When all hope is lost,

Sometimes a new light appears,

Unexpectedly

Disclaimer: I do not own any HP characters, as I am not J.K. Rowling.

Enjoy!

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Neville:

Life was going to be different in my seventh year. I could feel it as soon as I walked onto the train on Platform 9 ¾. I mean, it was different everywhere, but, I'd always thought that—somehow—Hogwarts would have been different. I guess what was wrong was that Harry, Ron, and Hermione weren't there. And everyone had noticed.

"Hi, Neville! D'you know where Harry is?" Seamus asked as I walked by.

"No clue. Probably something to do with—you know." I grimaced and kept walking as Seamus nodded in agreement.

I grabbed the door handle, and slid the compartment door open. The first thing that I saw was a pale blue trunk on the rack.

"Oh, sorry." I turned to leave, but a voice stopped me.

"It's okay, you can stay here." The voice was familiar. I'm usually horrible with names, but after two years ago in the Ministry, I would never forget that voice.

"Luna! How are you?" I kept my voice as cheerful as possible, but it was a struggle. Everything was subdued, and so was I. I walked in, and stowed my trunk on the rack.

"Not bad, considering the circumstances! I mean, with all the Thavies around here, it's impossible to be cheerful." She gave a sad smile, and then continued. "But, you know, that's not all. With You-Know-Who again, and no Dumbledore or Harry this time…" Her voice trailed off.

"I know." I closed my eyes and leaned back against the seat across from her. "What d'you suppose classes will be like? Will Professor McGonagall be Headmistress? I mean, she is deputy."

"I hope so! But, the Prophet is staying mum."

"You're getting the Prophet?" I stared at Luna incredulously, "What about the Quibbler?"

"I took a leaf out of Hermione's book." She glanced out of the window dreamily. "It's good to know what the enemy is up to at all times."

"Smart." I nodded in approval, trying to mask my shock. I mean, come on. Luna, on top of things? Things really had changed!

We talked of this and that for a while, stopping only to change into our school robes, then the train slowed and pulled up to the Hogsmeade station.

Luna:

As I lifted my trunk from the rack, I felt the setting sun on my arm, the black Hogwarts robe soaking up the warmth through the train window. Well, even in this dark time, I guess there can be some good! I smiled, and walked to the compartment door, lugging my trunk outside to the station.

***

"Luna!" Ginny's voice met my ears, and I turned around. "How are you?" Her voice, like Neville's, was straining to be happy.

"Good, relatively. You?" We walked towards a thestral-drawn carriage, Neville close behind us.

"About the same. OWL results good? Mine were, compared to Fred and George!" She laughed, and it sounded genuine.

"Mine were good, as well. You know, that's the first real laugh I've heard in a week."

She sobered. "Same. I guess that makes sense, though." We fell silent as the three of us climbed into the carriage, and that silence carried on for about five minutes.

"So, Ginny, who d'you think the new Headmaster or Headmistress will be?" Neville broke the silence, "Neither Luna or I know."

"Oh." Her face darkened. "Sadly, my family has the suspicion that, instead of Professor McGonagall filling in for a bit, the position is being filled by…" She paused for dramatic effect, though she didn't have to—Neville and I were hanging on to her every word. "Snape."

"What?" Neville yelped, and I stared at her in horror.

"That was my reaction, too." Ginny said grimly. "But, it makes sense. I mean-- it's only smart for You-Know-Who to have complete control of the school. Well, smart for him. I guess we just have to grin and bear it."

"Yeah." Neville said.

I was too shocked to say anything.

"But, we can see if the suspicions are true in about 30 seconds." Ginny spoke as the carriage stopped and we got out, joining our fellow students walking towards the entrance hall.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Please R&R!

Miana