[A/N: I have been neglecting the disclaimer so here it is, I don't own what JKR does, etc ... also I have turned on anonymous reviews, just figured out that it was off xD Thanks and enjoy]

CHAPTER4- sunset

Neville and Hermione were seated near the end of a table on the far side of the Great Hall, talking quietly as they tried their best to eat something. The Great Hall was about half full at the moment, made up of mostly younger kids, a few older ones who had fought in the battle, and an assortment of families that had loved ones in the medical ward here and did not want to leave just yet.

"Honestly, Hermione, I don't like it at all," Neville half-whispered. "It's like, for some reason, I can't seem to care as much anymore. Before if I'd have seen the Weasleys grieving like that, I would have been stunned and feeling horrible. But last night, when I found out about Fred and saw all their faces, I chalked it up to the war and pretty much shrugged it off, just another casualty. And I feel horrible, I don't like what I'm becoming."

"Neville, I'm sorry to say this, but a lot of people are like this now. Its what the war does, and from what I know about muggle wars and their effects, our generation might never recover. Everyone reacts differently to cope with the trauma and the losses, and I'll tell you I know what you mean. Fred's death hit me horribly, but others feel like just a statistic to me. It's insensitive of me, yes, but that's how some people, like us, deal with it. If we don't care as much, it lessens the pain and we can get by."

"I still don't like it," mumbled Neville.

"And you shouldn't. I'm proud of you Neville, you know. You at least can talk about it, and acknowledge how things may have changed you. Most people just ignore it, and it haunts them. It's only been a day and I'm already worried about Harry."

"Oh? He seemed fine today, when I was talking to him at least." Neville scrunched up his face as he tried to remember, but even that morning was a little hazy, due to the effects of the hangover potion.

"Yes well he hasn't done anything except get trashed yet," Hermione smirked, "but last night, when he came in from the grounds, he looked horrible. He didn't want to talk to anyone and he seemed deep in thought. And you can only imagine what kind of thoughts would be flying in his head after killing… Voldemort. Its important for him to open up, as it is with all of us, so that's why I'm glad you're talking about it."

"You know, before all this, I never would have gotten drunk like I did last night, with the rest of them. I hate to think about the reasons why I let myself go, because it just makes me seem like some old man. But I guess in some ways I'm older. I mean," Neville paused, looking at Hermione a little more fiercely. "I actually killed people Hermione. I looked at them and I knew they were people, and I killed them without a second thought."

Hermione looked at him with sympathy, placing her hand on his arm. "I'm sorry, Neville." There was nothing else to say, she new. Or more like she didn't know quite what to say. Hermione had managed to get through the battle without having to directly kill anyone, and she was relieved at this fact, more than she thought she'd be.

"I just feel, dirty. I mean I killed people, and then I saw Dennis Creevey's body last night and all I could think was 'oh, at least he'll be joining his brother'. I didn't have a second thought, just went back to battle, and I feel just as bad as them in a way." Neville's voice has gotten softer so Hermione had to strain and lean in to make it out.

She grabbed his arm a little more firmly and spoke quietly to his ear. "Neville, you are nothing like them. You've done amazing things and you're not even 18 yet. You were as big a hero as anyone last night, and it shows that you've changed, but you've changed for the better. You're growing up, Neville, and into a quality person at that. The war has rushed you, but you'll find your answers soon and you'll feel better about everything, with time. Just give it time, Neville."

"Thanks," he mumbled. "I know I'm being a bother…"

"Talk to me anytime," Hermione cut in. "Really, about anything, but if you feel you need to talk about something, do it. And I'm here for that, so no excuses because you have someone here."

Neville gave her a weak smile. "Err, you too. I mean, if you need someone…well I know I'm not smart and probably won't help, but I'll listen and I'll try. Thanks Hermione," he finished off quietly.

Hermione simply smiled and said, "thanks, I'll remember that."

They sat in silence for a couple minutes, catching up on their dinner that they had let sit for so long. As a couple students were beginning to leave, Mcgonogal stood up to say something and the Great Hall swept with silence.

