Hogwarts: Neville's Insert Chapter 87
Astoria stepped forward shyly, holding out a small parcel. "Here—please accept this."
Neville shrugged, waving off their gratitude. "It's not a problem. Really—I'm glad to help. Eh, what's this?" he asked curiously as he accepted the bag Astoria held out.
Neville blinked, taking it. "What's this?"
"Treats for your phoenix," Daphne explained.
Neville's face lit up. "Right—she'll be thrilled." He set the parcel aside, then pushed the tin of pastries toward them. "Oh—where are my manners? Want one?"
Daphne, however, shook her head. "No, thank you."
Astoria hesitated only a second before reaching in and picking out a chocolate croissant. "Thank you," she said, biting back a small smile.
Daphne gave her sister an incredulous look. "Astoria…"
Neville chuckled, amused. "Don't worry about it. You're welcome."
Astoria took a bite, her eyes lighting up. "It's really good."
Daphne sighed.
Hermione closed her book halfway, smiling. "You're welcome to stay and join us, if you'd like."
Daphne shook her head with polite finality. "We need to find our friends. But again—thank you, Longbottom. Good summer to you all."
The sisters inclined their heads and slipped out into the corridor.
As the door slid shut, Neville leaned back with a long breath. "Well. That's sorted."
…
Wednesday, 30th June 1993 – The Hogwarts Express
The Hogwarts Express gave a final shriek of steam as it slowed to a stop at King's Cross Station. The brakes screeched, the carriages shuddered, and a rush of noise from the platform carried through the windows.
Neville glanced outside, then snapped his book shut with relief. "Thank Merlin that's over," he muttered, stretching his arms until his shoulders cracked. He let out a wide yawn and stuffed the book into his sling bag. "I was beginning to think we'd be stuck in this compartment forever."
Opposite him, Hermione rolled her eyes and neatly closed the heavy tome in her lap. She slipped it into her bag and stood, "Oh, stop complaining, Neville. It wasn't that bad." brushing down her skirt.
"I quite liked the ride back," Luna added as she rose, her voice dreamy as always. She smoothed her robes and tilted her head. "It was… peaceful."
"Well, it's loads better than being stuck at the Dursleys all summer," Harry muttered grumpily. He stood, stretching his back, and slid the compartment door open with a bit more force than necessary.
"Wait—aren't you both forgetting something?" Neville called, looking at Harry and Hermione just as they were about to step out.
They both stopped, frowning in confusion.
"What?" Harry asked.
Neville gave a long-suffering sigh. "Your trunks. They're still shrunken."
Hermione smacked her forehead. "Oh, honestly—why do I keep forgetting that?" She quickly fished the tiny trunk out of her pocket and pulled out her wand.
"Right—cheers, mate," Harry said, tugging his own miniature trunk free. With a flick of his wand, he muttered, "Engorgio." The trunk expanded back to its full size with a heavy thump onto the floor.
As Hermione did the same, Neville shook his head with theatrical exasperation. Dropping his voice into his best McGonagall impression, he said, "Honestly, I expected better from you, Miss Granger. I understand this sort of behaviour from Mr Potter, but you—this is the fourth time I've had to remind you. Tch, tch. You wouldn't—"
Hermione smacked his shoulder before he could finish. "Prat," she said, though a smile tugged at her lips.
Neville grinned, rubbing his arm as if she'd truly hurt him.
By then, Luna had already drifted into the corridor, her pale hair trailing behind her as she walked ahead. The other three followed more slowly, blending into the press of students filing off the train. The platform beyond was crowded, filled with steam, the hooting of owls, and parents calling for their children.
Neville slung an arm around Harry's shoulders as they walked. "Harry, I know you don't want to go back to the Dursleys," he said quietly. "But like
told you before—we've got to at least pretend to trust Dumbledore for now. We're not strong enough yet to openly defy him."
Hermione leaned in from Neville's other side, her expression earnest. "He's right, Harry."
Harry sighed heavily, his shoulders tense. "Yeah, I know. It's just… frustrating."
Neville gave his shoulder a squeeze. "Don't worry. I'll come get you in a month. Till then, just grit your teeth and push through."
