Sopor Mortis

Chapter One- Improper Use of Magic

"Dear Neville,"

Neville carefully folded the note and slipped it into his robes. He leaned his hand against his round face and his mind began to wander.

"Meet me by the Marble Staircase after Transfiguration."

He loved Ginny so much. They had been going out for over a year and a half now, it had started shortly after the break in at the Ministry of Magic during his fifth year. Now in his 7^th year, Neville had become a new person. He had Ginny to thank for that. She gave him the love that he had never known. She gave him confidence in himself. This in turn instilled in Neville what he needed to succeed in magic. Now, he wasn't Ravenclaw level by any stretch of the imagination but he had grown tremendously under the tutelage of Ginny.

"Love Ginny."

Just as Neville's mind began to wander towards more private thoughts Professor McGonagall rapped her wand on his desk, giving him a serious look that said, "Now Neville don't make me owl your Gran." Quite shaken, Neville managed to stutter a "s-s-sorry P-professor" before he hid his now bright red face behind his hands. Slowly Neville peeked across the room only to see Hermione giving him the usual "oh, Neville!" look; and so he desperately tried to pay attention for the remainder of the class. Finally they were dismissed. Neville gathered his books messily, shoving them into his bag, and headed for the door.

"Nice one Neville," jeered Ron grabbing Neville's shoulder with his large freckled hand.

"Errr... Thanks," replied Neville.

"Hey, were going to the common room to play some Exploding Snap, before dinner, wanna come?" asked Harry.

"Sure," said Neville brightly, "but I must meet Gin first."

So the four of them took off towards the Marble Staircase and Neville observed Ron and Hermione as they lead the way. Neville was glad they had finally gotten together; they were holding hands and talking in hushed voices, she was blushing lightly. It reminded him of Ginny and how happy they were together. As they walked Neville listened as Harry went on and on about his new love interest Susan Bones, a sweet Hufflepuff girl who was in their advanced Herbology class. Then he saw her; Ginny had been waiting for him. He swiftly walked to her and pulled her into a warm embrace, brushing his lips against her cheek. "Hi" she said before she lightly kissed him.

"How was History with old Professor Binns today?" asked Neville

"Oh it was great," exclaimed Ginny much to Neville's Surprise.

"I thought you hated History."

"I do. But today we had a guest speaker, Mafalda Hopkirk from the Ministry's improper use of magic Office. She told us loads of interesting stories that weren't in the books."

"Ooooo, I'm so jealous," whined Hermione as Ron rolled his eyes jokingly.

Ginny started to continued to tell Hermione about Ms. Hopkirk when they heard an all too familiar voice coming from the top of the stairwell.

"... My father says it will all happen soon enough," said Draco to Crabbe and Goyle as he descended the stairs. Then Draco came to a stop half way down the staircase. "Oh look," Draco hissed, "if it isn't the Mudblood lovers club and the most disgraceful pure blood couple in the wizarding world, Weasley and Longbottom!" Crabbe and Goyle were practically sick they were laughing so hard.

"Take it back Malfoy, you filthy Deatheater!" shouted Neville as Harry, Ron, and himself simultaneously drew their wands. Ginny looked at Neville in awe. Ginny thought she had never seen him so angry or so brave, and her eyes glistened with pride

"Make me, you parentless Squib!"

Neville began to speak; but was too late. Draco had started his spell.

"Sopor Mortis!" he shouted

Then an orange light bulged at the tip of Draco's wand, slowly getting larger and brighter. Just then Draco saw the headmaster and Mafalda Hopkirk round the corner at the bottom of the stairs the Headmaster and Mafalda Hopkirk had just rounded the corner at the bottom of the stairs. But it was too late to take back what he had done; the spell was cast. Draco quickly tried to shift his aim, but he was not quick enough, for seconds later he saw the bright orange light shoot from his wand and Ginny Weasley instantly fall to the ground.

The hallway broke out in chaos. Students were running in all directions. Neville flew towards Ginny's fallen body. Draco, caught by surprise, unable to think what to do, just stood there. Then through the chaos Dumbledore commanded "STOP!" The area came to dead halt. Slowly he looked around and finally said " Crabbe, Goyle, Draco...You three and Neville STAY. The rest of you Return to your common rooms or please go to dinner immediately?

When the hall and stairs had cleared Dumbledore knelt down over to Ginny and whispered, "Finite Incantatem."

Nothing happened; Ginny was still as motionless as before. Neville could see the shallow breaths enter and leave her small body but nothing had changed. Dumbledore whispered another spell and then another--none seemed to create a change in Ginny.

Dumbledore rose in one fluid motion and stared at Draco, then back towards the trio.

"Miss Granger I think it would be best if you and Mr. Weasley saw Ginny to the hospital wing. Locomotor Mortis, Wingardium Leviosa et Hospital!" said the Headmaster and Hermione and Ron followed Ginny's floating body to the hospital wing. "Harry, Draco, Crabbe, Goyle, Neville in my office, now," said Dumbledore gravely. The five students followed in the wake of Dumbledore and Mafalda Hopkirk's long strides to the office.