"Hands are such simple but complicated things. They're just a body part really. But do you ever think about all the little bones and little nerves and muscles that work to make them move? For a movement as simple as a finger bending, so much happens." Luna was sitting cross legged on the floor of Neville's grandmother's house, along with Neville, Harry and Hermione. The four had been spending more time together, while the Weasleys, after politely explaining why, had gone on a family vacation to try and put themselves back together. She flexed her fingers for a moment, staring at them, her gaze at once inquisitive and dreamy. She scooted back, taking care not to sit on her own hair as she did so, and leaned against the sofa where her three friends sat. her head rested idly against Neville's knee. He smiled down at the girl who'd become his best friend this past year. She was odd, that was certain. But she was in Ravenclaw for a reason. Under pressure her dreamy demeanor gave way to a fierce intuitive mind, and that had been invaluable to the DA. She had also proven more brave than anyone could have guessed, and fiercely loyal. Hermione let out a yawn.
"We should get going." She yawn again, indicating Harry. With the Weasleys gone and her parents still in Australia, she was staying with Harry in Grimmauld place. Neville and Luna thought it was a blessing for Harry. If they'd let him be alone right now, who knows what would happen.
"Yeah, we should." Harry agreed, glancing at his battered silver watch. He reached down to help Hermione up from the sunken sofa. Neville and Luna both rose and hugged them good bye, and the pair apparated away. Neville sat back down on the sofa heavily, sighing slightly. Luna sat beside him, cross legged and sideways, and leaned her head on her left palm, reaching out towards Neville with her right. Gently, she squeezed his shoulder.
"It will be alright, Neville. Everything will get better."
"I just…" Neville squeezed his eyes shut 'I just wish I could tell them. I wish I could tell them everything I've done, tried to do, failed to. How I stood for what they stood for. Done my best. I wish I could tell them and have them hear me and tell me they're proud." He shook his head, "I'm pathetic, I know."
"No, Neville. That's hardly pathetic." Luna frowned at him and gently turned his head to face her. "Your parents would be so proud of you, Neville. Maybe they can't tell you but they would be. You're like me, Neville. We've always been the underdogs of the underdogs. But the people who love us? They know we're more than that. And your parents knew. They knew you would be extraordinary. I promise." She squeezed his hand and smiled reassuringly. Neville smiled and shook his head.
"What on earth would I do without you Luna?" he stopped for a moment, clearly thinking. Luna tilted her head, silently asking what was wrong. Neville took a breath. "I'm going to go visit them tomorrow." He took another breath. This would be a first for him. "I want you to come with me." It wasn't a question. It didn't need to be. Neville knew beyond a doubt Luna would accompany him. She would be the first to ever do so. She nodded at him and squeezed his hand again.
"I'm honored to have the chance to meet them Neville."
"You can stay here tonight, if you want. There's a guest room. I'm guessing it must be lonely with your father off on an expedition." Luna smiled gratefully and followed him to the guest room. "Well, I'll see you in the morning then?"
"Yes. Good night, Neville. Don't let the hinky punks bite" she said seriously, before hugging him lightly, her fingers lingering momentarily in his hands as she pulled away.
"Good night, Luna." He said softly with a smile, before heading back to his room. He lay in his bed afterwards, staring idly at the ceiling and his hands. Luna was right, Hands were fascinating, but now because of how they moved. No, they were fascinating because of the weight such a simple and delicate motion could have. Something as simple as the feathery touch of Luna's fingers on Neville's shoulder could calm him instantly. But maybe that had less to do with hands and more to do with the stunning, brilliant blonde they were attached to.