Harry nodded faintly, though he didn't look any happier.
"I'll write to both of you," Hermione added firmly, glancing between them. "That way we can stay in touch."
Neville turned his head toward her. "When did you say you'd be back from France again?"
"End of July," Hermione replied.
Neville nodded. "Right then. When you get back, we'll do something fun." He glanced ahead at Luna, who was drifting a few paces in front. "You too, Luna. you should join us. the Last time you didn't."
Luna turned around, walking backwards with her usual dreamy ease. "Oh, right. You said you'd take me to watch something called a… mogie?"
Hermione laughed softly. "It's movie, Luna. And yes, we can all go watch one."
Luna's face brightened. She gave a small nod. "I'd love that. Thank you."
As the group stepped through the barrier back into the Muggle station, Luna suddenly spotted a familiar figure. Her eyes brightened, and she raised a hand. "Oh! That's Daddy."
She waved enthusiastically, then skipped ahead, her robes swishing as she hurried toward Xenophilius Lovegood, who was waiting for her with a distracted smile.
Neville spotted his grandmother almost at once. Augusta Longbottom was never hard to miss in a crowd, not with her vulture-topped hat standing out like a banner above the sea of parents. She stood tall and straight, her sharp gaze sweeping the platform until it landed on Neville, Harry, and Hermione. Her expression softened by the smallest degree as she raised a hand to wave them over.
"There you are, Neville, Harry," Augusta said when they reached her. Her eyes flicked to his companions. "And you too, Miss Granger." She gave them each a curt nod of acknowledgement.
"Hey, Gran," Neville greeted warmly. "Were you waiting long?"
Hermione dropped a neat little curtsey. "It's good to see you, Lady Longbottom."
Harry gave her a respectful nod. "Gran."
Augusta shook her head briskly. "No, no—I've only just arrived." Her attention shifted past them to the couple approaching from the opposite direction.
"Mr and Mrs Granger," she greeted with formal politeness.
"Lovely to see you again, Mrs Longbottom. Boys," Wandle Granger said, smiling as he shook Neville's hand and then Augusta's.
Hermione let out a delighted, "Mum, Dad!" and hurried into her mother's arms. Mrs Granger hugged her tightly, her eyes warm as she looked over her daughter's friends.
"Good to see you, Mrs Longbottom. And you as well, Harry, Neville," Bonnie Granger said kindly. "You three seem to have grown since January."
Neville inclined his head politely. "it's good to see you again, Mr and Mrs Granger."
Harry nodded. "Good to see you too, sir, ma'am."
The group exchanged a few minutes of easy small talk—the Grangers asking after their studies, Augusta offering her usual crisp but approving remarks.
Luna waved as she walked over with her father in tow. "Daddy! These are my friends—Hermione, Harry, and Neville."
turning to them, Luna introduced, "And everyone, this is my daddy, Xenophilius Lovegood."
Xenophilius Lovegood was instantly recognisable: tall and thin, with a shock of pale hair nearly as untidy as his daughter's. He carried himself with a kind of distracted dignity, as though his thoughts were a mile away even while he smiled at those in front of him.
"Splendid, splendid," Xenophilius declared as Luna brought him forward. "Always glad to meet friends of my Luna. She's spoken quite a lot about you three."
"It's nice to meet you, Mr Lovegood," Neville said, reaching out to shake his hand. "All good things, I hope,"
Hermione offered a small curtsey. "A pleasure to meet you, sir."
Harry gave a polite handshake. "Nice to meet you, sir."
Xenophilius nodded eagerly. "Yes, yes—all good. Luna tells me you three are quite gifted… and rather prone to adventures."
Harry gave an awkward half-shrug. "Er… something like that."
"Right," Neville said suddenly, gesturing between the adults. "This is my gran, Augusta Longbottom. And these are Hermione's parents—Mr Wendell and Bonnie Granger." Then, turning to them, he introduced, "And this is our friend Luna Lovegood and her father, Mr Lovegood."
"An honour," Xenophilius said grandly. He took Augusta's hand with surprising gallantry, bowing over it and pressing a light kiss to her knuckles. "Madam Longbottom."
Augusta nodded. "Likewise, Mr Lovegood."
