A/N: Hi, its Katherine! this is my first ever story on FanFiction, and i hope that you guys like it!


Ch. 1- The Calm

The sun had just began to set on July thirtieth as Neville Longbottom blew out the seventeen candles that had been placed on a cake shaped like a Mimbulus Mimbletonia, one candle placed on each of the boil like growths. The candles sparked and filled the sky with fireworks. Neville's Uncle Algie and Aunt Enid clapped softly as Gran began to cut the cake and let the plates float lazily around the backyard for someone to take. Neville was patted on the shoulder by his Uncle Algie, who had a twinkle in his eyes. The old wizard's eyes crinkled as he smiled warmly down at Neville, who was now only a few mere inches shorter than him.

"Seventeen, eh?" said Uncle Algie with a hand lying gently on Neville's shoulder. Neville had always like his uncle, even if he did push him out of a window when he was younger. Uncle Algie looked out to the darkening night sky, his eyes filled with remembrance and a hint of sadness. "Your parents… they would be proud. They would be happy to know how… how much you've done. You… you are your parents son." He tapped Neville on the shoulder again and went off to grab a piece of cake that was floating across the yard.

Neville also grabbed a piece of cake and went to go sit under the lone crab apple tree at the far corner of the backyard. He slowly chewed the chocolate cake as he thought of what Uncle Algie had said. Neville knew that his parents were brave, and he was immensely proud to be their son, but knowing that he would have made them proud… it made something inside of him swell up like a balloon. But there was also a fire that burned in his chest as he thought of who had tortured them, and the image of Bellatrix Lestrange flashed in his mind. Her crazed eyes, wild hair, and gaunt face frightened Neville and made him slightly nauseas. He set aside his the half eaten piece of cake, pulled his wand out of his pocket, and began to make a stone that was on the ground shrink and then grow large again.

Neville began to think of when he was younger and just beginning to learn how to use magic. Six years ago, he had been unconfident in his ability to do magic, making him intimidated by all of the magic at Hogwarts. When Neville thought of those years now, it felt odd, as if it was someone else's past he was looking at, not his own.

So much had changed since then. You- Know-Who… Voldemort was back, and was stronger than last time. As a kid, all Neville had to worry about was passing potions and remembering the password to the Gryffindor common room, but now… all those worries seemed trifle and unimportant. Everyday, he worried constantly about his friends. He still wrote letters to Luna, who said that her family and the Weasley's were still safe, but you never knew what would happen next week, tomorrow, in a second. They were all kept in a constant unknowing, which brought constant worry and fear.

Neville looked up when he heard the flapping of wings and saw Luna's tiny elf owl, Crumpie, flying towards him carrying a small package. The little owl landed lightly on Neville's shoulder and stuck out its leg, which had a small wrapped parcel and an envelope on it. Neville relieved the bird of its delivery and opened up Luna's letter as Crumpie hooted flew away. The letter read-

Dear Neville,

Happy Birthday!

I hope all is well with you and your grandmother. Daddy and I are doing fine. We're going to Ron's brother's marriage in two days. Perhaps I'll see you there?

With love,

Luna

Neville sighed. Indeed, he had gotten and invitation to Bill's wedding, but Gran had already made plans for the two of them to go to St. Mungo's to visit his parents.

Neville then turned to the small package he had put to the side. It was extravagantly decorated, with shining red paper and the words "Happy Birthday!" being written and erased over and over again in different sizes and styles, and a large, bouncy bow. Inside was an odd plant that was covered in powder pink pods. A card attached to the pot read-

Neville-

This is a puffapod. You may have studied about them in Herbology. When ever you drop the pods, they instantly begin to bloom! I thought you might like it.

Love,

Luna

Neville had studied puffapods before in his third year. They were fascinating plants, and he smiled at Luna's thoughtfulness.

Neville stood up from under the tree with his present and notes from Luna in hand. By the looks of the dark sky, it had to be close to midnight, and he was beginning to get slightly drowsy. He went towards the backdoor, where Uncle Algie and Aunt Enid were telling Gran good bye. Neville shook Uncle Algie's hand and hugged his aunt farewell. She stroked Neville on the cheek with her wrinkled hand, her smile seeming knowing and almost sympathetic. Then she turned on the spot with her husband andApparated home.

Neville looked at his grandmother. Though Augusta Longbottom was no longer as young as she once was

Neville looked at his grandmother. Though Augusta Longbottom was no longer as young as she once was, she was a tougher cookie than many thought. Witty and sharp, she could be slightly overbearing, but Neville knew it was all out of love. He kissed Gran on the cheek before heading upstairs to his inviting bed.

Lying in the dark, Neville thought of his parents. He turned on his side and looked at the picture of Frank and Alice Longbottom waving at him on his nightstand. Once again, he felt the burn of pain in his chest. A single tear rolled down his cheek as he looked at the smiling faces of his parents; he wiped it roughly with the back of his hand and turned on his back, looking at the ceiling. The burn of pain gave him a sort of drive, the urge to end it all, so that no one else would have to suffer. Voldemort and all of his followers who had tarnished and destroyed families and ended the lives of people who were close and dear to others' hearts would be defeated. Neville didn't know how or when, but he sure as hell knew that he would help as best as he could.


A/N: Hope you guys liked it! please leave comments! I'll update it as soon as i finish chapter 2!