A/N: Written for Round 1: Demigod Battles at the A Demigod Wizard's Duel Forum/Competition. Remi is Peacekeeper for the Districts and this is her main drabble, using main task 2 (task: Write about an internal quality (bravery, cunning, etc.) that your Representative has. Fic does not have to be about your Representative). My representative is Rue from the Hunger Games Trilogy, who was young, small and underestimated by some of the other tributes. But she is observant and has inner strength…and a few other things, but it was those two I tried to bring out here. Also using the optional prompts #01 – white and #12 – bronze.
Small But Not Forgotten
They don't speak to him.
Which is fortunate, but speech is only insults at this point. And those insults weren't directed to him. One was, but that's been buried now. Burnt ashes. Fuel is being directed elsewhere.
directed to a friend, and Neville would have to be blind to think it's not affecting him. That the inner fire's not cackling and burning up all the wood and air until it combusts. Red face and neck, whitening knuckles and nails digging into the palms in an effort to not explode in anger – those were tell-tale signs, even if he hadn't shared classes and a dorm with him.
Neville knows Ron will erupt soon. Fire a spell at Malfoy. Or punch him outright. And get beaten because Crabbe and Goyle are on either side of the Slytherin like body-guards.
He doesn't think he could stand to watch that. Even though he's no fighter. Even though he can't do any spells that'll help. Even though he doesn't have a nice shiny bronze shield or stone sword.
Even though they're not targeting him, they're ignoring him – because they think he's not worth their time, because he's too meek or too weak – they're targeting a friend. Burning him. Trying to make him blow himself into nothing.
And not only is Neville upset on Ron's behalf, but when Ron erupts, he'll probably act as well.
He doubts he can help himself. Or Ron.
But he'll do it anyway.