Xenophilius then turned to Hermione's parents, repeating the performance with a kiss to Mrs Granger's hand and a firm shake for her husband. "Xenophilius Lovegood. A pleasure to meet you."
"Likewise," Mr Granger said, amused. Bonnie laughed softly, a little startled but good-natured.
Turning back to the younger three, Xenophilius said, "I hear you've invited Luna to spend time with you over the summer. Exploring the Muggle world, was it?"
"Yes!" Luna piped up, her eyes bright. "They said we'll go watch something called a movie."
"Ah," Xenophilius mused, tilting his head. "The moving pictures, yes?"
Hermione nodded. "That's right."
"I see, I see," Xenophilius murmured, looking rather pleased with himself. "Then we shall wait for your letter." He inclined his head courteously to Augusta and the Grangers. "But we must be off now. Hope you don't mind us taking our leave."
"Of course," Augusta said smoothly.
Luna smiled at her friends. "I'll visit over the summer," she promised.
Neville lifted a hand in farewell. "See you, Luna."
Hermione hugged her warmly. "Bye, Luna. I'll write."
Harry nodded. "Bye, Luna."
With a final wave, Luna drifted off at her father's side, the pair disappearing into the crowd.
They all watched as Xenophilius and Luna drifted off into the crowd, Luna waving until she vanished from sight.
Mr Granger shifted awkwardly, his expression bemused. "Well… he seems an odd sort of man."
"Wendell!" Mrs Granger hissed, stomping sharply on his foot.
He winced and looked at her in protest. "What? It's true."
Neville nudged Harry with his elbow, grinning. "Guess we know where Hermione gets that from."
Harry chuckled under his breath.
Hermione spun on her heel, narrowing her eyes at them. "I heard that!" She stamped on Neville's foot with a decisive thud.
"Ouch!" Neville yelped, hopping back and clutching his toes. He shot her a glare.
Hermione only huffed, arms crossing primly over her chest.
Mr Granger cleared his throat to smooth over the moment. "Well, we should be going if we're to beat the traffic. It was nice meeting you again, Mrs Longbottom—and you as well, boys."
Mrs Granger added warmly, "Lovely to see you again, Lady Longbottom. And you too, boys."
Augusta gave a nod. "Yes, indeed. Always a pleasure."
"Goodbye," Neville said, dipping his head politely.
Hermione turned back to them at once, hugging both Neville and Harry tightly in turn. "I'll be back at the end of July. Write to me—you'd better not forget."
"We won't," Neville promised with a smile. "We know we wouldn't hear the end of it if we did."
"Prat," Hermione muttered fondly, releasing them. She glanced between the two boys.
Then she turned to Augusta with a respectful dip of her head. "Goodbye, ma'am—it was lovely seeing you again."
Augusta inclined her head, her gaze approving. "And you, Miss Granger."
Hermione turned back to Harry and Neville, smiling brightly despite the bustle of the platform. "See you soon, guys."
"Count on it," Neville said.
Harry gave a small grin. "Yeah. See you, Hermione."
With a final wave, she turned to leave with her parents. The Grangers offered their goodbyes once more, and then the three of them disappeared into the crowd, leaving Neville, Harry, and Augusta standing together on the busy platform.
Augusta glanced around at the thinning crowd, her vulture-topped hat bobbing slightly as she turned her head. "Hmm. Your Muggle relatives aren't here yet."
"I think they might be running late," Harry said with a shrug. "I already told them I'd be back today. It's fine—I can wait alone. You should go."
Augusta shook her head firmly. "Nonsense. We'll wait until your guardians arrive." Her lips pursed. "If it were my way, Harry, I wouldn't want you with them at all."
Neville raised an eyebrow at her. "Dumbledore contacted you?"
She gave a tight nod. "Yes. Quite insistent that you must stay with the Dursleys—for your protection." She scoffed, her expression sharp.
Harry's jaw clenched as he muttered, "Of course he did."
Before more could be said, a familiar family approached. Cyrus Greengrass led the way, his posture impeccable and his expression polite. His wife and two daughters followed close behind.
