Autumn was cold at this time of year. Neville walked around the courtyard of the hospital, enjoying the vibrant shades of the leaves. The scars covering a large portion of his body didn't look as bad in the sunlight as they did under the hospital lights. Just a few days before, a woman named Luna told him of his situation. Walking outside and breathing the fresh, chilly air cleared his mind a bit. The doctors said he could go home in a couple of weeks. But where was home? If he was married, who was his wife, and where was she?
After a few more days, Luna visited him again. She seemed a bit happier and more…hopeful. Her visits occurred daily now, and he enjoyed them. Luna told him about Nargles and other kinds of magical creatures he had never heard of before. Whenever she talked about them, she lit up. Her eyes sparkled as she told him of her encounters with these strange beings. Luna's company brought him a comfort and a warmth he couldn't explain. It was as if he remembered a bit more of her each time she was with him.
"I don't know where to go. The doctor said I could leave soon, but where is 'home', exactly?" Neville said after about two weeks of Luna's visits.
"Hmm…a question asked by many," Luna said as she trailed off into thought. "Oh, you could stay with me if you liked," she responded with a warm smile.
"No, I couldn't bother you with that. You've already done so much for me," replied Neville.
"I wouldn't mind at all! Really, it wouldn't be a problem," Luna insisted.
"Are you sure?" he said. She nodded her head in conformation. "Thank you so much; I don't know how I'll ever repay you."
Luna smiled broadly, "There's no need for anything in return, this is what friends do for each other." She felt a slight pang when she said 'friends'. But things were becoming better and she was happier.
As the last day of his time in recovery arrived, Luna came. Neville had his belongings ready and set to go. Once they walked outside, she apparated them to her humble house.
It wasn't much, really. Her home was a small cottage in the country. In the morning sun, the dancing grass had small beads of dew sparkling on them. Dirigible plums were growing in a flower bed at the front of her house. This peaceful place suited her open personality.
She practically waltzed through the front door, taking Neville's hand. When they had gotten his suitcases inside, Luna went to make some tea for them. Neville sat on the couch, staring at the cozy interior of the house. Little shells, colored glass containers, and various magical trinkets dotted the bookshelves and windowsills. As Luna walked into the room, she handed a warm cup of tea to him.
After hardly a minute into their usual conversation, a gentle voice was heard in the hall.
"Mummy? Who's here?" a girl's voice inquired sleepily.
Luna's eyes widened. She nearly ran to the little girl, gently taking her back to her room. As she closed the door, she knelt down in front of her. "Honey," she said quietly, "Daddy's back, but-"
The young one gasped, nearly shouting "Daddy's-"
"Hush, sweetie, hush," Luna pleaded. "He doesn't remember us. Daddy might get confused if you tell him anything or call him that, so it may be best if we just pretend that he still doesn't know us."
"But, why?" The girl's eyes began brimming with tears.
"I'll tell him, but for now he needs to just get used to us, okay?" said, Luna trying to condole her.
Her daughter nodded her head grimly. They walked together into the front room, greeting Neville's confused expression.
"Neville, this is my daughter, Rayne," Luna told him, placing her hands on her small one's shoulders. She looked about five and had the same calm nature as Luna.
He smiled, "You look so much like you mother," Neville said, glancing at Rayne's long, blonde hair.
Rayne beamed at him, giggling at the compliment. Something about her smile looked familiar.
"Luna, you didn't tell me you had a daughter," Neville began.
"Oh, Rayne's usually been at Harry and Ginny's place while I visited you," Luna replied. "You remember them, right?"
"Of course," Neville said reassuringly. "How are they, by the way?"
"They're quite well," informed Luna.
Rayne, becoming tired of this conversation, took Neville's hand, and said excitedly, "Do you want to look for Nargles with me?"
Neville, chuckling lightly, replied, "Of course!" as Rayne led him out the door.
Luna smiled to herself. It reminded her of times past. Tears welled up in her eyes as she wondered how he would handle the truth.