It Started With a Kiss

A/N: I'm dedicating this chapter to me the only person who gives a shit about this fic...LOL

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The following few weeks were extraordinarily busy for Neville and he wasn't able to spend as much time with Hannah as he would've liked. Following the announcements of the Order of Merlin candidates Neville had been bombarded with media requests and eventually he along with Harry, Ron and Hermione had been forced to call a press conference to deal with it all. Of course Rita Skeeter has turned up and asked her usual nosy questions. And as a result Neville and Ron had to physically restrain Harry to preventing him from ripping her limb from limb and since then his friend had refused to go out in public even after Ginny and Mrs Weasley's urgings. He was still helping out with the organising of the Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes shop but work was now being done at Neville's house so Harry didn't have to run the risk of running into the media or one of his vociferous fans. Now it was the day of the Order of Merlin Ball and Neville was getting ready to go.

'Neville you in here dear?' came Enid's voice

'Yeah in the ensuite Enie' Neville called back spreading shaving cream over his cheeks.

There was a rustle of material then Enid popped her head around the door of the ensuite.

'Just hung your dress robes on the back of the door' she said 'Oh good you're shaving you were starting to look like a bum'

Neville rolled his eyes.
'I was not looking like a bum' he said dryly 'it's called designer stubble it's quite fashionable you know'

'Naaaaaah I would say you looked like a bum' Enid said with a grin 'but a very good looking bum, no wonder Hannah can't keep her tongue in her head when she's around you'

Neville burned scarlet.
'Enie don't embarrass me!' he whined seizing his razor 'I might've cut myself and bled to death. Then how would you feel if I dropped dead in a pool of blood right in front of you?'

Enid rolled her eyes.
'Oh you were not going to bleed to death' she said 'you hadn't even picked up your razor'

Neville laughed.
'Just kidding' he said 'you know I'm really nervous about tonight. I don't know how I'm going to handle it'

Enid conjured a cushion, put it on he lid of the toilet and sat down.
'You'll be fine' she said confidently 'you're a very strong person Neville, just go with the flow. Kingsley told you about the procedures for the ceremony tonight didn't he?'

'Yeah he did...but..'

'But what? There's nothing to worry about Neville, you didn't worry about decapitating Nagini'

'I didn't have time, not really' Neville said carefully dragging the blade across his cheek 'and come to think of it I knew I could do it. It's just tonight. There's going to be hundreds of people at this soiree tonight and I have to get up in front of them all and give a speech. I've never done that and to be honest it scares me a little bit, is that wimpy?'

'It's natural to be afraid of something you've never done before dear you're not being a wimp' Enid said sagely 'if you do get the butterflies though imagine everyone in the room has no clothes on that ought to loosen you up'

'If I do that I'm likely to snort out loud' Neville replied rinsing the blade of his razor under the tap 'and you know how I snort when I find things really funny'

'Would you like a calming draught before you go out?' Enid offered 'it wouldn't be too hard to whip up a measure before Hannah gets here'

'Nah I'll be alright' Neville replied 'thanks anyway. I'm not as nervous as I was two weeks ago. Hannah and Hermione have made me practice my speech over and over again til I know it backwards. Hermione even performed this complicated little spell to make the lounge room at the Burrow seem to be full of people. It was really weird'

'She's a very talented girl that one' Enid said in admiration 'she'll be Minister of Magic one day you mark my words'

'Nah not Hermione she's not a big fan of politics' Neville replied 'she wants to be a lawyer when she and Ron aren't out on Dementor banishing missions she's helping the prosecutors prepare the various cases for the Death Eater trials'

'I can't believe they're still going' Enid said screwing up her nose 'the Battle of Hogwarts was three months ago, jail the whole damn lot of them throw away the key'

'Enie there were a lot of Death Eaters it does take a long time to get them all to trial' Neville said 'and they do all deserve a fair trial no matter how obvious their guilt is'

'You're entirely too sensible Neville' Enid responded with a chuckle 'so very Gryffindor of you'

'Yup you got it' Neville said with a grin pulling his top lip over his teeth so he could shave under his nose 'and you're being very....erm forceful?'

'Ah that's the trait of a Ravenclaw' Enid replied with a grin 'we are a slightly half glass empty house'

'No kidding and randy as hell from my experience' Neville said 'Terry Boot and Luna got busted shagging on the Head Table last week by Filch this time'

'Oh yeah a high libido is a very Ravenclaw thing' Enid said with a giggle 'actually come to think of it, it's a Gryffindor thing too. That's why you quite often see Ravenclaws and Gryffindors paired up'

'Well I prefer Hufflepuff girls' Neville said with a grin.

'One in particular eh?' Enid said with a cheeky grin.

'Got it in one'

Half an hour later Neville had finished getting ready (during which he polished his shoes and spent twenty minutes charming his hair into a masculine but stylish 'do') he straightened his cravat, pocketed his wand and left his bedroom making his way downstairs just as the grate burst into green flame and Hannah arrived.

'Hello everybody!' she said brightly as Algie helped her out of the grate.

'Hey' Neville said going over and dropping a kiss on her lips 'is your Dad coming?'

'Yeah he's just coming now' Hannah said 'you look pretty snappy'

Neville blushed
'Thanks' he mumbled 'you look gorgeous'

Hannah grinned and did a little twirl. She wore a sky blue knee length baby doll style dress with silver spaghetti straps over her shoulders, on her feet were matching high heels and in her hand she held a silver beaded clutch purse. Her hair fell halfway down her back and was swept from her face with a headband that matched her dress.

'You look beautiful dearie' Algie said when Neville seemed to be struck dumb unable to speak 'you'll make the fashion pages of the Prophet tomorrow most definitely'

'Oh I will not' Hannah exclaimed her cheeks reddening.

'Like hell you won't' Neville said finally regaining his ability to speak 'wow'

'Neville language!' Augusta admonished

'Oh sod it Gussie he's right Hannah will outshine all of us' Enid said pulling on her travelling cloak 'Did you make your dress dear? It doesn't look off the shelf'

'Yeah I made it with the help of my Aunty Jas' Hannah said slipping her hand into Neville's 'Dad's cravat is made from the same material as my dress. Jas is really into the latest fashions and she reckons Dad having a matching cravat is classy but understated'

A moment later the grate burst into flame and Hannah's father arrived dressed in a black three piece suit the sky blue cravat and black dress cloak. He stepped out of the grate and straightened up brushing the ash from his cloak.

'Hello hello!' He said brightly.

'Hi Mick welcome to my home' Neville said striding over and shaking his hand 'ready for an evening of sucking up to Wizarding high society?'

Mick laughed heartily.
'Aye why not?' He chuckled 'hey everything's on the house and I didn't have to organise any of it sounds like a good excuse to relax and party for me'

'Dad don't you dare get on the dance floor and do the Wonky Wizard' Hannah said dryly 'the last big soiree we attended you did that with a chicken on your head'

'Sweetheart that was your seventeenth and Louise dared me and anyway that was a family function not a Ministry function there's different etiquette'

'Just joking Dad'

'Anyway Mick I'd like to introduce you to my Great Uncle Algie' Neville said with a grin (The image of Mick dancing the Wonky Wizard with a chicken on his head flashing in front of his mind's eye) 'Algie this is Mick Hannah's Dad'

'Nice t'meet ya welcome' Algie said brightly 'and this is my ball and chain Enid'

'Algernon!' Enid and Augusta chorused.

'Ignore him Mick he's being a......'

'Knob?' Neville volunteered.

'Yes exactly that' Enid said with a grin allowing Mick to sweep down and kiss her on each cheek 'nice to finally meet you, for a while I never thought you'd make your way here Neville seems to be always at your place'

'Yeah he is he's even got a permanent place at the dinner table now' Mick joked.

'Daaaad!' Hannah groaned blushing furiously.

'Well at least he's eating somewhere he's here so infrequently I was starting to wonder if he was in danger of becoming emaciated' Augusta said the ghost of a smile flashing across her lips.

'And Mick this is my Gran Augusta' Neville said avoiding his Gran’s eyes and ignoring Algie's snigger.

