As the days past, Neville tried to see more of Luna. He mapped out her class schedule and her favourite spots to be in her free time. She was a frequenter of all the Quidditch matches, whether Ravenclaw was playing or not. Neville spent more time using his binoculars to spot her in the crowd rather than trying to follow the course of the Quaffle.
When they did bump into each other, they spoke of their lives outside of Hogwarts, how they were doing in lessons and more about what they thought being in Gryffindor or Ravenclaw meant. Neville told her all about Hogsmeade, as the third years were allowed to go when the seasons changed. He'd bring her back small sweets from Honeyduke's or a Snapcracker from Zonko's Joke Shop. Once, when they were walking to the Great Hall for lunch, he let the back of his hand brush against hers. She'd caught his pinky finger then pulled him along the corridor at a faster pace. Luna was like a fairy that could vanish as soon as you caught it. Just when Neville thought he had hold of her, she'd slip through his fingers as easily as sand in a timer.
He'd tried wandering down to the Kitchens late at night, when chocolate iced buns had been served for dessert, with only some success at finding her. Clyde, the house elf, would leave out two stools next to a worktop, with a small banquet of goodies. When Neville dined his midnight feast alone, Clyde would come and sit next to him, only taking a bun if Neville invited him to. They'd talk about the mysterious Lovegood girl, with Neville asking constant questions about her.
"She used to always be down here in her first year." Clyde readjusted his apron. "Loved a good cake, that one," he smiled warmly. "I was pleased of the company, I'm the only one that stays down here at this hour."
Neville listened intently.
"She'd help me with the washing up, even though I told her she didn't need to. But she was kind, and loved to dance in the soap bubbles that rose from the sink," Clyde chuckled. "I best get back to the dishes. They're not going to wash themselves."
"I know just the spell for that," Neville whispered, raising his wand, "Lavito." The dishes began to scrub themselves, the plates polished to a high shine. "I'm sure that will help you finish your chores faster."
"Thank you, Mr. Longbottom, you are most kind," Clyde bowed and began to stack the plates.
"Take this," Luna said, grabbing Neville's hand and placing his palm so that it faced the sky. It was one of the last evenings before the Christmas holidays. The two were outside in the courtyard, trying to dodge the snowball fights happening between classes. Neville was trying not to dwell on the fact they wouldn't see each other for two whole weeks. It was time for family, but this year, Neville wasn't in the Christmas spirit. He wanted to stay at Hogwarts, with Luna, whose father was busy away on another Quibbler research trip. She'd be staying at Hogwarts the week before Christmas, then return home for the week before New Year.
Neville tried to swallow his feelings about being lonely over the holidays. "What is it?" he asked.
She placed a small daisy in his hand then curled his fingers around it. "A flower that people mistake for a weed, though it blooms beautifully and helps a garden to grow. People should love daisies, they're like brave warriors of the greenery, fighting for survival and a change to prove themselves," she laughed softly. "Reminded me of you."
"Oh, did it?" Neville smirked. "I'll miss you, Luna." He couldn't have sounded more sincere if he tried.
Smiling, she said, "Write to me, won't you?"
"Everyday," Neville replied in a heartbeat.
He waited outside the Gryffindor common room.
"What are you always doing out here, lad?" the Fat Lady moaned. "I had enough trouble with you last term." She'd promised Neville she'd stay awake until he returned to the common room, whenever he ventured after Luna. She'd enjoyed a two-week rest period, when she could sleep all night without disturbances.
"I'm waiting for a friend," he said. His grandmother had sworn he'd grown a few inches over the holidays. His pajama bottoms had risen far above his scrawny ankles and he felt a cold draft of January air.
"Oh just a friend, is she?" the Fat Lady laughed. "Please. I know love when I see it."
"Who said anything about love?" Neville looked questioningly at the portrait.
"I've never seen a boy so infatuated with a girl," the Fat Lady shrugged. "Trust me, I've been on these walls a lot longer than you can imagine. She winked. He shivered. "Besides, the blond girl loves you too."
Neville coughed as if he'd choked on air. "You think so?"
"The girl was constantly floated past my portrait over the holidays…probably missing your company."
Neville didn't like to think of Luna feeling lonely, but he couldn't help but smile if his ears were tuned into the sound, he caught the first resonances of footsteps down the corridor. "Please be quiet if she comes," he hissed to the buxom woman.
"I won't say a word, my dear," she promised, winking for the second time. She then proceeded to pose dramatically with her wine glass, as if she was singing a whistle note. Neville rolled his eyes, but was glad of her silence.
Sure enough, twenty seconds later, an entranced Luna skipped down the hall, coming to an abrupt stop next to Neville.
"Neville!" she cried, throwing her arms around his neck. "It's so good to see you."
Neville put his finger to her lips, signalling for her to be quieter. The threat of Sirius Black had become more, well, serious over the Christmas break and the staff were on lock down mode. There were new rules and regulations about time between classes and severe penalties for children caught out of bed.
"It's good to see you too," he whispered in reply. Their hug lingered longer than necessary. Neville could almost feel the Fat Lady's stare. Finally, they released each other.
"Do you think Clyde's saved us any of the 'Welcome Home' banquet?"
"Why don't we go and find out?" He held his arm out for her. She took it gracefully, pulling herself into his side. It was good to be home.