"Good evening students, staff and visitors. I just have a couple announcements I'd like to make while some of you are gathered here. First of all, I'd like to mention that the Ministry of Magic will be receiving the services of Kingsley Shacklebolt, former head of the aurors, as the new Minister of Magic."

A light applause went out over the crowd, and as it died down, Mcgonogal continued. "Second, I would like to announce that the Ministry has decided that some very important awards will be handed out next week, to a select few individuals whose efforts to the war have been vital to its' success. This will be held at a location to be determined later, and will coincide with the inauguration ceremony of the new Minister."

Another applause rang out across the crowd, this one considerably louder, and quite a few glances went in the direction of where Hermione and Neville were seated. Others were looking around for Harry, but he wasn't present, despite the lack of any media present. "And the third thing I have to announce is that classes will not be continuing and the school will be closed for the summer, for repairs and other reasons. Those students who have circumstances that does not allow them to return home can talk to me. Also, students will be contacted over the summer as to how they will be making up for the incomplete education they received and for OWL and NEWT examinations. This will be discussed amongst the Ministry, the staff and the Governors and a timetable for the reopening of Hogwarts will be released as soon as possible. Thank you."

Mcgonogall went back to her seat and sat down, her lips pursed in a grimace that showed her determination and commitment to the school. Hermione, for once, wasn't paying attention as she seemed worried about something.

"Hermione, whats up?"

"Oh! I just forgot all about school. I guess I have to take one more year, don't I?"

"You probably don't. Even skipping a year, you're probably smarter than everyone here. And besides, it can't be any worse than last year. I might have to come back myself as I honestly don't remember most of what was taught."

Hermione blushed. "I do miss Hogwarts though. No more Voldemort means we might have a normal year for once."

Neville grinned. "Well that depends if Harry is going to be there or not."

Hermione laughed and Neville joined her as a pair of arms slipped around his neck and a lithe body pressed against his back, causing him to freeze.

"Whats so funny?" Asked Ginny cheerfully, a wide smile on her face.

"Err, hi Ginny," Neville mumbled, feeling his face go hot as he couldn't help but think about how close Ginny was getting to him, and voluntarily at that.

"Oh nothing really," smiled Hermione. "We were just talking about Hogwarts and finishing our education. I mean most of us didn't learn anything last year right?"

"Oh." Ginny gave Neville a little squeeze from behind and then went down to sit beside him, on the other side of Hermione. Neville visibly relaxed. "Does that mean we're in the same year next year?" She grinned teasingly at Hermione.

Hermione raised her eyebrows as she looked over at Ginny. "We might be. I honestly don't know if I want to do another year and if I can find a job this summer I might not, but at the same time I miss Hogwarts and the teachers and everything so another year won't be bad. Anyways, whats gotten you in such a good mood Ginny?"

Nevill ducked his head and continued to eat as the two girls continued to chatter. Whatever had gotten Ginny in such a good mood probably had to do with Harry, and Neville just didn't feel like hearing about that right now. He knew it was foolish and insensitive of him, but he deserved that much at least, didn't he? To not have to hear Ginny gush about Harry now that things were back to normal. Over the course of the year Ginny had barely mentioned him, but Neville could tell that she still thought of him. She was angry with Harry, and Neville was proud of her ability to work through her potential heartbreak and constant fear and contribute so much to the DA, to be such a valiant leader, but now things were back to normal which meant back to obscurity for Neville.

"Nev? Nev Nev Nev Nev Nev. Hellooooo? Neville?" Ginny was amused as she tried to catch his attention, and Hermione was stifling a laugh.

"Oh! Sorry, yes what is it?" Neville finally broke out of his thoughts as he noticed the funny face that Ginny was making.

"I was saying," she began, stretching the last word out, "what are your plans for the summer?" She gave Neville a smile that actually made his heart flutter, and Neville cursed himself for being so easily excited.

"Well, umm, I think I want to go back to my Grans, for a while at least, tend the gardens there and just relax for a while, try to forget about things, you know?" Both girls nodded. "And you?"

"Me? I have no idea, I just want to go home and sleep for now," Ginny laughed. "Something like your summer sounded good, but I don't really have much of a hobby like gardening so I'll probably get bored so maybe I'll help George out at the shop. In fact that's what I'll probably do, I think he'll really need it," she trailed off quietly.

