds until its time to wake up. I wish the days were like that. I don't know where you are or what you're doing, but I hope it's better than being here. I can't believe its any worse.
With most people gone I've sort of being put in charge of the DA. Me! I have to try as it's the only thing keeping a lot of us going, but it's so hard. I never used to listen to Gran when she told me that grown-ups knew more than I did. I thought I knew everything. But I don't. I'm trying to persuade the others that we're doing something and making a difference, but we're not. We're children playing stupid games and getting hurt because of it. I don't want to hurt any more.
I've been doing some reading about Christmas. I suppose you know all this already, but it's a religious thing. This Christ was a God, and he was born on Christmas Day, which is how it got its name – except he was probably born on a different day. I didn't realise Gods had birthdays; I assumed they'd always been there.
Anyway, he was born and did transfiguration and something like Geminio and a few other things. Maybe Muggles think that we're all Gods. The thing is, though, that at the end he not only died, but he let himself be killed, because he loved people.
He saved people by dying for them, so it says. It seems a strange thing for a God to do. Why didn't he use his powers to destroy the enemy instead? I don't like this idea of people dying because they love us. It all gets a bit close to home, doesn't it?
I wish I knew Harry was still OK. I suppose he is because we would have heard otherwise. He must be laying low for a reason and I'm sure he's got something planned to end this all. I have to be sure or else what's the point?
I know he's going to have to fight in the end, and I hope I can be there with him and not let him down.
I've not told anyone else this, but I've already decided I'm not going on if he loses. I couldn't live under that. I just hope I can take a few with me first. Two would be good; one each for Mum and Dad.
I don't know. I'm supposed to be a Gryffindor, but maybe the hat made a mistake. I suppose we'll just have to wait and see what happens. I'm not planning for it because I don't think there will be any plans, just a mess. I want it happen soon, though, whatever the outcome. I can't go on with this much longer.
I miss you. I miss you all. I hope we'll all be together one more time. I'm sure it would help me if I can see at least a few friendly faces.
I'm going to use a good owl, one I know I can trust, so I hope this gets through. Be sure and tell me the next time I see you, won't you?
Until then
Neville.
Happy Christmas.