Disclaimer: This is a work of fan fiction using characters and settings from the Harry Potter world, which is trademarked by J. K. Rowling. I do not claim any ownership over them or the world of Harry Potter and will not receive any money or other financial profit for presenting the work on this site. The story I tell here as well as certain original characters are my own invention, and are not purported or believed to be part of J.K. Rowling's story canon.

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Chapter 30

The last few days had been rather difficult for Sage. Unfortunately, none of her words had brought the hoped-for change in each of the Carrows' behaviour. Neville got targeted more often than ever before, their punishments becoming harsher with every further day. In order to ensure the safety of everyone involved, all three leaders of the DA found it best to suspend their secret lessons for at least a week. There was just too much unwanted attention on Neville right now.

Sage's mind was spinning around the same set of thoughts over and over again. Would this war ever come to an end? Would everyone be alright until then? Though she tried to remain as optimistic as possible, these last few days she found it harder and harder to imagine the wizarding world finally at peace. There were just so many obstacles they had to face, so many horrible things happening every day.

She desperately needed a break. Right now. Since there was little else she could go to, Sage headed for the lake once again. Maybe watching the water would fill her with a little peace of mind. And even if not, at least she could get some fresh air and a change of scenery.

As she stepped towards the edge of the lake, Sage took a deep breath. The cold autumn air tickled against her nostrils, making her awfully aware of the steady change in seasons. She wouldn't be able to stay out there as long as last time if she didn't want to get a cold. Trying to clear her mind, she closed her eyes, focusing on the subtle wind ruffling against her coat and the warm feeling of faint rays of sunshine on her face. Deeply sunken into her thoughts, she didn't even notice the man approaching her from behind.

"You look worried," a familar voice noted, catching her completely off guard.

Her eyes shot open, meeting the gaze of none other than Neville Longbottom.

"And you look horrible," she said at the sight of his face. Judging from the state it was in, the Carrows must have been exceptionally bored today.

"Ouch," he jokingly responded, "Luckily, I've learned to appreciate the way you never mince your words."

"One of my many talents."

"Many? What are the others then?"

"Careful, Longbottom. I'm not in the mood for teasing."

"Yeah.. I gathered from that sour look of yours," he remarked, trying for a smile. It didn't look sincere to her, though it might have fooled someone who didn't know Neville far too well.

"Why do you do that?"

"Do what?"

"Smile without actual reason to."

"I have reason to."

"Doesn't look like it."

"You think so?"

"As a matter of fact, I do."

Neville didn't give an answer to that. Silence fell between them, though unfortunately one of the uncomfortable kind. Sage didn't know why he was here or how he had even known where to find her. Could have been pure coincidence as well. It didn't really matter in the end. Now they were here, miserable and drained from any sort of happy feelings.

"Lately it seems like you smile more out of habit, than out of actual joy," she eventually told him, her gaze fixed on the surface of the lake.

"Maybe you are right," he said in response, his voice trailing off towards the end of the sentence.

"I am."

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Author's note: Hello lovely readers!! Excuse the delay in updates, I didn't get around to write a chapter yesterday.

Hope this chapter finds you well and you leave me some if your thoughts again. Your continued support truly means the world to me!! :-)