Hermione gave her a sympathetic look, as did Neville, as the mood around the table darkened slightly.

"What about you Hermione?" Neville asked.

She laughed slightly, looking at Ginny with an amused expression. "Well I already told Ginny when you were zoned out, so you missed your chance. Now, it's a secret." She gave a little wink to both of them in general, as Ginny spoke out.

"Well, unless you can guess. Its something that's very Hermione-like." Ginny was beaming again and the dark mood from before was forgotten.

"Well, umm, I have a couple ideas but I admit that one of them doesn't really suit her." Neville looked at both of them as they waited expectantly. "To be honest, after seeing you and… err, Ron last night, I thought that maybe you two would be getting… married," he squeaked out.

Ginny laughed loudly while Hermione cringed and flushed red. "No no no no no Neville, I'm barely 18 as it is. I haven't even finished my education for God's sake, and there's so much I want to do before marriage. I haven't even thought about it. If I get married now there's just too much I would miss." She shook her head and was now grinning at Neville. "Honestly, Nev, why would you think that all?"

Ginny was just recovering from her laughing fit while Neville was blushing fiercely and trying to avoid the gaze of either of the girls. "I said it wasn't very Hermione-like. I just thought, maybe…"

"Trust me, Nev, that's nowhere close to what Hermione has planned for the summer." Ginny was wiping her eyes as she finally relaxed. "Ok guess again, you have two more guesses."

Neville thought about it a little more this time. "Well, I guess you want to go back to your parents right?"

Hermione's face darkened as she looked at Neville. "Well, yes, eventually. But it might not be so easy," she began. "You see before I left last year I performed a memory spell on them to protect them from the war and they went to Australia. To get them back though will take some time as they have no idea who I am and won't return by their own free will. The memory spell has to be reversed and it seems like it's a little more complicated than I anticipated." She looked a little embarrassed but more hurt than anything. "Plus, there's the immigration issue between Ministries which might be a problem, since our Ministry is pretty much fallen right now and will take a while to recover. So unfortunately, I most likely won't be able to see my parents this year, not in the conventional sense at least."

Both Neville and Ginny were quiet as they listened to Hermione. Hermione's voice didn't falter and she didn't seem to be too bothered by it, but they both knew it hurt her immensely.

"I'm sorry Hermione," said Ginny quietly. Neville nodded as he gave Hermione a small smile.

"It's alright. It was my fault and it will be sorted out, just might take more time than anticipated. Anyways, Neville," a smile reappeared on her face, though this one wasn't as bright as the previous ones. "One more guess, and you better get it right. Or else…"

"Oooh or else what?" Ginny asked interestedly.

Hermione shrugged and grinned at Ginny. "Who knows, but you can help me think of a suitable punishment, Ginny."

The two girls shared a sly smile and Neville suddenly felt more nervous. "Err, really Hermione, I don't know. You said it was very Hermione-like, right? Well…." Neville paused as his face contorted in thought. Whatever punishment they would give wouldn't be too bad. Maybe embarrassing, but he'd fought Voldemort for Merlin's sake. This was nothing to be nervous about. He shrugged. "I don't know, organizing and filing the library at the Ministry or something like that?"

The smiles fell off the faces of both Ginny and Hermione, while Neville looked ecstatic when he realized he was right. "How did you know?" Ginny said suddenly.

He grinned and looked at her. "Well, what could be more 'Hermione-like' than that. We all know Hermione loves libraries and well, it just came to me."

"That's no fair," Hermione pouted playfully. "Ginny's clue was too obvious, you cheated."

"Well, he still had to know you pretty well 'Mione," Ginny replied, the smile back on her face.

Hermone smiled again. "I guess. Fine I'll give it to you Nev. Yes that's what I want to do for the summer. Mr. Weasley mentioned it and I volunteered, so hopefully he can get me a job there this summer. He said they might want to use computers to file and organize everything, since its all a mess right now, and that's where I think I can be really useful."

"That sounds pretty interesting Hermione." Neville paused and looked at Hermione, and then Ginny. "Since I won, does that mean I get to punish you two?"