'Ah lovely to meet you m'dear!' Mick declared kissing Augusta on the back of her hand.

'Well should we head off then?' Neville suggested once the introductions were over 'I told Harry we'd meet him Ginny and the others at seven thirty'


'Yes let's go'

Everyone lined up at the fireplace and waited to floo to Hogwarts where the Order of Merlin candidates would gather before travelling to the Hogsmeade Convention Centre in Thestral drawn carriages.

When Neville's turn came he stepped into the grate threw down his handful of floo powder and called 'Hogwarts staff room!'

Green flames erupted around him and a second later he landed roughly at his destination. An arm reached in and helped him down onto the worn hearth carpet. That arm belonged to Harry who was dressed resplendently in a three piece Navy blue suit robes complete with an ivory bow tie and a glinting silver fob watch chain.

'Well haven't you tarted up?' Harry joked 'a cravat? That's a bit poncy innit?'

'Oh you're one to talk I thought bow ties went out with sixteenth century waltzes' Neville shot back with a grin.

'Oh bite me' Harry said rolling his eyes good naturedly 'wait til you see Gin and Hermione they're smokin' they took the entire day from sunrise to get ready'

'Harry James Potter I heard that and you're full of it!' Hermione's voice said from behind them.

Neville turned around to see Hermione standing there dressed in an elegant knee length ivory Grecian style dress with a pleated skirt and in heels so high Neville winced.

'Hermione how can you walk in those things?' Neville asked indicating to his friends’ footwear.

'Quite easily, though it took some practice' Hermione said with a grin kissing Neville on the cheek 'and don't believe what Harry says he and Ron had a quite vigourous discussion tonight about wether his navy blue socks with realistic twinkling stars were appropriate for tonight’s show...that discussion went for nearly half an hour'

Neville sniggered loudly.
'You're kidding me?' he said to Harry 'ha ha that's funny'

'Please don't spread that around Hermione it was embarrassing enough when you and Gin made such a thing of it' Harry mumbled his cheeks turning a handsome shade of rouge.

Ron saw Neville had arrived and left Professor McGonagall by the window and made his way over.

'Hey Neville ready for a whole evening of as Harry puts it 'ministry retards fawning all over us?'

'Ha ha' Neville said 'if it turns into fawning I'm outta there'

'That's exactly what Harry said' Ron said with a grin.

'So who's going to accept Fred's Order of Merlin?' Neville asked discreetly.

'George' Ron said 'he kept on saying no but the whole family sat him down last night and finally managed to convince him to do the honours. And since then he's been working on his acceptance speech'

Neville scanned the room and found George in the corner with Angelina looking far more sober than he had at Lupin's funeral.

'Well he looks sober' he said.

'That's because he is' Ron said 'Mum and Dad gave him his wand back yesterday and he hasn't done anything dodgy, they've got spells around the house to tell if he does. Perce thinks he's starting to turn a corner but the rest of us are cautious'

'Well you never know he has a different air about him' Neville said as he watched George laugh at something Angelina said then tuck a curl of hair behind her ear 'I know it may have been different when he was pissed but he doesn't seem to have that depressed pall hanging over him. I don't know wether it's because he's sober'

'Maybe, Angelina wants to take him on holidays for a couple of weeks somewhere sunny after tonight and if she does I'm going to open the shop in Diagon Alley with Lee, Glen and Verity and get it going. That way we can get it going while George gets his head right and maybe get him enthusiastic about taking it on again'

'Do we have to have any more sessions at the manor to sort things out before you do open it?' Neville asked.

'Nah there's enough stock to last two months and Lee and Verity reckon there's enough stocks of products to last six weeks. Lee's working on some new stuff at the moment to have ready to go should the shop run out. Fred and George had loads of stock ready to be put on the shelves when they had to flee so there's very few things to do'

'You sound really keen to get to it'

'Yeah I am, it'll give me something to do'

'Have you been getting through that Auror training material Kingsley gave us at Lupin's funeral?' Neville asked 'I'm working on it between the Patronus tutoring sessions'

'Yeah I've been looking at it but not been into it as much as Harry has been, at the moment my priority is getting the shop going. Once it's running smoothly and George is back in the fold I'll do the training full on'

'Well I hope that happens soon Harry and I can't do it all on our own'

'Ah you'll manage you're a tough little sausage'

'Oh ha ha'

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Ten minutes later McGonagall cleared her throat and in doing so drew the attention of all those gathered.

'Ladies and gentlemen it is now time to make your way down to the carriages' she said 'Order of Merlin Third Class recipients will go first, then followed by Second Class and First Class. If you are partnered with the recipient of an Order of Merlin higher than yourself you may ride with them in their carriage'

There was a flurry of activity as everyone gathered. Neville along with all the other Order of Merlin First Class recipients stayed at the back of the room as everyone else queued up.

'Who's going to accept Professor Lupin and Tonks's Order of Merlin?' Neville asked Ron quietly.

'Harry' Ron replied 'Lupin's because he has no remaining family and Tonks's because Andromeda still isn't back from Europe'

'Oh she's in Europe then?' Neville asked in interest. Ever since her stormy departure at the wake following Professor Lupin and Tonks's funeral Neville had been curious to her whereabouts but had been too polite to ask for fear of upsetting Harry 'where?'

'That's the problem no one knows' Ron said 'She didn't say where in the owl she sent and none of the tracking spells Kingsley put on it before it left came up with anything'

I think Harry was all for traipsing over Europe to find her but we all convinced him not to do that. Andromeda is obviously very keen to keep herself hidden and Kingsley said with her determination she's not going to be found any time soon. Geez if looks could kill Harry would've murdered Kingsley on the spot when he told him that'

'So who's minding Teddy tonight?'

'Claude and Appoline Fleur's parents, none of us can do it because we're all here. Appolline Fleur's mother has been at Bill and Fleur recently to 'make ze grandcheeeldren' and they think that minding Ted will get her to lay off them for a while'

'I'm guessing by the tone of your voice you don't believe that'

'Not for one second' Ron said with a roll of his eyes 'Harry wasn't going to come tonight because he couldn't find anyone he trusted enough but then Appolline volunteered her and Claude's services and he agreed to come. Of course you can't bring a baby to something like tonight and Mum, Dad and Appolline making that point to Harry and saying he couldn't possibly not come tonight he agreed to leave Ted at Shell Cottage'

'So how is Harry getting along with the whole parenting thing?'

'Yeah not too bad' Ron said 'I think he's handling it better than he is handling the fact Remus and Tonks aren’t here anymore. He's always got a camera within reach so he can take a pic of anything Ted does and he's made an album about Tonks and Remus made up of all the photos and written stories given by people who knew them before Harry did. Some people have even volunteered their memories to be put in a penseive. Harry wants to get a special penseive for that one custom made'

'That'll cost him a fortune'

'Yeah but Harry's loaded he just doesn't flaunt it' Ron said as the group left the staff room and made it's way down to the extensive grounds where the Thestral drawn carriages were waiting 'I think he's going to get the penseive fill it with as many memories as he can gather then store it here in the Heads office. It's the most secure room in the whole of Hogwarts sans the Chamber of Secrets and Harry can't get into that anymore so that's not an option'

'And I'd imagine it's not somewhere he'd want to hide something as precious as a penseive of memories'

'Nah I wouldn't think so'

Neville and the other Order of Merlin First Class nominees arrived in the courtyard just as the third class nominees left and the second class nominees were climbing into their carriages. Hannah met up with Neville as they waited for their time to leave.

'So what were you and Ron yapping on about?' she said lacing her fingers through his.

'Secret blokes stuff' Neville joked puffing out his chest 'the sort of stuff you girls talk about when you huddle in a corner and giggle behind cupped hands'

Hannah raised an eyebrow.
'You talked about make up, lingerie and the length of your boyfriends cock?' she said 'is there something you wish to tell me Neville?'

Neville rolled his eyes.
'Ha ha' he said with a laugh 'that was actually quite funny'

'Hey I'm a Hufflepuff we're the house of humour' Hannah said with a grin as the Second Class Order of Merlin people began leaving.

