"Where are we going?", Luna giggled, as I pulled her along some corridors. "I've got to show you something.", was all I retorted before I turned around a rather sharp corner. I came to an abrupt halt, almost crushing into the tall black figure I had spotted last second. If it had not been for Luna, who pulled me back with all her might, I would have staggered right into none other than Severus Snape.
"And where are we heading off to, Longbottom?", sneered the Potions Master into my direction. "Oh, good evening professor. Neville wanted to show me something. But he told me to hurry up, so we can go back before the curfew.", it was her soft voice that sounded up, and I did not dare to look up. "Well if it like that-",Snape began sarcastically, but was interrupted by McGonnagal "Cut it out, Severus. Just because Longbottom does not seem to be particularly talented in you subject, must not mean you have to refuse him going outside."
"Thank you Professor.", smiled Luna and pulled me up. "Now come on, Neville show me." I led her down to the Entrance Hall, past Ron and his girlfriend, and outside. "Poor Hermione.", I heard Luna behind me mumble, and I shot her an agreeing look.
It was winter, so the sun was already setting behind snowy hills. "So where are you taking me Neville?", she asked before I led her down to the Greenhouses. Opening the door to Number 4, the most deserted one. "I was researching some plants in here, when I found the little guys. I thought you would know what they are...", I mumbled and showed her to a bush like plant with yellow blossoms,in a corner.
Around the trunk sat little green creatures, their heads looking like tulips, and their bodies looking like stones. Little stubs came out of the upper and the downer parts of the bodies.
"I've never seen such cute creatures, have you asked Hagrid or Hermione what they are?", Luna asked after taking one into her hand. "No I wanted you to be the first one to see them.", I looked at my feet, embarrassed. "Oh, that's lovely of you Neville. How about you name them.", she offered and I felt my eyes growing red. I pondered for a moment, but no name came into my mind. "Maybe... Frankalizes?", she asked me and my breath was caught in my lungs.
She wanted to name them after my parents? I was not aware that she even knew what had happened, then again she was with us in the Ministry a year before. Ridden by my bubbling emotions, I pulled her in my arms. Too hard it seems, because the drive made me stumble and I fell, together with her. Laughing the two of us lay on the floor of the Greenhouse. It took a long time until we were calm again. It had probably been some time since the sun was down, and I would have bet anything that we would be in trouble, if we were seen by the wrong people.
"Frankalizes... I think I like that."