Neville took it easy on them and only made them chug a butterbeer, to which Ginny partook excitedly and even Neville joined himself. Hermione had a little difficulty, causing both Ginny and Neville to errupt with laughter as they watched her, but eventually she managed it to a level that Neville would "accept, but only this time. Next time, the whole bottle had to go down without stopping, and yes, there would be a next time." Hermione only glared playfully and then left to see if Ron and Harry had eaten and to bring them down before the Great Hall closed at 9 o'clock.

"Neville, lets go for a walk, I want some fresh air." Ginny asked Neville as she got up from the table, and Neville gladly accepted.

As they walked outside, Neville surveyed the damage to the castle and to the field, taking in the details that he had not had time for last night. Hagrid's hut was completely demolished, simply a pile of rubble. The grounds itself was scorched and muddy and barren, and nary a blade of grass could be seen. The greenhouses in the distant looked a fair bit better, as the colour green could be seen from it, but they were in bad shape as well. A lot of work would have to be put into them to get them back to how they were before. The castle itself didn't look too different. The Ravenclaw tower had collapsed completely, and large chunks of the wall were missing where Voldemort's spell had exploded, but overall the castle had held up nicely. A lot of work would have to be put into fixing it as well, and Neville knew it would be an expensive and painstaking job.

"Are you thinking about last night?" Ginny asked quietly, stepping closer to Neville and smoothly taking his hand in hers. Neville blushed a bit but quickly gave her hand a squeeze, to which she smiled back.

"I was thinking about how much work is going to be needed to return this place to how it once was. I don't think Hogwarts can ever be as beautiful as it once was. Everything looks dead or dying."

They continued walking in silence, towards the lake where the sun was slowly setting for the night. The grounds was as quiet as the night and every step could be heard where their shoes squelched against the muddy ground. It was an enjoyable silence, a world away from the screaming and the curses and the light display of death from the previous night.

Ginny suddenly turned and gave Neville a quick hug, which he returned wholeheartedly. They pulled apart and, still hand-in-hand, continued walking slowly towards the lake. "I just wanted to tell you that you were really important to me this year and I'm really glad you were here. A lot happened, and you were there through it all and it really helped me. You were amazing this year, Neville, and I just wanted to say thanks to our King." She finished off quietly, looking straight ahead into the descending sun.

Neville gave her hand another little squeeze and crept a little closer. This was the Ginny that he had known this year, the one that he had fought to protect and that had protected him. She had made everything worth it, and he wished some things didn't have to change, but he knew they would. They had all changed, and would continue to do so. A year ago, he didn't love her. Sure, she was in the back of his mind and had been a good friend to him, compared to everyone else, had given him confidence and helped him become someone he liked, someone beyond the clumsy, forgetful Neville of years past. But this year, things were different. He didn't know if he could necessarily say that he didn't love her, because, he probably did.

"Thanks Ginny." Neville smiled. "I really appreciate it. To be honest though, if I told you it would be like this last year at this time, that I would be like this, I wouldn't have believed you. I should have died over this past year. More than once. But you were there for me, and you saved me, and you made me keep going and I would have gone nowhere without you. You were more important than anything this year, Ginny. You revived the DA, you brought back so many people that we were able to fight back."

Ginny wanted to interrupt but Neville didn't let her, continuing to speak. "We went through a lot this year, and I won't forget any of it. I'm glad I had you there with me, there's no one else I would have asked for. A king is nothing without his queen, and I'm glad you were her. So thanks."

Neville smiled embarrassedly, turning away from Ginny as he felt heat course through his body and his face. "You're welcome," she beamed, stopping at one of the last remaining grassy patches by the lake. "Lets sit down here."

Neville complied and sat down, releasing her hand. They both leaned back and watched the sun trickling down behind the lake, lighting the water in a fiery glow of pink and orange.

"Neville, I miss Fred."

Neville gave her a comforting smile as he noted the tears threatening to burst from her beautiful eyes.

"I do too, Gin. Him and George really helped us out during the war, especially with raising morale byway of their news about Harry. He was a hero, Ginny."

Ginny smiled and closed her eyes for a couple seconds, composing herself. "Yes, he was. Just like us."

Neville nodded but didn't say anything, just simply looking out across the lake.

