Sorry whoever is reading this - I haven't written for so long. Please read and enjoy. As an author (even if its only on this cite) I would love any type of feedback except really abusive and vulgar language. I know it isn't very long - but short is sweet eh?

In the midst of winter I found within me an invincible summer (Albert Camus)

The first detention was the worst. Rumours had been flying around Hogwarts like crazy. Neville sighed, if only they knew. If only they any idea. He wouldn't wish that on anybody, even

Draco Malfoy. No it had not been him that had undergone the grave first detention, but he wished it had been. He was there waiting well past midnight, anxious and trembling. When

Ginny appeared, Neville could barely look at her. Here was the girl that was as dear to him as a sister, indeed he had pledged to her brothers to watch over her, to make sure she

wouldn't get hurt. He had failed. Ginny glanced at him with a faded smile; unwavering in the dim light. She was a mess of crimson and violet, scarlet and magenta. He feared she was hurt

beyond repair. He didn't understand then just how strong she was. Soon he would learn that the Carrows cherished punishment, even more so when it involved a certain bold and

beautiful Red-head standing in front of him. Neville's Gran thought he would be a target. Ginny Weasley was The Number One Undesirable's one love. Not only that, but as the youngest

of a family of loathsome muggle-lovers she was in grave danger. He was afraid it would only get worse for her.

It was difficult, to be sure, to remain strong in such adversity. There were moments when it felt like all was going to fall through and the despair of life would prevail. Despite or even due

to this, the DA lived on.

Neville gazed into the fireplace, finding the dancing flames, red, gold, silver, oddly soothing his weary soul. "at last there is peace here", he shispered. The first week had

been treacherous; difficult to bear and even more so to watch. None so much as the first detention. The carrows needed control of the school, control through fear. A voice, slightly raspy

and yet somewhat musical, cut through his thoughts like a sword.

"Can you help me with this?" It was Ginny, and he had regretfully forgot completely of her presence beside him. "It stings.", she stated pointing to her robe. He helped her, returned to

his spot by the fire, and slipped into the spot next to him. He felt her drift of beside him, as he began to do the same.

It was the second day of the pupils had begunto lose hope. The first day had been a heartbreaker. So many were missing from slasses, from the Great Hall, from his dormitory.

The great hall was full, but so quiet. Fear shined through peoples eyes and made the silence eerie and unbearable. Neville glanced at Ginny, stepped into place beside her, and gave her

a hug. She must not have noticed it was him at first, she flinched till she recognized him.

"Hey Gin. Sorry to startle you like that."

"Is alright Nev. I'm just a little jumpy today." Neville took a better look at her; she was definetly ruffled.

"A nightmare?" She looked stunned

"Is it really that noticable? Well, you're right. It was back in first year with you know, the chamber." She gazed at Professor Snape for a second, "its odd I hadn't had it this bad for years."

"I can't stand the look of this place. Hogwarts used to be my safehouse. I loved it but now the only feeling it creates in me is fear. We need a way to cheer everyone up. Remind the little ones that Hogwarts is still our home." Ginny sighed and gave out a quick, wavering smile.

"I have detention today."

"FOR WHAT? Honestly, Gin, it's the 2nd day of school. Pretty soon you are going to have a worse track record than Fred and George."

"Yeah, well, couldn't help what I said. I had it coming"

"Well good work. I'm proud of you." Ginny looked at him and for some reason did something he never expected. Her face broke in a smile and a noise he had been deprived of

sounded. It was the sweet harmony of music, dripping ewith joy. Ginny was laughing. He missed that laugh. Her smile flatered and her shoulders hunched. However, her head was held

upwards in defiance.

She wouldn't let any mean old Carrows get to her, and neither would he.

please review.