"Sorry." said I shyly. I took off my dripping hat and gave the entire room a crooked smile.
Oh! thought Ginny, He's tanner for sure, but there's something else...Maybe I just missed him.
"Neville! Good to see you! Did you get sprayed by a Redshire Rolver?" asked Luna, completely serious, also noting a tan.
Timothy rolled his eyes. "Luna, of course it was!"
The room laughed lightly, but Luna didn't seem to notice. "No, but thanks Luna." I replied while stepping out of my muddy boots. Ha, I missed her, I attempted to slip out of my coat, but it was a little tight on me.
Ginny got up, "Here, let me help you." I smiled as I saw an angel come towards me.
Whoa, no wonder it's a little tight, just check out his biceps! thought Ginny. Has he been working out?
"Thanks Ginny." I said once she managed to pull it off. She smiled briliantly, almost making me faint.
"No problem. How've you been doing?" Ginny asked innocently. Geez, what is different? she thought.
"Good, I guess. Listen, Mad-Eye, Shaklebolt, can I talk to you in private?" I asked earnestly, trying to keep my voice calm, but all I was thinking (besides Has Ginny gotten even more beautiful?) was THEY'RE NOT HERE!
They nodded, and began to lead me towards the kitchen. "Alright, time for bed!" I heard Molly proclaim as we left the room. Ginny got up and headed towards the stairs, giving me another heavenly smile. I couldn't help but smile back.
"Neville, do you mind telling us today?" I heard Shaklebolt yell from the kitchen table. Ginny's smile got wider, and so did mine as I went in, tearing away from her splendor.
I closed the door behind me, sat down, and told them everything, even showing the letters. They asked questions here and there, but for the most part just listened.
"So why, Neville?" asked Mad-Eye once I had finished, leaning back in his chair.
I was confused. "Why what?"
Mad-Eye rolled his eyes, like I didn't see the obvious. "Why are you chasing after them?"
I was surprised now. "Well, I'm not chasing, I'm more like, protecting, and they're my friends, I have to!"
Shaklebolt shook his head, "Yes, but, they can take care of themselves, Neville."
I looked at him. "Well, what else can I do? The Daily Prophet will be on my case if I go back home, and I'm not sure I can go back to Hogwarts."
Mad-Eye considered this. "Well, just a possiblity here, but do you want to join the Order?"
Shaklebolt gave Mad-Eye a sharp look. "Mad-Eye! He's only a boy!" But Mad-Eye held my eyes with his.
I cleared my throat. "Listen, can I think it over?" I asked, hoping I didn't sound the whimp I felt like.
Mad-Eye nodded, "Take your time. Your parents were good and, by the looks of it, you would be too. What are you kicking me for Shaklebolt?"
I laughed and left the kitchen, only to be stopped by Molly coming in. "Why, you're skin and bones!"
What do you think he'll do next?
I'm also thinking of writing a story based on Luna, what are your thoughts on that? (just check out chapter 8 again BEFORE YOU REVIEW and tell me she ain't cool).
Remember: Honesty is the best policy.