'Ravenclaw must be the house of horn then' Ginny said overhearing them 'it was Professor McGonagall’s turn to walk in on Terry and Luna this time'

'Again?' Hannah exclaimed 'Merlins pants do they ever keep their clothes on?'

'Apparently not, Ron reckon Harry and I shag as much as Terry and Luna do but at least we have the sense not to do it somewhere where we're likely to get busted by one of our teachers. If McGonagall walked in on Harry and I in the moment of passion Transfiguration would never be the same again'

Neville couldn't help it and snorted so loudly it drew the attention of the teachers who were gathered nearby.

'Gin don't mention McGonagall and sex in the same sentence again its gross' he said making a face.

'Sex and McGonagall, Sex and McGonagall, Sex and McGonagall, Sex and McGonagaaaaaaall!' Ginny whispered a wide grin spreading across her face.

'Oh vomit'

'You know to carry on this line of conversation at some point McGonagall would've got a bit' Hannah said 'she has six kids'

'Okay someone obliviate me now!' Neville declared as a pair of Thestrals arrived drawing a large carriage.

'Actually I would rather ponder McGonagall getting it on than Flitwick' Ginny said.

'Oh you're revolting' Neville said rolling his eyes as Ginny and Hannah collapsed into giggles 'are you two trying to make me bring up my afternoon tea?'

Hannah wrapped an arm around his waist and stepped up on her toes to kiss him on the cheek.
'No but if you behave yourself I'll make something else come up later' she whispered so Neville had to lean in to hear her.

‘Oh gross!’ Ginny exclaimed theatrically as Hannah nipped at Neville’s earlobe leaving a smear of red lipstick on it ‘you two need your own carriage’

Hannah poked her tongue out at Ginny.
‘Would you mind if we did get our own?’ She asked ‘see it’s rude to shag in front of other people’

Neville actually covered his face with his hand at these words.

‘Aw look now you’ve embarrassed him now’ Ginny said with a shrill giggle as Neville turned fire engine red.

‘Don’t worry I’ll make it up to him later’ Hannah said with a grin.

‘C’mon you three you can’t stand around all night yapping this gig starts in twenty minutes!’ Ron exclaimed from the door of the carriage ‘when you were away with the pixies everyone else got in’

‘Oh please anything to get me away from Hannah!’ Neville declared theatrically as he strode toward the carriage ‘my god I’ve never been so embarrassed in my life!’

‘Oh give me a bit more time and I’ll make you wish a stray Thestral will come and eat you’ Hannah said with a giggle.

‘Too late dear’

Hannah and Ginny climbed into the carriage and Ron followed them. He latched the door shut and there was a lurch as it took off down the path that went past Dumbledore’s tomb and down the path that led into the main street of Hogsmeade. Now that they were actually on their way to the Order of Merlin Ceremony Harry was beginning to look quite green.

‘You’ll be right mate the sooner we get to this thing the sooner it will be over’ Neville said in an attempt to reassure his friend ‘then we can go out for a drink afterwards’

‘I have to get home to Ted, I can’t and anyway there’s nowhere I can go without being swamped’

‘Harry for Merlins sake Teddy is safe with Appolline and Claude then Bill and Fleur when they get home you need to relax and get out for a bit you’ve barely left the Burrow since the Battle’ Hermione said in a tone that indicated to Neville this argument was heading down a long and well trodden path.

‘Okay then where are we to go then?’ Harry shot back in a slightly peeved tone ‘the Leaky? Oh yeah that’ll be just dandy’

‘Of course not the Leaky I’m not stupid Harry’

‘How about we head into Muggle Yorkshire?’ Neville suggested ‘we can all alter our appearance a bit and go to a Muggle Pub. The Elephant and Castle is a popular pub Algie and I go to all the time’

‘B-b...’

‘No buts Harry after tonight we’re all going to this Pub and relaxing’ Hermione said in a tone clearly stating she was not to be messed with ‘let Appolline and Claude mind Ted for a night, they won’t mind you know they won’t’

‘And if you get too pissed you can kip back at my place there’s loads of room’ Neville said ‘c’mon Harry you know you’ll want to go and relax somewhere after tonight’

‘Go on it’ll do you good’ Ginny said softly.

‘Oh okay I suppose one night out won’t hurt’ Harry said.

Neville grinned.
‘That’s the spirit Harry, if we can’t get you drunk at this soiree we’ll certainly give it a decent go at the Elephant and Castle’

Ron sniggered as Hannah, Ginny and Hermione rolled their eyes.

‘You are so male!’ Hannah declared.

‘Last time we checked yeah we were definitely male’ Ron said with a grin.

‘Care to make sure?’ Neville said with a grin slinging his arm around Hannah’s shoulders.

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Ten minutes later the carriage began slowing down as they approached the Hogsmeade Convention Centre. The buzz of a large crowd gathered in front of Hogsmeade’s most recent addition made its way through the doors of the carriage.

‘Shit here it comes’ Harry muttered fiddling with his bow tie.

‘Harry you’ll be fine, sign a few autographs kiss a few babies, have a photo or two taken with your fan girls and you’ll be inside in no time’ Hannah said.

‘Kiss a few babies?’ Harry said cocking his eyebrow in amusement ‘I’m not on the campaign trail only politicians kiss babies’

‘Oh well fine be a picky bastard’ Hannah said with a grin ‘just pose for some pictures and sign some autographs then, is he always this picky?’ she added to Ginny.

‘Hannah this is fairy dust compared to how picky he normally is’ Ginny said with a giggle as the carriage door opened.

‘Let’s continue this conversation outside shall we?’ Harry said as he made to get out of his seat.

Neville exited the carriage first and the crowd gathered about the red carpet burst into enthusiastic cheers and applause. He blushed then concentrated on helping Hannah out of the carriage. She immediately squinted as the camera flashes from the dozens of photographers gathered blinded her.

‘This is mad!’ she yelled over the cheers and applause of the crowd.

‘I have a feeling this is just the start of things’ Neville said as Ron the Hermione emerged from the carriage to a fresh roar from the gathered fans.

When Ginny then Harry emerged from the carriage the public gathered went nuts, he was forced to transfigure his regular glasses into a pair of stylish sunglasses and that inspired Neville to conjure some more pairs to hand out to the others.

‘C’mon mate we better get this over and done with’ Neville said as they headed to the red carpet where Molly and Arthur were being interviewed by the Wizarding Wireless Network and Seamus and Lavender were signing autographs for a row of particularly rowdy fans.

‘You don’t think I could just apparate inside do you?’ Harry joked half heartedly.

‘Nah they’d all lynch you then’ Neville replied ‘c’mon this is exactly like the war go in bravely with the balls of a Gryffindor and things’ll be fine in the end’

Harry laughed heartily.
‘Well when you say it like that I suppose I can’t argue’ he chuckled ‘c’mon’

Together Neville headed toward the red carpet with Hannah and to the nearest group of fans calling his name conjuring a self inking quill as he went.

And that’s how it went for the next half an hour. Neville and Hannah along with Ron and Hermione and Ginny and Harry were kept on the red carpet til some ministry officials came for them and ushered them inside.

‘Merlins pants I never thought that would end!’ Harry exclaimed returning his glasses to their usual state with a poke from his wand ‘I’ve literally got writers cramp’

‘Well you’re very popular Harry saving the wizarding world does that to people’ Hermione said with a barely discernable smile.

‘Yeah maybe you ought to start getting about with a quill in your pocket just in case one of your fan girls asks for your autograph’ Ginny teased ‘I particularly liked the one who screamed ‘Ohmigod Harry you’re so hot!’

Ron and Neville sniggered while Hermione, Hannah and Harry rolled their eyes.

‘I thought she was going to lift up her barely there top and get you to sign her boobs for a minute there’ Ron added.

‘Oh Ronald!’ Hermione exclaimed in exasperation ‘don’t be so crass!’

‘Oh well we’re not likely to see that girl again’ Ginny said ‘well Hannah, Hermione and I might at Hogwarts’

‘Yeah we’ll get all the boys wanting you to sign their chests then’ Hannah said with a grin.