"You are a hero, Neville. You really are. You saved a lot of people, including me."

"I don't feel like one," Neville suddenly began. "I killed people. Sure I saved people, but I killed people too. The mandrakes that I threw into the midst of the Death Eaters, they killed people. The Venemous Tentacula that I released, killed people. That bloody sword, that made me feel so brave and so powerful, it killed so many Ginny. And I felt their bodies against the sword, I knew I had killed them, and all I did was move on to the next one."

"That's not your fault Neville. You did what you had to do." Ginny's voice was almost pleading, not liking the disdainful image by which Neville was portraying himself.

"That doesn't matter, Gin. I've done those things and I've changed as a result. I'm no longer who I was before, and I don't like it. Before, even if I was clumsy and forgetful and stupid, I still knew that I was a good person and I was secretly proud of it. I'd see people lose their tempers and hurt each other and people like Malfoy who gained their pleasures from hurting others, and I was so proud not to be like that. But now, it's like I don't care. You saw how harsh I was at times with the DA, with those younger kids who wanted to join. That's not me, Ginny. I just want to be myself, but its like, I lost myself."

"It's okay, Neville," Ginny said soothingly. Your friends know how sweet of a person you are. I know. Whatever has happened can't be changed, but we want you to be happy and we'll help you. I promise."

"Thanks Ginny." Neville paused for a moment, surveying Ginny's face carefully. She was being truthful to him and he loved her so much at that moment. "I want us to stay friends, I'll be there if you need anything."

"Me too," Ginny said quietly. "I know there's a lot of difficult things to come, for both of us, so I want you to be here for me, just like I'll help you out when you need it." Both of them went quiet as the sun flickered with its last rays of light, struggling to remain above the horizon. "But you're right. We have changed and things really are different. It doesn't feel like the war is over yet, for some reason. I mean I'm relieved that he's dead, but I don't know where to go from here."

"Yeah, there's this feeling stuck in me like it isn't over. Hermione said time will heal things, so I tend to believe her and I think everything will be alright." Neville smiled and Ginny returned it.

"That Hermione is a pretty smart one, isn't she?"

"She's okay," Neville joked. Neville lay back as the sun disappeared with one last flash of light, watching as the sun lit up Ginny's features for one last time. "Maybe we should head back," Neville said quietly.

"Not yet," whispered Ginny. "My mind is so clear right now I just want to enjoy it." And so they lay there for a while, fighting the cold that was beginning to pass over them.

"But what about Harry?" Ginny asks quietly. Neville thinks she's talking more to herself so he doesn't respond, but he feels a tinge of hurt pass through him. "Neville?"

"What about him?"

"Do you know if he's okay? I mean he's been really reclusive and Ron hasn't told me whats up. I feel kind of bad."

"He seemed fine today, when I talked to him." Neville paused, thinking through his words carefully. "He just needs time, Ginny, then you two can be together."

"Yeah," Ginny sighed quietly, and all was quiet again.

Two more minutes passed, and Neville sighed in frustration. I'm still a coward after all. "I…I-I think maybe we should head back. It's pretty late, and it's getting cold." Merlin, Neville, you'll never change.

"Yes we should," Ginny mumbled, not making a move. Neville got up and offered her his hand, which she took, and pulled her up. He took out his wand and cast a quick warming charm over the both of them as he trudged forward, releasing Ginny's hand.

Ginny remained standing as she watched Neville walk. "Neville!" She hurried up to catch up to him, taking his arm and looping hers through his. Neville simply leaned into her, comfortable with the physical contact. "Was there something you wanted to tell me?" Ginny asked sheepishly.

Neville froze, but somehow his feet kept walking and miraculously he didn't stumble. They kept walking for a little while until Neville said, "what makes you think that?"

Ginny shrugged, leaning closer into him. "Your face was all contorted back there, and your mouth kept moving like you were about to say something. I was watching."

Neville blushed furiously as they kept walking.

"Well?" Ginny asked, drawing the word out.

"Well, maybe I wanted to say something."

Ginny tightened her grip on Neville and leaned in expectantly.

