I DO NOT OWN MOST OF THE CHARACTERS

Chapter 1- A Letter of Hope

Neville Longbottom lay alone in the boys' dormitory. The rest of the Gryffindor sixth year boys were at the Ravenclaw VS. Slytherin Quidditch match. The only reason Neville wasn't there was because he had come down with a cold earlier in the morning.

Neville sneezed for the tenth time in the last five minutes, green snot flying out of his nose. "Uggg!" He groaned, snatching up a tissue and blowing his nose.

It was at that moment that he heard the tapping at the window. A tawny owl with a scroll tied to it's leg was begging to be let in. Neville groggily got up, and opened the window. He knew this owl. It was his Gran's pet, Dey.

Neville untied the scroll, and read:

Dear Neville,

A healer from America has recently made a discovery that could help your parents. He's developed a potion that can reverse the effects of Bellatrix Lestrange's Cruciatious Curse. Next week, you leave for Christmas break. I'll pick you up from King's Cross, and we'll head to St. Mungo's to meet him.

With love,

Gran

Excitement surged through Neville, causing him to forget all about his cold. Was it possible? Could his parents be saved? He held the letter close to his chest. It was the only bit of hope he had. He held onto it.

Neville met Luna Lovegood in the Great Hall at dinner. "Hello Neville," she said dreamily. "Are you better?"

"More than you know," Neville replied, grinning.

Luna smiled at him. "I'm glad. See you later." She turned away and skipped off to the Ravenclaw table, none of whom looked to be in the mood for skipping after their Quidditch defeat.

Neville sat down at the Gryffindor table, his thoughts back on the letter in Gryffindor Tower. One week. That's all he had to wait. Then, he will truely be with his parents for the first time since he was an infant.

Neville Longbottom had no idea of the events that could change his happiest dream into his worst nightmare.