‘If any of them ask you that I will personally hunt them down and rip their innards out’ Ron said forcefully making a face.

‘Oh calm down Ronald Hannah was only joking no one is going to ask anyone to sign anyone’s chest’ Hermione said ‘and even if they did no one would tell you because we wouldn’t want you going off half cocked’

The group were shown to their table at which also sat Mr and Mrs Weasley, Bill, Fleur, Charlie and his girlfriend Charlotte, Percy and his girlfriend Audrey and Angelina accompaniied by a morose looking George. Neville took off his cloak and hung it on the back of his seat which was next to Angelina.

‘Hey Neville you’re looking pretty snappy’ Angelina joked as Neville took his seat.

‘Aw thanks, all the girls say that’ Neville joked back.

‘I reckon some boys would say that too’ Hannah said with a giggle ‘I saw one in the red carpet crowd who definitely had issues keeping his tongue in his head and quite possibly could be the president of the first Neville Longbottom Appreciation Society’

‘Oh sod off’ Neville muttered burning scarlet as the rest of the table fell about laughing ‘you were hallucinating’

‘Can we here at the table be the proper Neville Longbottom Appreciation Society?’ Harry asked with a grin his green eyes alive with mischief ‘I’ll be the patron Hannah you really ought to be the president Hermione you’re good at organising things you ought to be the secretary and Ron I reckon you’d be suited to treasurer’

‘What about me I appreciate Neville!’ Ginny said with a snigger as more and more people filed into the room.

‘Oh why don’t you be Vice President?’ Neville said sarcastically ‘that is the only position still vacant’

Hermione suddenly and apparently seized by a moment of inspiration drew her wand and flourished it in the direction of her salad fork transfiguring it into a small credit card sized badge, then with a grin pushed it across the table to Neville. He picked it up and read the small elegant scrawl.

This nametag certifies that Hermione Jean Granger is a fully paid up member of the Neville Longbottom Appreciation Society’ he read out ‘oh please Hermione you’re supposed to be one of my best mates, if you wear this tonight I will be forced to commit a rather grisly act of homicide’

Hannah laughed as Hermione summoned the badge and turned it back into the salad fork.

‘Maybe Neville your appreciation society could be a secret one like the Order of the Phoenix’ Mr Weasley suggested.

‘Yeah and maybe not’ Neville replied good naturedly as a waiter approached the table with a bottle of Ogden’s Champagne.

Within twenty minutes the ballroom of the convention centre was full and the lights dimmed. A magical P.A system crackled to life and a drum roll began from the orchestra at the back of the stage.

‘Ladies and Gentlemen welcome to the nineteen ninety eight British Ministry of Magic Order of Merlin Awards ceremony’ a voice boomed ‘please welcome to the stage the chair of the Order of Merlin Committee Odeon McKenzie!’

Everyone burst into applause as a tall solid man dressed in the deepest purple dress robes walked onto the stage.

‘Oh wow I love those robes!’ Ginny whispered ‘I wonder if you can get them in a woman’s design?’

‘Poofter’ George muttered under his breath as McKenzie stood at the lectern.

‘George Weasley behave yourself I’m not going to allow you to ruin this night for everyone’ Angelina hissed glaring at a way that Neville thought would have intimidated Voldemort himself.

‘Bite me darling’

Angelina looked murderous but everyone’s attention was drawn away from her as Odeon McKenzie began speaking.

‘Welcome Ladies and Gentlemen to the nineteen ninety eight Order of Merlin Awards’ he said ‘tonight the magical world gathers to salute it’s finest as they are bestowed with an Order of Merlin medal our society’s highest honour. Every recipient tonight had some involvement in the second war and all our second and first class recipients were directly involved in the Battle of Hogwarts itself which brought to an end one of the darkest era’s in British Magical History. Tonight we also pay tribute to those Order of Merlin recipients who died in the effort. For they deserved the honour as much as any of our other honourees.

But ladies and gentlemen while tonight is a time for solemnity it is also a time for levity, I have been assured by those connected to those who gave their lives that dwelling on what might have been would not be the wish of their friends but to move forward and celebrate the here and now. So unlike the usual format of an Order of Merlin awards night this evening will be more like a ball. Tonight to provide the music for dancing to will be the National Wizarding Orchestra led by the inimitable Ignatius Smythe and for all you young ones the Weird Sisters’

Loud and enthusiastic applause broke out from everyone under thirty in the room. Even George who without trying was depressing everyone with his foul mood managed a half hearted clap.

McKenzie smiled and continued on.
‘This evening we will be starting out with those awarded the Third Class medal and moving onto those awarded the second class Medal and so on. One person from the Third and Second nominees will give a speech on behalf of their group and each person awarded an Order of Merlin First Class Medal will give their own individual speech’

‘Yeah so try not to waffle on all night Hermione’ Harry muttered so only those at their table could hear.

Everyone but George and Hermione (Who just rolled her eyes) sniggered.

‘In a short time we shall get the evening underway but first to open proceedings Dane Wordsworth the lead violinist with the National Wizarding Orchestra will play a piece he composed himself in tribute to those who gave their lives. Please welcome Dane to play ‘Not Forgotten’

Everyone in the room got to their feet and politely applauded as Dane Wordsworth emerged from the Orchestra carrying a white violin and made his way to the right of stage where the spotlight had been trained. The applause died out and everyone resumed their seats as the first mournful notes sounded.

Beside him Hannah laced her fingers though Neville’s and squeezed.

‘You okay?’ Neville whispered in her ear as Mrs Weasley gave an audible sniff.

‘Yeah I’ll be fine’ Hannah replied thickly ‘Just memories you know?’

‘Yeah, yeah I do’

Neville put an arm around Hannah and closed his eyes letting all the memories good and bad to flood back to him. Fred falling, the glint of the blade of Gryffindor’s Sword as he swung it up to finish off Nagini and the blindingly painful flash that was the clashing of spells between Harry and Voldemort. A swooping feeling of pure and unadulterated grief swept though his stomach and his soft brown eyes prickled with barely suppressed tears. Hannah sensed his feelings and squeezed his hand. Two places over George was totally consumed by pure and unadulterated grief tears streaming down his hollow cheeks and soaking the collar of his shirt. Angelina had her arm around him and was trying to comfort him.

Eventually the last notes died out and everyone jumped to their feet to applaud Wordsworth as he tucked his instrument under an arm and bowed.

‘A magnificent performance Dane thankyou very much’ McKenzie said as Wordsworth returned to his seat within the orchestra ‘okay ladies and gentlemen now we can begin the evening in earnest with the recipients of the Order of Merlin Third Class. All recipients of this award helped in the immediate aftermath of the Battle of Hogwarts mainly in the medical field patching up those injured and maimed in the battle itself and a week later in the Lockinge Valley and Doncaster Death Eater Riots. Others directly helped in the seizure and detaining of Death Eaters and in the time since been instrumental in the government initiative of Patronus tutoring sessions. Each recipient will be called forward to the stage in alphabetical order where they will receive their medal from the Minister for Magic Kingsley Shacklebolt then when all have gathered on stage the nominate speaker from the group will give a speech on the group’s behalf’

‘This is going to be like the sorting at Hogwarts’ Ron muttered to no one in particular as Kingsley made his way onto the stage carrying and elegant wooden box with a glinting silver handle on its lid.

‘Oh Ronald don’t be so melodramatic’ Mrs Weasley admonished ‘there’s not half the amount of people receiving awards tonight as gets sorted at Hogwarts’

‘Dunno about that’ Ron replied as ‘Ackerly, Colin’ was called forward ‘there are loads of people receiving awards tonight, maybe Harry, Neville and I should’ve bought out Auror training papers to go over til it’s our turn to get up there’

‘Oh Ron you are so full of shit’ Ginny said dryly as the rest of her brothers along with Harry and Neville covered their sniggers with their hands ‘sometimes I can’t believe someone as great as Mum gave birth to someone like you’

‘I don’t think you’re the only one to think that Gin’ Charlie said with a grin as the others surreptitiously giggled into their hands.

‘Oh hush all of you awards are being given out!’ Mrs Weasley admonished her round cheeks faintly pink.

