Seventh Seed; [Action] (Forward-dated to later this morning)

[nearlychosen]

[Good morning, Luceti! If you happen to be out around the center of town this morning, you might notice some new... growths decorating the square grouping of shops. Vines spill out from the cracks of the Flower Shop's door by the dozen, twirling and twisting into cursive lettering that begins climbing up the shop's wall and accidentally spills over to the storefront of the empty shop next door:

DUMBLEDORE'S ARMY: NOW RECRUITING

It's a bit brash, and probably a bit premature considering he hadn't really checked in with Hermione about beginning to advertise so soon after opening up membership or with the other shop regulars about creating the gaudy message, but it's easier to ask forgiveness than permission anyway.

Feel free to stop inside the shop today to inquire about the living, writhing advertisement. Or, if you're up early enough, you might spot Neville as he's producing the message with his wand out, focusing intently on guiding the long vines in a way that he hopes is legible and desperately hoping he doesn't mess it up.]

Comments

[likevegeta.livejournal.com]

[ shake shake shake. SMILE. his head is still kind of poundy, but this is worth it. scars are cool - and, wow, neville's pretty much the coolest guy ever to meet in person. ] It's fine! Things got a little wiggy for me, too.

So, you guys are recruiting?

[nearlychosen.livejournal.com]

[NOT COOL. You're imagining things, to be certain.] Oh yes! Considering the way things have been going for us over the last few months, it's time we put a bit more effort into protecting ourselves and our loved ones, don't you think?

[likevegeta.livejournal.com]

Exactomundo my friend.

[ he's admiring the handiwork. ] So, um, what credentials do you need to join?

[nearlychosen.livejournal.com]

[Neville might be grinning a little, but he's trying to keep it to himself.] Why would we ask for credentials? It wouldn't be a very welcoming invitation if we handed out entrance exams.

[likevegeta.livejournal.com]

Well, I mean - army and all. But, um, I know a lot about demons and magical creatures. And, uh, I can do some wandless magic -- and I know a lot about different worlds and I've totally fought vampires for real. And I teach. Like, defense against evil things.

[nearlychosen.livejournal.com]

The name is something of a formality, actually. I've found that it gives us strength we might not have otherwise. Alone, we're just people. We're small. We can be hurt or bullied. But together, we're an Army. Together, we can take back our confidence. We can be part of something bitter. [He's terribly interested in the things Andrew's said, but it's become something of a habit to slip into a leader speech. He's missed you, DA.]

[likevegeta.livejournal.com]

That is so cool.

[ Neville has gained +1 fanboy ]

also that word should be *BETTER gdi teach me how to type.

[nearlychosen.livejournal.com]

[Which would bring Neville to a grand total of... One? This is bizarre.

But he'll smile demurely and move away from the comment as gracefully as he can manage.] It's making a difference. Or, at least trying to make a difference. For starters, we're going to try helping everyone learn to use the Filial magic defensively -- at least then it'll be a skill everyone can do. ...Considering your talents, I do hope it won't bore you to revisit the basics.

/pets

[likevegeta.livejournal.com]

[ more than you'd think, neville. you poor unconfident boy. ]

The basics are always good. Um. I could teach some basic combat.

[nearlychosen.livejournal.com]

[Well, be real here. It isn't like Andrew's in the middle of talking with Harry Potter or anyone important like that.]

I'm sure Ron would love to study Muggle Dueling with a willing volunteer! And I'm sure Hermione would love to talk with you about all those worlds you can see with that-- ... --that thing you have that lets you do it.

[likevegeta.livejournal.com]

[ ... better not say it was television. ] Um. Dimensional rift.

Count me in!

[nearlychosen.livejournal.com]

..Right, one of those! [Then it's a good thing Neville has no frame of reference for that "TV" thing Andrew mentioned before and allowed it to promptly leak out of his memory immediately after hearing it.]

Brilliant! I'll make sure you're contacted straightaway over the journals when the next meeting is settled.

[likevegeta.livejournal.com]

Awesome. [ and here's a thumbs up. because, andrew is clearly cool enough to pull this off without looking really pathetic. ]

Anyway, uh... I better head home. I was kinda out all night and I've gotta start seriously house hunting soon.

[nearlychosen.livejournal.com]

Oh, of course! [Fighting vampires, no doubt! What a selfless person!]

House hunting? ...Have you no place to stay?

[likevegeta.livejournal.com]

Oh, no! I mean, I had this really nice apartment and all, but some friends from home showed up and the last time we lived that close to each other, uhm, well, things were said and things were broken. So we're going to get a house!

[nearlychosen.livejournal.com]

[He nods, though his smile fades slightly.] It's terrible to watch friendships go through strain. [Even though he's never seen a real friendship that couldn't be mended after a good long rowing and two months of silent treatment.]

Best of luck to you and your mates.

[likevegeta.livejournal.com]

Yeah. [ see, strain is bruising someone or snapping a toy. it's not - well. he just smiles. ]

Thanks. I'll see you later.

[nearlychosen.livejournal.com]

I look forward to it. [He smiles and gives a small wave to bid him on his way. What a spectacularly nice man.]