Cyrus bowed slightly as he reached them, then took Augusta's hand and brushed a formal kiss across her knuckles. "Madam Longbottom, a pleasure to meet you. I am Cyrus Greengrass. This is my wife, Ophelia, and our daughters, Daphne and Astoria."
Lady Greengrass gave a graceful curtsey. "Delighted to make your acquaintance, Lady Longbottom."
Daphne and little Astoria both dipped into matching curtsies. "Madam Longbottom," they chorused politely.
Augusta inclined her head, her expression softening just a fraction. "It's nice to meet you as well. This is my grandson, Neville—and his friend, Harry Potter."
Cyrus smiled faintly. "Ah, yes. We've met before. In fact, we came to thank them."
Augusta blinked, a rare flicker of surprise crossing her face. "Thank them? Whatever for?" Her eyes darted toward Neville and Harry, both of whom suddenly looked rather sheepish.
Then comprehension dawned. Her gaze sharpened, and she drew in a breath. "The Chamber… of course. Yes, yes—I remember now. Your daughters were the ones in danger, weren't they?"
Ophelia Greengrass inclined her head gravely, her hand brushing her younger daughter's shoulder. "Indeed."
Neville scratched the back of his head, looking awkward. "Er—you don't have to. You already thanked us that day."
Harry nodded in agreement.
"Even so, we wished to thank you both properly," Ophelia Greengrass said gently. Then she turned to Neville, bowing her head slightly. "And we cannot forget what you did for our younger daughter as well. For that, we are greatly indebted to you."
Neville chuckled awkwardly, his face warming. "Eh—it was nothing, ma'am. I didn't even know it would work."
Augusta's eyes narrowed slightly in confusion. She turned sharply to Neville. "What exactly is going on?"
It was Cyrus who answered, his voice even. "Neville has discovered a treatment for blood malediction."
Augusta's eyes widened, genuine surprise flickering across her usually stern face. She looked from Cyrus to Neville, clearly trying to process the words.
Lady Greengrass gave a firm nod. "Yes—the healers have confirmed it. The method allows my daughter to live a normal life, so long as she receives a regular dosage."
She turned to Neville once more, her gaze softening. "Which brings me back to our thanks—both for the discovery, and for providing the phoenix tears for Astoria."
Neville shifted uneasily on his feet, chuckling again, his ears tinged pink. "You're welcome. But it's really Lumina's doing more than mine. Just make sure she gets plenty of treats." Then he paused, his expression turning more serious. "Oh, please, if you don't mind. Can you please keep Lumina's existence a secret? I don't want word getting out about her."
Ophelia inclined her head. "Yes, of course. That is the least we can do."
Cyrus then turned to Augusta. "We would like to invite all of you to our home for dinner, as a gesture of thanks."
Augusta, regaining her composure, nodded graciously. "It would be our pleasure. We will await your letter."
Cyrus looked to Neville. "And perhaps you will inform your other friend, Miss Granger, as well?"
Neville rubbed the back of his neck again. "Eh—sure. Thank you, Mr Greengrass. But I'm not certain Hermione will be able to come. She's going to France with her parents, and won't be back until August."
"That is quite fine," Ophelia said smoothly. "We can arrange the dinner after she returns."
Cyrus inclined his head. "Excellent. Then it's settled."
Before they parted, he added with quiet satisfaction, "And do not worry—I have already recommended you for an Order of Merlin, Mr Longbottom."
Augusta's lips parted slightly in shock. She said nothing, but her sharp gaze snapped toward Neville, assessing him anew, pride and disbelief mingling in her expression.
Cyrus gave a final nod to Augusta. "Again, it was a pleasure meeting you, Lady Longbottom, boys. We will take our leave."
Astoria, her mother, and Daphne all dipped into graceful curtsies before following Cyrus back into the crowd.
As the Greengrasses disappeared from sight, Augusta turned to her grandson, her sharp gaze settling on him. "It seems you haven't told me everything that happened."
Neville scratched at the back of his neck. "Er… I didn't think it was that important. I didn't really do anything. I just… thought it might work. It's not like I spent months researching and discovered it." He shifted uncomfortably under her stare. "Honestly, I'd prefer they didn't recommend me for an Order of Merlin. If they give me and Harry one for the basilisk, even that's stretching it—Lumina did most of the work down there."