The giggles died out and the table turned their attention back to the stage where now ‘Preston, Talbot’ was having his Order of Merlin pinned to his lapel.

‘You know I’ve just had a thought’ he whispered a few minutes later in Hannah’s left ear.

‘Oh yeah did it hurt?’ she asked in amusement.

‘Ah ha ha no’ Neville said rolling his eyes ‘You’re going to be the first called up to the stage for the Second Class awards like you were when we were sorted in our first year. There’s no other Abbott in Second Class and the next one after you is Susan’

‘You know I hadn’t actually thought of that til you brought it up’ Hannah said a slight tremor of nervousness creeping into her tone as ‘Tavistock, Lewis’ was awarded his medal ‘eeek everyone will be looking at me’

‘You’ll be fine’ Neville whispered back ‘you managed the walk down the red carpet fine and you had people scream at you there.

‘Yeah b..’

‘No buts you’ll be fine, can I wolf whistle you as you’re called to the stage?’

Hannah playfully slapped his arm ‘Oh you!’ she laughed ‘no you can’t, if you do I will hex your cock off and you don’t want that to happen I have plans for later on’

‘Any details?’

‘Nope’

‘Tease’

fifteen minutes later the last to be called to the stage for the Order of Merlin Third Class (‘Zawitkowski, Louise’) was awarded her medal and stood beside the last recipient as the representative of the group gave the speech. There was loud and tumultuous applause as the speaker finished and once again Odeon McKenzie took his place at the lectern.

‘Okay ladies and Gentlemen our Order of Merlin Third Class recipients have now received their awards we will take a short break in proceedings where there will be the opportunity to dance and start on dinner then we shall honour the Order of Merlin Second Class recipients. So to amuse you all til we resume please welcome to the stage the Weird Sisters to Play ‘Do the Hippogriff’

The guests burst into thunderous applause as the Weird Sisters came onto the stage.

‘Oh I Love this song I have to dance!’ Hannah exclaimed leaping to her feet and grasping Neville’s hand ‘come on you’re coming with me’

‘No way I can’t dance’ Neville said ‘ask Ginny I reckon she still has broken toes that I trod on for the fourth year Yule Ball’

‘Oh that’s rot’

‘Yeah they’ve healed’ Ginny said with a grin as the dance floor flooded ‘c’mon Harry’

‘I don’t dance either’

‘Oh don’t be a bunch of nonces’ Hermione said with a grin getting up ‘who cares if you get your picture in the paper? It’s not like they’re not already there’

‘Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeel’ Neville said slowly getting to his feet ‘okay I suppose once won’t hurt’

‘That’s the spirit Neville!’ Hannah exclaimed with a grin ‘c’mon Mrs Weasley you’re one of the girls too’

‘Oh no no dear I think it’s best if I....’

‘Oh come on Mum loosen up for a bit’ Charlie said with a grin dragging his girlfriend Charlotte to her feet ‘ it’s a bout time you and Dad got up to bust a move on the dance floor to something more recent than Celestina Bloody Warbeck’

Even George laughed at that.

‘Oh why not it’s a time for celebration tonight a dance I think is what is called for’

‘So Grumpy Guts are you coming?’ Angelina asked George.

‘No’

‘Fine’ Angelina huffed turning to Hannah’s father ‘would you like to dance Mr Abbott?’

‘Call me Mick dear and yes I’d be delighted’ Mick replied taking Angelina’s hand.

So everyone but George got up and left the table, making it to the dance floor just as the opening riff of ‘Do The Hippogriff’ began. Neville noticed with some discomfit that a throng of media (Including the insufferable Rita Skeeter) were on the edge of the dance floor but decided to ignore her and in doing so dragged Hannah to the other side of the dance floor where Harry, Ginny, Ron and Hermione were with Angelina and Mick who were trying to instruct the proper way to dance the Wonky Wizard.

‘Yeah you’ve got it right Hermione it’s right foot toe point slide shuffle one two hip jerk groin thrust turn and repeat to the left’ Mick said with a grin as Hermione made a face at the words ‘groin thrust’

Suddenly everyone who had gathered on the floor formed into lines at the urging of Archie Mac the lead singer and began dancing.

‘This is MAD!’ Hannah giggled to Neville as she shuffled to the right the photographers on the edges of the dance floor snapping away madly ‘I’m having so much fun!’

Neville laughed along with her as a collective the group turned and repeated the steps again.

'CAN YOU DANCE LIKE A HIPPOGRIFF?'

‘NA NA NA, NA NA NA, NA NA NA!’ The dance floor crowd roared back waving their hands above their heads.

Neville couldn’t remember the last time he had so much fun, the most recent function he’d had such fun was a month ago at he and Harry’s joint birthday party at the Burrow. Mr Weasley had hired a muggle DJ a relative of a work mate of his and until the early hours of the morning Neville along with Hannah and even Mr and Mrs Weasley danced hard taking the opportunity to do what everyone in the wizarding world had been unable to do for thirty years....celebrate peace and harmony.

‘I FEEL LIKE A RIGHT PRAT!' Ron yelled over another refrain of ‘Na na na, na na na, na na na’

‘YOU LOOK LIKE ONE!’ Neville yelled back pointing and sliding his right foot as the sequence began again.

‘GIT!’

Neville feeling like a young child just stuck his tongue out as he shuffled sideways.

*******************************************************************

‘That was MAD!’ Angelina exclaimed half an hour later once everyone returned to their seats ‘that was the best fun since the Yule Ball in my sixth year’

‘If they do an encore of Do the Hippogriff I reckon we should initiate a mosh pit’ Ginny said with a grin flopping down into her seat and pouring a goblet of water from the jug in the centre of the table ‘there was a mosh pit at that Yule Ball’

‘Ginevra Weasley really’ Ms Weasley exclaimed in amusement ‘a mosh pit at such an important occasion as this?’

‘Yeah Mum why not?’ Charlie said with a grin filling his goblet with a quick poke of his wand ‘the organising committee hired the Weird Sisters for tonight so I think they expected some levity. Gin if you get a mosh pit going I’ll help get you crowd surfing’

‘Charles Phillip Weasley behave yourself!’ Mrs Weasley exclaimed the ghost of a smile flitting across her kindly features as everyone else tittered.

‘How about you have a go at crowd surfing Molly dear?’ Mr Weasley said his thin face brick red as he valiantly tried to suppress a snort of laughter ‘it might be wise to take off your shoes first though. I believe there’s some etiquette to it. And you did go to an awful lot of expense to get them’

Even Percy gave an uncharacteristic snort.

‘Arthur Weasley don’t talk rubbish’ Mrs Weasley responded rolling her eyes.

‘How about we get the person least likely to crowd surf to get in the middle of the mosh pit?’ Harry said with a grin.

‘Who would that be?’ Hannah asked.

‘Percy’ all the Weasleys chorused.

‘No way’ Percy said sipping his champagne in a dignified manner ‘it was enough you all got me on the dance floor for the Wonky Wizard.

‘We did nothing I reckon it was all Aud’s doing’ Bill said with a grin resting his arm on the back of Fleur’s chair.

‘Yeah I’ll take credit for that’ Audrey said with a laugh.

‘How about you and Hannah Neville?’ Ron asked ‘up for a bit of crowd surfing?’

‘Not here’ Hannah said with a grin ‘Maybe when we go to Muggle Yorkshire, it’s a Saturday night I reckon we ought to find a decent club’

‘I’ll hold you to that’

‘Lot to live up to mate’ Harry said to Neville.

‘I am not crowd surfing’ Neville said firmly ‘well not unless you do’

‘Got ya there Harry’ Angelina said with as grin as Harry made a ‘I’ll crowd surf when the fiery pits of hell freeze over’ face ‘didn’t expect that did ya?’

‘How can you tell?’ Harry replied dryly.

After the first part of the meal was over and the plates had been cleared away Odeon McKenzie once again stepped up to the lectern to introduce the Order of Merlin Second Class recipients.

