tell the rambler, the gambler, the back-biter [introduction]

[gritted]

Mattie sleeps well, considering the long day she's had. Little Blackie is nearby her, which comforts her and makes her feel safe. She's still afraid of the snakes that come out at night even though Rooster told her that they don't attack young girls, but for now, she tries to forget that

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[killedthesnake]

Neville is bundled up very well, accustomed to cold winters back home, and he's walking toward the lake. He's been forcing himself to take a daily stroll as he had spent far too much time in his greenhouse in recent months.

He's curious if it's frozen yet, as well as anxious to see if any plants have withstood the low temperatures as of late.

[gritted]

Mattie's out by the lake, walking around a bit and catching some fresh air. When she spies the young man, she nods to him, as a greeting.

"Hello," she says. "It's quite cold out, but I wanted to get some fresh air. My name is Mattie Ross. I suppose I should introduce myself to people here, so...here I am."

[killedthesnake]

Neville looks up at her approach, mildly surprised by how forthright she is. He smiles in greeting. "I take it you are new?" he asks. "I'm Neville Longbottom, and it's nice to meet you."

[gritted]

"I am new, yes. Do you go for walks often, Mister Longbottom?"

[killedthesnake]

"I have lately," Neville answers. "And please, just call me Neville."

He considers his next words before deciding to voice them. "I arrived several months ago, and then began keeping to myself. I think it's easy to cut yourself off from others when adjusting to this place. I don't know what life you left behind, but...you'll find friends here. Don't hide yourself away like I did." He doesn't usually offer advice so quickly to a stranger, but he feels compelled for whatever reason.

He blushes at his own monologue. "So yes, I walk often now."

[gritted]

"You do not have many friends here?" She's a little bothered by this--he seems to be a fair enough fellow.

[killedthesnake]

"Actually I do. I just failed to appreciate that at first," Neville answers with a sheepish smile. "I think I longed for home too much." She seems so young - she was likely to feel that homesickness more keenly. "So tell me about yourself."

[gritted]

"Me?" No one's really ever wanted to know about Mattie--she's surprised.

[killedthesnake]

"Well, yes." Neville's eyes are kind and he's obviously concerned. "You are young, yes? Do you have parents at home? Siblings?"

[gritted]

"I have a younger brother and sister, and my mother, all at home. My father is dead, killed by a scoundrel named Tom Chaney."

[killedthesnake]

And at that, Neville's heart feels a tug. "I'm so sorry. Was it recent, then?"

[gritted]

"Yes. I was hunting the man down when I arrived here."

[killedthesnake]

Neville's eyes widened. "I see." His esteem for the young girl was growing. "And now the trail is lost, perhaps for good." He took a deep breath. "I'm familiar with tracking down enemies in my world," he shares. "The frustration must be particularly intense." And the grief.

[gritted]

"It is indeed frustrating and discouraging, yes."

[killedthesnake]

"You will need to find a new focus here," Neville states simply.

[gritted]

"What do you mean by that?"