Neville is relieved to find out his Gran is alive.
She only seems a little bit dirty; no wounds or scratches anywhere he can see. The large bouffant she normally keeps her hair in is mussed and falling down in gray curls, but she is still spry and energetic. He smiles at her as she bends down over a Hufflepuff girl and wraps a bandage around her wrist.
He patrols the Great Hall silently, checking on his friends. The Weasleys are gathered together trying to comfort one another desperately. McGonagall and the other professors are trying to organize people returning to their homes or to St. Mungos if needed.
It's when he rounds a corner that he is startled. Luna seems to slide across the stone floor to face him, her feet placed shoulder-width apart. The expression on her face is uncharacteristically fierce. He stops and faces her, wondering what she plans on doing. Silently, she reaches down and takes her wand from her pocket and lifts it straight into the air. She is joined, slowly, by others. First Seamus Finnigan, then Hannah Abbott. Micheal Corner and Terry Boot. Cho Chang. Ernie and Zacharias. They all all gather in front of him and mimic Luna's actions without saying a word.
Across the hall, Hermione asks, "What are they doing?"
"They're saluting him," says Ron.
"Why would they do that?" asks Harry.
"Isn't it obvious?" Ron replies. "He's their general."
The tiny gathering of Dumbledore's Army seems to be staring down Neville now, as though awaiting orders. Harry can see Neville's eyes harden, just for a moment, before he looks away blushing. Neville grins and says, "Don't be daft. We can't have any of that now, can we?"
A ripple of laughter eases through the small crowd and immediately their attitude changes, and they are all hugs and handshakes and pats on the back. Neville feels overwhelmed and can't even get entire words out.
Augusta Longbottom marches over and says in a crisp but affectionate tone that perhaps they should be making their own leave now.
"Oh, no, Gran," Neville replies. "Not until everyone else goes home."
She pauses, her mouth slightly open, and feels the tears at the edges of her eyes. This boy who is now so much like Frank. The boy they feared was talentless and ordinary is now the bravest, most competent man she knows.
To Neville, she only nods and says, "Very well, then."