‘Okay ladies and gentlemen now onto part two of this evenings festivities the Order of Merlin Second Class recipients’ he said ‘each of the Second Class recipients actively fought in the Battle of Hogwarts and several of them actually managed to restrain and confine Death Eaters therefore assisting in their apprehension. Each of them also fought in the Lockinge Valley Riots and directly helped in lessening the damage done there’

The crowd politely applauded.

‘Okay now to the recipients’ McKenzie said shuffling papers as beside him Kingsley ‘the first to receive an Order of Merlin Second Class is Miss Hannah Abbott!’

Every one at the table burst into raucous applause and got to their feet as Hannah went bright red. She got out of her seat and hugged her father fiercely she then kissed Neville on the lips before making her way up to the stage.

‘Go Hannah go Hannah go Hannah go Hannah Go Hannah go Hannah......’ Seamus began.

And soon all of Hannah’s friends were chanting her name as Kingsley shook her hand and pinned her Order of Merlin Medal (a crescent moon inside a triangle of wands each pouting three stars with a ‘2’ under it on a purple velvet ribbon). Mr Abbott was openly crying and Neville too was close to tearing up but he swallowed hard and took several deep fortifying breaths. Hannah walked to the left of the lectern and waited as McKenzie went to announce the next recipient.

‘Next to receive an Order of Merlin Second Class is Miss Lavender Brown!’

Al the D.A members applauded and cheered raucously as Lavender made her way from the table she was sitting at to the stage where she received her medal and stood beside Hannah.

Susan was the next to receive her medal she was followed by Seamus, Justin, Luna and the Patil Twins. Then it was Madam Pomfrey’s turn.

‘And next to receive an Order of Merlin Second Class is someone all our younger generation would be well aware of’ McKenzie announced with a wide grin ‘she has been the Healer at Hogwarts for thirty years and following the battle of Hogwarts mobilised all the Healers from St Mungos to oversee the recovery of all of those injured in the fight. Please welcome to the stage Poppy Pomfrey!’

Madam Pomfrey’s cheeks were a distinct shade of rouge and she received the loudest cheer yet. She rose from her seat and made her way to the stage as Seamus started up a ‘Pomfrey is a legend! cheer. The applause continued as Kingsley pinned the medal on her lapel then well after she walked to stand beside the Patil twins.`

‘This is nothing like the sorting!’ Ron declared gleefully as everyone took their seats ‘I wish it was! This is loads more exciting!’

‘Only because you have the attention span of a newt’ Harry joked as Dean was announced onto the stage to a fresh round of cheers.

The atmosphere changed perceptively once Dean took his place beside Madam Pomfrey and McKenzie shuffled the papers on the lectern. Ginny was the last and most well known of the Order of Merlin Second Class recipients to receive her award and the most eagerly anticipated.

‘And now we come to the final name in the list for our Order of Merlin Second Class recipients’ McKenzie announced a wide grin ‘this young woman performed extraordinary feats of magic during the final battle and one was one of the few people to keep at bay Bellatrix LeStrange’

‘Yeah but I had help’ Ginny muttered.

‘One of the brightest of her generation please welcome to the stage to accept her Order of Merlin Second Class Miss Ginny Weasley!’

The whole room erupted into thunderous applause as Ginny got to her feet her face glowing and her eyes shining with tears. She fiercely hugged her parents and brothers and kissed Harry so passionately the nearby throng of Photographers went nuts. She then made her way up to the stage getting back slapped along the way.

‘GI-NNY GI-NNY GI-NNY GI-NNY! GI-NNY GI-NNY GI-NNY GI-NNY! They all cheered.

Ginny paused in front of Kingsley and wiped her eyes as he pinned her Order of Merlin Medal to her dress. She then approached the lectern at McKenzie’s urgings.

‘Ladies and gentlemen Ginny will be giving a speech on behalf of all the Order of Merlin Second Class recipients this evening so once again...Ginny Weasley!’

The applause was more subdued this time as Ginny drew her wand and conjured her speech notes. She then took a deep breath and began speaking.

‘First of all on behalf of my fellow recipients tonight I would like to say how honoured we are to each receive an Order of Merlin Second Class Medal’ She said ‘of course none of us feel we deserve it and each of us feel we only did what we had to do for the good of others and not for our own gain. But each and every one of us thank you the public deeply for nominating us. It truly is an honour. If you would allow me a small indulgence I would like to say a few words before we all get back to the more social aspects of tonight’s festivities’

‘Like starting a mosh pit!’ Charlie called with a cheeky grin.

‘Yeah Charlie like starting a mosh pit’ Ginny said with an amused roll of her eyes ‘first of all I would like to thank my family starting with my Mum and Dad. They are they best parents anyone could hope for and from when I was very young instilled a belief in me I could be the best witch I could be. Thanks Mum and Dad I love you so much. Next to my two eldest brothers Bill and Charlie they were unable to get to Hogwarts in time to help in the battle but their support in the aftermath has meant a lot to me, thanks a lot boys. And to my next oldest brother Percy. Perce I know what you did wasn’t easy but believe me when I say the whole family appreciates it just your presence there that night was the healing balm we all needed. George hun everyone close to you is feeling for you at the moment and we know you’re hurting, but without saying anything here please know we are there for you any time of the day and we don’t care how trivial you think the issue is. And next my youngest brother Ron. Ronnie you’re an absolute legend and you so deserve your honours tonight. What you did during the final battle is unbelievable. Thankyou for staying by Harry and Hermione all throughout this past year and being the best friend you could be to my two most favourite people’

Across the table from him in the dim light Neville could see Ron’s ears turn red.

‘And lastly I want to thank my boyfriend Harry Potter. For reasons that don’t need to be aired here. What he did for all of us was unbelievable. He’ll say he didn’t do it for his own benefit but Harry we know that and anyone that thinks otherwise deserves to be hexed. And believe me there’s enough people around you to do that if the need ever arises’

An amused laugh washed over the crowd as Ginny nodded in the direction of the table therefore ending her speech. Everyone got to their feet and applauded her enthusiastically. Neville even stuck his fingers in his mouth and whistled shrilly as all of the Order of Merlin Second Class winners had a group photo taken. Every one of the Weasley’s were crying even the usually pompous Percy was emotional.

‘Great now can we start that mosh pit?’ Charlie asked no one in particular.

Minutes later the Weird Sisters started up again and Ginny and Hannah returned to the table to great fanfare.

‘You looked great up there’ Neville whispered in Hannah’s ear as he embraced her.

‘Thanks’ she said returning the hug ‘your turn next’

Neville felt his face warm as he blushed.
‘Yeah well...’ he said ‘now I’m going to make a trip to the loo before it’s my turn to be paraded like a prize bull back soon yeah?’

‘Sure’

Neville left his seat and made his way to the mens toilets, he relieved himself then splashed water over his face before returning to the table that was empty save for Percy.

Where’s everyone?’ He asked in surprise taking his seat and reaching for his goblet of wine.

‘Dancing for the most part’ Percy replied sipping his own wine ‘the girls are anyway, Harry and Ginny I think are with Kingsley and George is outside smoking’

‘Since when does George smoke?’ Neville exclaimed in surprise.

‘Apparently since the battle’ Percy said making a face ‘a pack a day according to Mum and Dad’

‘You’d never know he doesn’t smell like it’

‘He’s probably cast a charm to hide the smell’ Percy replied pushing back in his chair ‘I might go and see how he is, I think it wise he has some company you don’t mind do you?’

‘Me? Hell of course not!!’ Neville exclaimed ‘go on’

‘Thanks Neville’

‘No worries’

Percy left the table and exited through the curtains that lead to the lavatories.

‘Thank Merlin I never thought he was going to leave’ Hannah’s voice said from under the table.

‘Hannah what are you doing down there?’ Neville exclaimed leaning back in his chair and lifting up the table cloth.

‘Shhhhh! Hannah hissed yanking down the table cloth and smacking his leg hard.

‘Ow!’ Neville hissed rubbing his stinging skin ‘Hannah what are you doing?’

‘Just sit at the table properly and you’ll find out’ Hannah whispered.

Neville sat up in his chair and took another swig of his wine and nearly choked on it when he felt his fly go down and Hannah take his cock out his underpants.