Harry bumped him with his elbow, grinning. "Didn't think you had it in you to be humble, mate."
Neville gave him a look but didn't reply.
Just then, a booming voice cut through the station noise. "BOY!"
Harry stiffened. He turned to see Vernon Dursley pushing his way through the thinning crowd, face already blotchy with impatience.
Harry sighed, then glanced back at Augusta and Neville. "Thanks for waiting with me, Gran. You too, Neville. Bye—I'll see you later."
Augusta's expression hardened at the sight of Vernon, but she gave Harry a curt nod. "Yes. We'll come for you in a week or two."
Harry nodded gratefully, then turned and followed his uncle out of the station, shoulders squared.
...
With a sharp crack of Apparition, Neville and Augusta appeared at the wrought-iron gates of Longbottom Manor. The evening moon hung high above, casting a pale glow over the sprawling grounds and the ivy-clad walls of the ancestral home.
Neville stretched his arms as they started forward, his sling bag slung over one shoulder. "It's good to be back home," he muttered with a tired smile. "I just want to take a long nap—the train ride really wore me out."
Soon, they entered the wide entrance hall of Longbottom Manor.
A soft pop sounded beside Neville. Tinkle, the Longbottom house-elf, appeared with a bow so deep his nose nearly touched the ground. "The bath is ready, Master Nevy."
Neville gave him a small, tired smile. "Thanks, Tinkle."
"Go on, Neville," Augusta said, removing her gloves and hat. "Freshen up before dinner."
"Right, Gran." He headed upstairs. In his room, he restored it to full size, pulled out fresh clothes, and soon sank into a hot bath.
...
Dressed in a simple white t-shirt and black trousers, Neville made his way down the grand staircase of Longbottom Manor. He paused at the carved oak door of the dining room, pushed it open, and stepped inside.
Gran was already seated at the head of the table, her posture straight and regal. Beside her sat his great-uncle Algie, rounder in the middle than Neville remembered, his cheeks flushed from a glass of wine.
"Evening, Gruncle Algie," Neville greeted as he took a step forward.
Algie beamed, lifting his glass. "Neville, my boy! Just in time. Sit, sit. I've got news—sold that basilisk of yours. Fetched around three hundred thousand galleons."
Neville stopped halfway to his chair, eyes wide. "Three hundred thousand?" He sat down heavily, staring.
"Right," Algie said, carving a slice from the roast on his plate. "Even the buyer said he'd never seen one that size before. Reckons it might be the biggest in history." He leaned forward, curiosity gleaming in his eyes. "Tell me, Neville—how in blazes did you manage to kill something like that?"
Neville chuckled awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck. "It wasn't really me. I just stabbed it with a sword. Lumina did most of the work."
Algie blinked. "Lumina?"
"That's right," Augusta cut in crisply. "You don't know. Neville found a phoenix egg and raised it. They've bonded."
Algie let out a low whistle. "A phoenix? Well, that certainly beats the toad I gave you." He chuckled, shaking his head in disbelief.
"Keep it quiet," Augusta warned firmly. "No one outside this family needs to know."
"Of course, of course," Algie said quickly, raising his hands. "Mum's the word."
Augusta dabbed at her mouth with her napkin before continuing. "And another matter—the Greengrasses spoke to us today. They said Neville may be recommended for an Order of Merlin."
Algie nearly dropped his fork. "Order of Merlin? What for?"
"Apparently," Augusta said dryly, "he's discovered a treatment for blood malediction. The healers have confirmed it works."
Algie turned to Neville, eyes wide, before breaking into a hearty laugh. "You're bringing honour to the Longbottom name, my boy. Seems losing your memories was the best thing that could've happened to you!" He chuckled again, clearly pleased.
Neville laughed awkwardly, cheeks colouring. "Er—thanks, Gruncle Algie. Actually… I've got a few more things I'll need your help to sell."
Augusta groaned, setting her cutlery down with a sharp clink. "Neville… honestly. What is it this time? Where are you even getting all of this?"
Neville just gave her a sheepish smile, scratching at his neck again.
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