"I…I love y-y… loved your hair, when I was looking at it during the sunset." He paused to catch his breathe, and curse himself inwardly. "I know it sounds stupid, but I wanted to tell you that. It feels a little creepy to say, I know, but I loved how your hair glowed there. You looked like some kind of fire goddess, and just… well my imagination went a little wild, that's all." So much for being brave.

Ginny laughed and Neville felt himself relax, giving his arm a little squeeze. "I can't believe you said that," she said, beaming. "See how much you've come, Nev. Honestly, you're the bravest guy I know, I don't know anyone who would have said that-"

"Because it's stupid," Neville mumbled quietly.

Ginny leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. "It wasn't stupid, it was really sweet. Come on, people must be worried about us, we better hurry back."

"Yeah," Neville managed, feeling his spirits soar at the touch of Ginny's soft lips against his skin. They picked up their pace as they passed the greenhouses and approached the castle doors.

"Neville!" Neville and Ginny turned to look at who had called him, subtly letting their arms slide out of each other's grips. It was Professor Sinistra, the astronomy teacher, and she was standing at the doorway of Greenhouse 1, beckoning for them to come.

"Hi professor," said Neville, a little embarrassed at what she might have seen between him and Ginny.

"Come in," she said quietly, in her meek little voice. Sinistra was a dainty lady with long pale blonde hair and a face with sharp features. Her nose was pointed but small, her eyes dark with long lashes, and her lips were a pale pink that made her seem like she was perpetually cold. "Pomona wants to see you Neville. You come in too," she said, beckoning to Ginny.

They walked into the greenhouse, which was much warmer than outdoors, and settled into cosy chairs in Professor Sprout's office. This particular greenhouse had not suffered much damage and was relatively untouched. Sprout sat in a comfy lounging chair, with her leg propped up on a small ottoman that was laced with green and brown vines. "Ah, Neville, its good to see you dear. And you too Weasley." She gave them both a warm, motherly smile which Neville had grown to love.

"Hi professor," he said. "I hope you're feeling better tonight, that was a really bad fall I heard."

"Yes yes," she said, waving her hand in the air exuberantly. "I'll be fine, nothing a little R & R won't take care of." She laughed, seeing their confused faces. "I don't know what it means either, but its something the muggles say, or at least my brother-in-law used to say it whenever someone was hurt."

Sinistra giggled, a girlish little sound that was oddly chilling, as she sat down on another of the comfy chairs. "And I'm here to take care of her so she'll be fine. She really helped me when the astronomy tower was damaged last year so I owe her."

"Anyways, Neville," began Sprout, looking down at a couple papers on her desk. "I wanted to ask you if you wanted a job here over the summer. You're the best person I can think of for the job, as I need someone to help me fix up the greenhouses and the gardens here. You see, with my leg and my old age, there are certain things I won't be able to do and I know you can handle it. You'll be paid, of course, and it will be really good training if you ever want a job in herbology or potions… yes, potions Neville. How many times have I told you that herbology and potions are deeply tied together. Anyways, what do you think?"

Ginny was ecstatic as she looked over at her friend, who was excited but seemingly thinking things through. "I-I'll have to think things through for a bit, and talk to my Gran, but I can't see myself saying no to this offer. Thank you so much for this, it sounds brilliant."

"Perfect!" replied Sprout, beaming at him. "Depending on the nature of the work, we might want you to live here for a couple months, but that will be up to you. Anyways, I look forward to seeing you soon."

"Thanks professor, I'll be here." They said their goodbyes and Neville and Ginny left, quickly rushing back to the castle entrance. They were really late now and Neville could feel sleep pulling at him, but he was also excited as they scampered down the halls. As they rushed into the Gryffindor dormitories and slipped off to bed, Neville couldn't help but feel that he was glad that the war was over, and that hope for the future was at an all-time high.

End of CHAPTER4

[A/N: Another chapter. I didn't expect this to come out so fast but it's here, so yay for the few who care lol. I'm sorry to say I still haven't developed a thorough storyline quite yet, I tried but I ended up just writing this chapter instead. I'm not one for planning and this requires a lot of work, which I don't always have. Anyways, enjoy, and please tell me what you think. I know there are a lot of flaws so far, and it might be a bit boring so far, but I promise things will pick up. Thanks!]