‘Holy fuck!’ He hissed ‘Hannah what are you doing?’

‘That’ Hannah said languidly licking his cock from testicles to tip ‘I would’ve thought was obvious’
‘But you can’t do that here! Kingsley is two tables over!’

‘So?’

‘Hannah you know I can’t keep quiet when you do that’ Neville hissed hardening almost instantly ‘what do you think is going to happen if I yell the minute I drop my load?’

‘Silencio yourself’ Hannah said her mouth full of his arousal.

‘Get stuffed what if someone comes to chat to me? That would look stupid’

‘Well carry on a conversation then you can’t be rude’ Hannah said sucking on his balls.

‘Oh sod off you know that I can’t do anything but...Ohhhh!’

But what Neville couldn’t do was drowned out by his groan which he quickly turned into a hacking cough. Hannah had chosen that moment to take his entire length in his mouth and swallow the tip of his arousal. Luckily the Weird Sisters were playing a loud number and no one noticed his yelp.

‘Bloody hell Hannah!’ Neville hissed taking a far too big gulp of wine and choking slightly on it ‘that’s not fair at all!

Hannah just giggled.

Hannah was going down on him to the rhythm of the Weird Sisters latest tune ‘Hell Bound Hippogriff’ and by the time the chorus came around for the second time he was on the point of climaxing so hard he lost total control. He gripped the handle of his wand so hard his knuckes white and drew it as the thrill of completion rushed nearer and nearer. Then when he could stand it no more he muttered ‘Silencio and let the waves of climax overcome him spilling his essence into Hannah’s mouth.

‘ARRRRRRRRRRRGHHHHHHHHHHHHH! He screamed inwardly scrunching his eyes up sucking in a deep lungful of air.

‘Good evening Neville are you free?’ Kingsley asked pulling out Mick’s chair and sitting down.

Neville hurriedly muttered the incantation to remove the silencing spell and coughed. Under the table Hannah had paused in shock Neville’s softening cock still in her mouth.

‘Oh I’m f-fine’ he spluttered reaching for his goblet and taking a gulp ‘s’cuse me’

‘All on your own?’ Kingsley continued clearly unaware of Neville’s situation ‘not on the dancefloor?’

‘N-nah thought I’d take a break for now, after this show I’m going clubbing in muggle Yorkshire with Harry and the others and if I dance now I won’t see midnight’

Kingsley chuckled.
‘Ah to be young again!’ He declared ‘Hannah not around?’

‘I think she’s in the ladies loo powdering her nose or whatever girls do in the loo together’ Neville said with a grin as under the table ‘that’s territory I daren’t venture into’

Kingsley laughed heartily.
‘Yes I think it’s best I stay away from that mystery too’ he said watching the nearby dance floor totally oblivious to the fact the chair next to Neville was ever so slowly edging back from the table apparently on its own ‘so how are you going with that training paperwork I gave you, Harry and Ron at Remus and Tonks’s wake?’

‘Not bad I’m getting through it’ Neville said feeling Hannah brush against his leg as she exited from under the table having cast a Disillusionment Charm on herself ‘it’s not as hard as I thought it would be you know. I thought Auror training would be super difficult and academia is not really my strong point’

‘Well as Minister for Magic I can’t really tell you it is easy but I think you’ll find as I did the academic work is far easier to deal with than the physical side. You’ll have points during your training that you’ll collapse in exhaustion. That was my experience anyway. I got out of Hogwarts and was accepted into the Auror department and I thought it would be great I would have the whole weekend to get out and socialise and that was true to a point but I was always too exhausted to do much apart from sleep or read a book’

‘Oh gee thanks for that piece of information’ Neville said dryly ‘is it really that bad?’

‘Well I found it was. It might be worse if your mentor thinks you’re fat. If he does you’ll do so many sit ups your guts will pe permanently sore. I was a fat little kid straight out of Hogwarts so I spent countless hours on a treadmill and rowing machine. I hated it. My trainer was a real bastard’

‘How were you as a trainer?’ Neville asked feeling Hannah get to her feet.

‘Well you would have to speak to the people I trained in the time I was in the Auror office but I did train Tonks when she joined and I do believe she called me a sodding evil prick on more than one occasion. Mad Eye was the head of the Auror office at the time and he had no sympathy for her at all. I think we were both off her Christmas card for the duration of her training’

There was a moment of pensive silence that was broken by Hannah’s arrival back at the table.

‘Hello Kingsley taking a rest from busting a move on the dance floor?’ She said in a bright cheerful tone (Neville noticed her cheeks were a distinct shade of rouge).

Kingsley rolled his eyes good naturedly.
‘I’m Minister for Magic I can’t ‘bust a move on the dance floor’ as you put it’ he said.

‘Oh bullshit’ Hannah said ‘c’mon we’re going to dance, you don’t mind do you?’ she added to Neville.

‘Nah go ahead’ Neville said with a snort as Kingsley allowed Hannah to pull him to his feet ‘have fun Minister it’s in times like these that wizarding society looks to it’s leaders to boost morale’ he added quoting Kingsley from his speech announcing the Order of Merlin nominees a few weeks prior.

‘Oh very funny’ Kingsley replied rolling his eyes.

Kingsley and Hannah made their way to the dance floor and Neville filled his goblet with wine from the crystal carafe in the centre of the table. A few moments later Harry and Ginny returned puffing hard from their efforts on the dance floor.

‘You know I really needed tonight’ Harry said after gulping down a large glass of water ‘I haven’t had this much fun in ages’

‘Or ever’ Ginny said retrieving her clutch purse from under the table.

‘Yeah you could say that’ Harry said thoughtfully ‘where is everyone?’

Well Hannah is dancing with Kingsley, Mr and Mrs Weasley were talking with Luna’s Dad but that was about ten minutes ago, Angelina is chatting to Oliver, Audrey and Hermione are chatting to Professor McGonagall, we’re here and Percy is outside with George while he’s having a smoke’

Ginny screwed up her nose.
‘I’m glad George decided to cast a cleansing charm on himself for tonight’ she said ‘he doesn’t do it at home and he reeks after having a smoke’

‘You could take up the habit then you wouldn’t notice’ Neville said with a grin.

Ginny slipped off her heels and rolled her eyes.
‘George said that when I told him he stank’ she said dryly rubbing her toes ‘I tried a fag back in fourth year and near enough coughed my lungs up’

‘I bet your Mum doesn’t know that’ Harry said with a laugh.

‘There’s a technique to it you know’ Neville said ‘if you inhale too quickly then you do cough your lungs up. When you start out you have to start inhaling slowly, train your lungs as it were’

‘How do you know?’ Harry and Ginny chorused in surprise.

‘Do you smoke?’ Harry asked ‘you’d never know you don’t smell of tobacco’

‘No I don’t smoke as such but I have tried it’ Neville said ‘Algie gave me a pipe when I turned of age. We had to do it when Gran wasn’t around though she hates smoking and gives Algie daggers every time he lights up inside’

‘You don’t smoke as such?’ Ginny said with a raised eyebrow.

‘Well not regularly, I generally only tend to do it when I’m off my guts drunk which isn’t too often’

‘So regular smoking, or irregular smoking?’ Harry asked with a grin.

‘Define irregular smoking’

‘Weed, crack meth etc’

‘Harry don’t be stupid!’ Ginny exclaimed rolling her eyes ‘as if Neville would light up meth’

‘No I’ve never tried anything harder than normal tobacco’ Neville said ‘not intentionally anyway, but I reckon the punch at our birthday party was definitely spiked with something mind altering’

‘That was probably George’s bootleg vodka’ Ginny replied dryly ‘or wizards absinthe, that’s stuff if lethal. Did you hallucinate? Absinthe wizard or muggle is well known for producing hallucinative effects’

‘You know I did’ Neville said with a grin ‘I’m convinced I saw Ern on the Knight Bus wearing a fluoro pink taffeta tutu. That’s how I got home that night’

Harry sniggered loudly.

