Nearly a week had passed since he'd seen Neville in the hospital wing and he had to admit that it was starting to wear away his nerves. He wasn't in classes, he wasn't in the hospital wing and he'd not heard either Amycus or Alecto muttering about snappy students that don't know where their noses belong. Even the flighty blonde Ravenclaw was nowhere to be seen. It was as if the Gryffindor had simply vanished off the map.

The thought was ludicrous the more he pondered; just because Potter and his little duo had left the school didn't mean that Neville would follow. He was the backbone of the little resistance that Potter had put together. He's assumed the position of commander of the DA and as such couldn't leave his fellow members to the cruelties that were being inflicted on the student body—or had Neville taken his words to heart and fled; putting value in his own hide.

His ponderings had lead him past a doorway that he'd failed to notice before and he stopped as the door seemed to swing open for him; beckoning him inside. He took a moment to take in his surroundings; he wasn't anywhere near the Room of Requirement; and he took halting step to the threshold, his hand going to his wand.

"Peeves, if you're in here…."

No words, no laugh, nothing that indicated that the school's resident poltergeist was hiding out in the quiet classroom. With his hand still gripping the butt of his wand he moved into the room fully; letting out a sigh when he seen it was only Professors McGonagall's Transfiguration classroom. However there was something decidedly out of place. Near the front of the class was a large ornate mirror. Tilting his head to the left he approached; still feeling as if it was some sort of a trap. He jumped a moment later when the door slammed shut behind him.

"What the bloody hell!" He cursed as he moved back over to the door and pulled on it.

Nothing he did was of any help, the door was locked and it wasn't budging. He'd even tried Alohomora unsuccessfully quite a few times in a row. With his heart pounding he turned back around and looked around the room for a way out. As his eyes darted from the window to window his eyes drifted once more across the mirror and he slowly pushed away from the door. There was something pulling about the gilded piece and as he drew nearer his eyes were drawn to the inscription that arched over the smooth glass.

Erised stra ehru oyt ube cafru oyt on wohsi

Confused he tried to muddle the riddle out but after a few minutes and with his head pounding harder than it ever done after a night of drowning in Fire Whiskey he brought his eyes down to stare into the glass. With a yelp he jumped; behind him stood Neville; his eyes smiling as his hand rested on his shoulder. He whirled around, ready to lay into the Gryffindor but there was no one behind him. Blinking he turned back to the mirror; thinking that Neville was playing a joke on him. Once more the blonde teen was behind him and Neville's hand was resting on his shoulder.

Slowly as not to scare Neville back into where ever he was hiding he reached over and placed his hand on top of Neville's—only there was no hand there. His hand was lying on his own shoulder. Behind Neville were some shadowy figures; each with a shock of hair much like his own and he squinted but the mirror Neville kept them at bay, his smiling face commanding all his attention.

"Y'know I was wondering where this had gone off too."

The soft words from his right caused him to jump and he whirled about; his wide eyes landing on Professor McGonagall. Her face was a mask of serenity and he wondered briefly if it'd look the same if she knew what some of her professors were doing against the students.

"Professor?" He asked as he snuck a look back at the mirror and caught just the briefest hit of Neville's jumper in the reflection.

"This mirror; and all the trouble it has caused in the past has the timing to show up at just the right time." She moved over to the mirror and he watched as she lightly touched her face, a sad smile on her thin lips. "Sometimes the hearts' desire isn't what is best for you Mr. Malfoy. I'll tell you not to come looking for it, but it didn't work so well in the past with Mr. Potter so I'll just leave you with these words; don't dwell on the past, look towards the future and envision the best."

She turned to leave and he stepped forwards, calling out to her.

"Professor, Nev—I mean Longbottom. He's gone missing, same with Hovergood. Do you know where they're located?"

Professor McGonagall turned and sighed. "Mr. Longbottom and Ms. Lovegood are safe within these walls Mr. Malfoy. Just because you can't see them doesn't mean they're not here. Good day Mr. Malfoy."

Her exit was unheard and unnoticed as he turned back to the mirror and placed his palm on the glass; watching as mirror Neville reciprocated the gesture.

"Where are you? What are you hiding?" He murmured as he tilted his head a bit to the right. "And why do I care?"

xXxXx

"Nev, anyone that knows you knows that you're hiding out out here in the greenhouses." Luna sighed as she watched the Gryffindor move around the carnivorous plants as he fed them.

"That may be, but so far you're the only one to find me." He teased with a grin over his shoulder.

"Madam Pomfrey's worried about you. You up and left the hospital wing without so much as a by your leave."

Neville pulled a face as he smacked the tendril of the Venomous Tentacula that was trying to wrap itself around his throat. The plant gave a short bark like squeal and pulled back a bit but it wasn't long before it tried again.

"The attacks are getting worse Nev.."

Gone was the airy sounding quality of Luna's voice and he moved over and put an arm around her shoulders; pulling her close in comfort.

"I know, but until we hear from Harry and the others I don't know what to do. We can only do so much."

A silence befell them and they stayed quietly huddled together; the soft sounds of the greenhouse a gentle white noise as they were lost to their own thoughts.

Thank you all for the faves. It warms my heart to know that this story is getting a following. I hope y'all continue to enjoy and don't be afraid to leave any words of encouragement, I promise I don't sick angry, albeit Sexy Nev on anyone. lol Laters Readers ::hearts::