Well, here we are again! I'm SO SORRY this took me so long, but school has been weighing me down lately. I hope you all enjoy the first chapter!

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"D'you need help?"

"No, dear," Mum said to me, chuckling lightly. She gripped the railing and continued up the stairs. I looked at her and smiled. Oh, Mum. You're so strong.

Luckily, the doctor was right. About two weeks after she came home, she was able to walk again. Dad and I devoted the entire summer to taking care of her and nursing her back to health. I didn't mind it in the least bit, nor did I mind that both my parents had grounded me for the summer for going to the Ministry. I didn't really want to go anywhere. However, when my O.W.L. results came in, they were exceptionally pleased.

Ordinary Wizarding Level Results

Lacey Anne Ravensdale has achieved:

Astronomy- A

Care of Magical Creatures- A

Charms- O

Defense Against the Dark Arts- O

Divination- P

Herbology- A

History of Magic- P

Potions- E

Transfiguration- E

Mum was getting used to living everyday life with just one functioning arm. It was actually fairly easy. Sure, we had to tie her shoes for her and help her dress, but she could still move around normally. However, at the end of each day, she was always very tired and had to go to bed early. It certainly improved all of our sleep schedules.

I sat in bed one night, rubbing Belle behind her ears like she loved. The Daily Prophet had been talking nonstop about what happened at the Department of Mysteries. I was definitely happy that it had stopped badmouthing Harry. It also seemed to have come to its senses about Sirius Black's innocence. A little late, though, I thought to myself.

Then, a chill ran down my spine. Voldemort was loose once again, already launching chaos in the Muggle world, probably planning even more unimaginable horrors. But we'll come through. It'll be alright. It has to be!

OOOOOOOOOOOOO

The time had come at last. I was going around my room, gathering my things to take with me to Hogwarts for my sixth year.

"You're growing up so fast," Dad said earlier, shaking his head in amazement. I smiled at the thought. Time certainly had gone by quickly. As I folded my school robes, there was a knock at my door.

"Can I come in, sweetheart?"

"Sure, Mum." She opened the door and sat on my bed.

"Excited?" I shrugged.

"I dunno, it's...it's not like it was before." She nodded.

"I know. But you can't let it bring you down. Try to focus on other things that'll make you happy, like..."

As she said this, I came across the dolphin necklace Neville had given me in our third year. It jumped around and squeaked happily, and I smiled. Turning to Mum, I saw that she was grinning in a mischievous way.

"What?" She shrugged innocently.

"Oh, nothing. It's just that I couldn't help but noticed how much you've been talking about Neville lately." My first impulse was to deny it, but I'd never been able to lie to either one of my parents. Mum could always read me like a book.

"Oh."

"Lacey, he's a wonderful boy. I think it's great that you have feelings for him!" I looked at her and walked over to sit next to her.

"Really?"

"Of course," she said. "So, how'd he react when you told him?" I was confused at this.

"I...didn't tell him."

"When are you going to?"

"I don't intend to, Mum." It was her turn to look puzzled.

"Why not?"

"Well, what if he doesn't feel the same way back? Things will get all weird, and he'll probably never speak to me again."

"Oh, I don't know about that. He'd be crazy not to like you." I rolled my eyes. "I'm serious. You're a very beautiful young woman, Lacey." At this, I blushed.

"No."

"Of course you are." She lovingly reached out to stroke my cheek. "But I understand if you want to keep those feelings to yourself." I nodded. It's better that way. I don't want to screw anything up with him. He's the best friend I've ever had.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOO

During the drive to King's Cross Station, I stared out the window and looked at the clouds. I could make out the dark gray edges of each massive shape, and it made me shiver. It's as if Voldemort's hiding up there, waiting to pounce. But just as I thought that, the sun managed to peek out from behind one of the larger clouds.

I blinked and looked away momentarily before turning back. As I glanced as much as I could towards the light without getting blinded, a smile formed on my face. I remembered something Harry had said to us at the end of fifth year.

We've got something worth fighting for.

"Here we are, Lacey." The car stopped as we arrived at the station. With Belle in one arm and my trunk handle in my free hand, I walked inside with my parents.

It was busy as usual. Countless people ran past us, trying to reach their respective trains on time. Finally, after what seemed like forever, we found the entrance and went through. At almost the instant I handed in my luggage...

"Hey, Lacey!"

I smiled and ran forward. Surprisingly, Neville didn't look all that different. What really surprised me was when he put his arms around my waist, lifted me up, and twirled in a circle before putting my back down. Stepping back, I chuckled.

"Have you been working out, Neville?" He laughed and shook his head.

"Nah, not really." I felt Mum and Dad approach us, and Neville immediately turned to Mum. "Mrs. Ravensdale, how're you feeling?" Mum smiled.

"Better," she said. "Thanks, dear." Just then, the train blew its final whistle. I instantly ran to my parents and embraced them.

"I'll miss you two." I felt Dad's arm wrap tenderly around my shoulder, and Mum kissed the top of my head.

"Be careful, sweetheart," she said to me. I nodded, and after blowing them both one more kiss, I climbed aboard with my friend, once more watching as my parents disappeared into the distance.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Neville and I spent most of the train ride talking about our O.W.L. results.

"Wow, I wish I got as many as you did, Lacey." I rolled my eyes and shook my head.

"Neville, you did wonderfully! Why d'you keep putting yourself down?" He shrugged.

"Dunno. I guess...I'm still not quite living up to my dad's potential. According to Gran, at least."

"She seems like a very stubborn woman. Maybe she just doesn't want to admit that she's proud of you." He was silent. "Well, she should be proud of you, after what you did." After a few seconds, he smiled.

"What a crazy thing that was." I nodded.

"Indeed." I turned to look out the window after I felt my cheeks get warm. Neville, if only you really knew how dear you are. Don't doubt yourself; you'll do something extraordinary someday. I just know it. I smiled to myself. Then again, you already have.

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I know it's short, but I wanted to get this up.

Just so you know, I will soon be starting a Lord of the Rings fanfic! I won't give that more attention than this story, but it may cause less frequency in my updates.

Thanks for sticking with me. Hidey-ho!