Disclaimer= I do not own Harry Potter.
Voldemort had finally been defeated. The screams of joy and euphoria of ridding the world of "The Dark Lord" would no doubt ring for a long time. Everyone returned inside to reunite with family, friends, and significant others. Neville Longbottom, one of the many heroes of the long battle, sat battered and bruised with Godric Gryffindor's sword at his side, pride filling his insides everytime he looked at it. He slayed that bastard snake Nagini, the reptilian horcrux that allowed his great friend Harry Potter to defeat Voldemort. He sheathed the sword and went outside to get from fresh air.
Luna Lovegood looked from the stair steps as the rebound consumed Voldemort and eventually killed him. The Quibbler writer raced inside and screamed that Harry Potter had defeated Voldemort, that we have achieved victory in this battle! Screams and shrieks rang all throughout the castle walls as Luna raced around the first couple of floors to tell the frames and any other person who would listen.
After the swelling of pride went down, Luna returned to the Great Hall and offered to assist in treating any peers that were injured. She bandaged a couple of people and then returned to her quarters to collapse on her bed for a quick nap that ended up lasting 2 hours. No one came to bother her, seeing as damn near all the school was in rubble. As she is walking down the stairs, she overhears some friends speaking. From the voices, she looked down and saw that they belonged to Harry, Ron who was holding Hermione, Ginny, and Seamus and Lavender, who was in Seamus's embrace.
"Thank you again Seamus darling for saving me."
"I could not let anyone that I care for die."
"Oh you guys are perfect for each other," Ron proclaimed while he rolled his eyes. In a previous life, he was infatuated with Lavender Brown and her lustful qualities and vibrant personality. But now he had the most beautiful girl in the world in his arms, Hermione Granger, and he would not have it any other way. Likewise for his best friend Harry Potter, who was truly happy now that Ginny was going to remain in the picture. He would make sure that it remained that way for life.
"Voldemort is finally gone, " Harry started, "but how about a big thank you to Neville for his contributions in the battle; we might not be here if he hadn't slashed the snake." Everyone agreed as they loudly thanked Neville and accentuated it with a minutes-long applause. Luna smiled and clapped as well- the dorky, shy, and awkward Neville that she had initially met had grown into a real man, which made her smile more.
"Now all that is needed is for Neville to profess his love for Luna face to face so things can really get right." That last comment by Harry caused Luna to shriek softly as butterflies started to run rampant in her stomach. She went took the long way out of the school and saw that Neville was alone, staring below at the Hogwarts Bridge.
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Neville felt a sudden gust of wind stroke his face and subsequently turned in that direction to see a smiling Luna Lovegood approach him. Neville could not help but blush as he stood up straight to greet his crush. She stood a foot away from Longbottom and quizzically stared at him, suddenly wondering what she was doing. Neville helped remind her by giving her a hug and tearing up a little bit, not breaking down in a full on cry. They had a long conversation together sans words as the embrace sustained for several minutes.
"Apologies Luna, I was simply happy that you are here and did not get seriously hurt in the battle."
"I'm a tough girl, mind you, I'm not going away like that anytime soon. It's good to know that you didn't get seriously hurt either." Some more minor awkwardness ensued, complete with laughs being shared now that the battle was over with. Neville gulped and stepped a couple of inches closer to Luna as his lanky arms softly grabbed her shoulders.
"Oh? What's going on," Luna wondered as Neville wore a stern gaze on his face. Naturally, Neville stumbled on his words a little bit.
"These years at Hogwarts are some best times I've ever had in my life. I've met so many people and gone through many experiences that will serve me well in the future. I'm glad you came because… I love you Luna. I'm unsure as to explain these feelings I have for you, but I'm positive that they are feelings of love. I love you Luna Lovegood and I want to be with you." Neville took his hands off her shoulders and retreated back some inches in anticipation. His crush had finally heard what he wanted to say to her for a long time now, and he was very nervous in hearing Luna's reply to his confession. A long time had passed, and Luna had said nothing yet. Neville's confidence was creeping to the flatline as he mumbled something along the lines of "it's alright if you don't feel the same way."
As he was saying that, Luna touched foreheads as their space narrowed to a very intimate five inches apart. Luna got that close to Longbottom- five inches away from a lips meet made the Herbology man grow ravenous to scarf down that Lovegood tongue. The yearning for intimacy on the bridge was also rising with each breath. As Neville closed in for a kiss, Luna puts her index finger on his lips as if to say hold up.
"I'm embarking on a career as a naturalist. I wouldn't really call it a career, more than a calling… I'm going with some colleagues on assignment, and then return to write about my experiences for a book."
"You'll be gone for a long time then…" Neville let that trail as he paced around the bridge in despair. Luna had told him of her plans, but had yet answered the only thing that mattered to him at present. He was prepared to walk away when a warm hand interlocked with his. It was Luna's hand that rapidly reinforced its hold with his. Neville forgot what he was going to do for a moment as they walked across the bridge to head back inside.
"Please give me one year to give a proper response to your confession."
"Of course, take all the time you need Luna- I'll wait for you." So thus began 365 days of life without Luna Lovegood in sight.