Ha you guys are funny :D I love how you all freaked out on me for not saying why James got beat up yet. Good times, guys. :D I know this took forever, but my computer crashed and I've only been able to be on when I am at my dad's house, which isn't very often. Also, I have changed my mind and decided to make this a two part chappie, so it's not very long. Don't hate me!!


James awoke on Sunday morning with a sharp pain in his abdomen and wrist. He winced as he used his good arm to prop himself up. Even the slightest movement was torture. The rising sun was just beginning to creep through the curtains next to his bed. James turned to the small table beside the bed and reached for his quill and parchment; Albus, David, and Rosie's way of ensuring he kept his promise to write to his parents. James took the parchment in his lap, set the quill to it, and began to write.

Dear Mum and Dad,

I know Rosie probably worried you with that dramatic note she sent last night. I am perfectly alright and I'll probably be up on my feet soon. Well, I know you both want the whole story, so here it is.

James took a deep breath and looked up at the ceiling, debating if he had to tell the whole truth. Mom is good about things like that, he thought. She'll definitely be able to tell if I'm lying. He took another deep breath and began to write again.

Last night I was sort of... dawdling on my way to Quidditch. I know it wasn't the smartest thing to do, seeing as I'm new to the team and all, but... Anyway, I was walking down the corridor that leads to the main stairs, when I heard someone say Albus' name. I stopped, obviously, to see what they were talking about him for. It turned out to be this kid, Rodney, who is in the first year, although he looks like he could squash a seventh year if he wanted. Rodney is in Gryffindor so he shares a dormitory with Albus. I figured they might get along, but trust me, from what I heard, my mind has been changed. This Rodney kid was telling his third year friend about how McGonagall switched him to more advanced classes. Stuff that we're not supposed to learn until fourth year, I think. Well, he told his friend how if Albus ever found out... And that's all I heard. The friend, who was equally as large, spotted me. Rodney started punching me, making me promise not to tell anyone what I heard. I tried to explain that I hadn't meant to hear anything, but he just kept on hitting. The friend eventually fled, but Rodney didn't stop. But before you go mad, let me remind you that I am ALRIGHT, and no, I don't know why Rodney didn't want Albus to find out.

Well, all of this writing is hurting my wrist, so I have to stop for now. Please don't worry; I am fine. Oh, and please don't tell Albus about any of this. I'll make something else up to tell him... I don't want him to know I got beaten up by a first year. Tell Lily I love her.

Love, James


Neville was humming to himself as he hurried through the corridors. He was late for a meeting with Hagrid, something about Hagrid wanting to give Neville some tips on the Mandrakes he was using in lessons. Neville turned a corner sharply. He began to watch his feet as he walked. Heel, toe, heel, toe, pointed red shoe? Neville looked up, startled to see someone else's pair of feet in step beside him. He stopped. So did the other person. Long, blonde hair. Bright blue eyes. Pale skin.

"Luna?" Neville asked breathlessly. He felt his heart beat faster. I haven't seen Luna since 7th year...

The woman smiled serenely, very Luna like. "The one and only," she laughed. There was something different about her, Neville knew. Her eyes weren't as happy and wondering and curious. They looked like those eyes have cried a lot. Those eyes were the eyes of someone who had been hurt.

"Luna.." Neville breathed. He felt the urge to reach out and hug her. He did. Luna laughed softly and returned the hug. Neville watched her as she stepped back. He knew there was something different about her. "When I heard you were working here I figured I would have run into you already," he said, shoving his hands in his robe pocket.

"Yes, I thought so too. But being high up in that Divination Tower doesn't let me interact with very many people." Luna shifted her weight and ran her fingers through her hair.

Neville nodded, not knowing what else to say. This was the woman he had a crush on since the fifth year and he can't think of a word to say. Somewhere off in the distance he heard a clock chime. "Luna, I'm sorry, but I really have to go. I have a meeting with Hagrid. But maybe you would like to meet me in Hogsmeade tonight? In the Hog's Head, around seven?" Neville asked, surprising himself at how confident he was being.

Luna smiled. "I would love to, Neville. I'll be there. But, um, watch out for those Nargles," she said with a laugh. She began to walk away and looked back briefly over her shoulder to smile and wave.

Neville gave a little wave. "I sure will," he whispered, still awestruck.


Ginny read the letter twice to make sure she hadn't missed anything. She placed her hand over her heart and took in a sharp breath. "James is OK..."
Ron sighed heavily and rubbed his forehead. His head was throbbing from reading statement after statement, complaint after complaint, articles upon articles. It was getting to be too much. A knock on his office door startled him.

"Weasley," a raspy voice said sternly. A short, chubby, balding wizard stood in Ron's doorway.

Ron stood up at once. "Yes, Mr. Milton?" Ron asked nervously. It wasn't often his boss came to see him. Until now, Ron didn't even know that Mr. Milton knew his name.

Mr. Milton cleared his throat. "Your wife is waiting down in the lobby for you. She says it's a family emergency. I've, uh, given you both the rest of the day off. You're both free to go."

Ron's heart nearly leapt out of his chest. "Emergency? Did she say what?" Milton shook his head and turned from Ron's office. As soon as he was gone Ron hurriedly gathered his things and raced to the elevator. A few moments later he was rushing through the Ministry lobby, trying to find Hermione. She was off in the corner, laughing with Hugo, who seemed to be trying to imitate the roar of a Hungarian Horntail. Ron quickly ran over. "What's the emergency?" Hermione looked up, startling Ron with the huge smile on her face.

"No emergency, Ron. It's the only thing I could think of to get us out of work today. We need to celebrate!" Hermione said with a grin.

Ron used his arm to steady himself against the wall. He waited for his heartbeat to return to normal before speaking. "Dear God, Hermione! You could give me some warning, you know!" He took a deep breath and then stood up straight. "And what are we celebrating?"

Hugo grabbed his dad's hand and led him to the front door. "Uncle George is keeping the shop open!" he exclaimed, pulling Ron's arm with surprisingly great force for such a little boy. Hermione laughed and followed them.

"Is it true?" Ron called over his shoulder after they left the Ministry building. Hermione nodded vigorously.

"It sure is."


OK, not as long as I had hoped, but this is a two part chappie, so it isn't the whole thing yet. Reviews, please!!

Wish