Twenty minutes later the dance floor cleared and the atmosphere tensed as the time for announcing the Order of Merlin First Class recipients neared. The posthumous awards would be awarded first and Harry would be accepting Lupin and Tonks’s medals on behalf of Teddy. Neville could tell his friend was getting nervous by how he was unconsciously ripping his napkins to pieces.

‘Mate you’ll be fine’ he said.

‘Hmmph’ Harry grunted. Once again Odeon McKenzie stepped up to the lectern as beside him Kingsley waited with the small chiselled wooden casket that held the first class medals. The buzz of conversation quickly died away as McKenzie shuffled his notes.

‘Ladies and Gentlemen now we come to the most important part of the evening’ he said with a wide grin ‘the Order of Merlin First Class awards. The recipient of a first class medal must have shown extraordinary feats of magic that directly have an impact on wizarding society, it must be a selfless act not done for any personal gain either monetary or material, the recipient of an Order of Merlin First Class is a witch or wizard that is very highly thought of in our world. And that is true of all of our recipients tonight. Each one of them were on the front line of the Battle of Hogwarts and each of them were indirectly or directly involved in bringing down the worst of the Dark Lord’s followers. First tonight we will honour the recipients who are no longer with us and who perished for the greater good’

‘I don’t think I can do this’ George hissed looking stricken.

‘Do you want some company when you go up there?’ Angelina asked.

‘I-I-I don’t know’

‘The first two First Class recipients tonight will be honoured together as by request of the person who is accepting the award on their behalf. He fought Antonin Dolohov one of the worst Death Eaters and up until his demise was instrumental in rallying the troops for the Light Side, He formerly taught Defence against the Dark Arts at Hogwarts and I’m told influenced many a young pupil to aspire to a career in fighting the Dark Arts. She was one of the most popular and hardworking Aurors in the Ministry of Magic and was one of the first to come to Hogwarts and on her arrival took on the formidable Bellatrix LeStrange. By now you all should know who I am speaking about, to accept the order of Merlin First Class for Remus Lupin and Nymphadora Tonks Lupin please welcome to the stage Harry Potter!’

The room burst into thunderous applause and everyone got to their feet as Harry rose from his chair ad steeled himself for what was to come. He kissed Ginny on the lips and allowed Mrs Weasley to hug him before he left the table and made his way up to the stage where Kingsley pinned Lupin and Tonk’s medals on his right lapel. He then stepped up to the lectern and gripped the sides inhaling deeply.

‘First I would like to say how honoured I am to accept these awards on behalf of two of the best friends a person could have’ he said ‘Remus and Tonks were two of the most selfless, brave, unselfish and giving people I’ve had the fortune to meet. I wouldn’t be here without their help and if it wasn’t for them a lot of the people who helped me that night wouldn’t have the strength to go on. I accept these Order of Merlin First Class Medals on behalf of their son Teddy who will grow up to know what sensational parents brought him into the world’

The applause from Harry’s friends was particularly loud as he nodded and stepped back from the lectern his emerald eyes shining with barely suppressed tears. Kingsley slapped him on the back and Harry left the stage making his way back to the table receiving many handshakes and back slaps on the way.

‘You did great mate, seriously’ Neville said reaching across the table and shaking Harry’s hand ‘they’d be proud of you’

‘T-thanks Neville’

‘The last of our posthumous Order of Merlin First Class awards goes to a young man who I’m told was one of the leaders who rallied troops to assist Harry Potter in his endeavours’ McKenzie said a moment later ‘he successfully managed to keep at bay several Death Eaters before meeting his demise. To accept the Order of Merlin First Class for his Brother Fred please welcome to the stage George Weasley!’

There was polite applause amongst the other guests gathered but those who knew Fred best leapt to their feet and raucously cheered as George tears trickling down his face left the table and made his way up to the stage. Kingsley embraced him them pinned Fred’s medal on his right lapel. George furiously wiped his eyes on his sleeve then stepped up to the lectern. He grasped each side of the lectern and inhaled a shuddering breath.

‘You can do it Georgie!’ Ginny called.

‘Yeah go one George!’ all the Weasley’s chorused.

George gave a small smile then opened his mouth to speak.

‘I-I’m not going to be up here all night if all the Order of Merlin recipients gave a long winded speech this night would end up being as boring as the sortings at Hogwarts are’ he began with a barely there grin.

The audience chuckled.

‘But first of all I would like to say how honoured I am to be accepting this award on behalf of Fred. I know if he were here tonight he would be the life of the party celebrating the end of the darkest era known to our kind. He like the rest of us I know would be enthusiastically thanking Harry for what he did for us. I also know he wouldn’t want those he left behind to dwell on the bad things that happened or yearn for those we lost. I know for certain he would be front of centre bucking us up and urging us to go on, to continue building on the foundations for a quieter, more peaceful wizarding world’

George gave a loud sniff and stepped away from the lectern turning his back to the crowd a second before his shoulders shook and he burst into tears, Angelina got to her feet and went to the stage where she escorted George back to the table. Everyone in the room got to their feet and applauded him as he wended his way back to the table. Mrs Weasley got to her feet and engulfed her bereft son tightly. Odeon McKenzie waited until the atmosphere settled before resuming the proceedings.

‘Alrighty ladies and Gentlemen the last of our posthumous Order of Merlin awards tonight goes to a fine example of a crusader against the Dark Arts he once headed up the Auror office at one point had the biggest group of Aurors under his command of all the Ministries in the world. He died well before the Battle of Hogwarts but several close associates of this person assure me his methods helped the Order of The Phoenix regroup after the death of Albus Dumbledore and move onto what inevitably turned out to be the final outcome, the Battle of Hogwarts. To accept the Order of Merlin First Class on behalf of Alastor Moody please welcome to the stage Arthur Weasley!’

‘Does Professor Moody Have no family?’ Neville asked Harry as Mr Weasley left the table and strode up to the stage.

‘Not that we could find’ Harry said ‘mind you that didn’t entirely surprise anyone in the Order he didn’t really strike me the type to have ever settled down and have kids’

‘Gee Dad looks pretty schmick tonight doesn’t he?’ Ginny said to no one in particular as Mr Weasley stepped up to the lectern and began his speech ‘pinstripe suits him’

‘He had it especially made at Madam Malkins’ Charlie said ‘we all got our robes there’

‘You spent all day in Madam Malkins?’ Ginny exclaimed rolling her eyes ‘show ponies’

‘Ha you can talk you and Hermione spent a whole month organizing your outfits’ Charlie retorted ‘and you reckon we men are show ponies?’

‘I don’t reckon I know you are’ Ginny said with a grin.

Mr Weasley returned to the table a moment later Mad-Eye’s medal pinned proudly to his lapel.

‘Lookin’ speccy Dad’ Charlie said ‘You’ll look even better with two, Gin was just commenting on how she couldn’t believe you only took a day to get your robes organised where she took a whole month’

‘Oh Charlie Weasley you’re full of Hippogriff shite!’ Ginny hissed as Flitwick was announced to the stage ‘liar liar pants on fire’

Bill and Ron sniggered.

‘I’ll admit to saying that if Charlie admits to saying he reckons you ought to write a men’s fashion column for the Quibbler’ Ginny went on determined to embarrass her brother.

The whole table struggled to suppress sniggers

‘I have no comeback for that Gin, congratulations you got me’ Charlie admitted reaching across the table and shaking his sisters hand.

‘Ginevra Weasley one Charles Weasley nil’ Ginny said with a giggle.

Flitwick, McGonagall, Sprout and George received their Order of Merlin’s then it was Neville’s turn.

‘Go kill ‘em Nevvie poos’ Ron said with a grin.

‘Bite me’ Neville shot back feeling his face burn.

Hannah squeezed his hand as Odeon McKenzie began speaking.

‘Now ladies and Gentlemen the next young man to receive his award displayed some of the most extraordinary magic his contemporaries have ever witnessed and displayed some of the most courageous bravery during the battle of Hogwarts. He fought on the front line and part of his efforts included destroying one of the Dark Lords Horcruxes. He extols every virtue that distinguish Gryffindor House and this ladies and gentlemen I think deserves a standing ovation please welcome to the stage to accept his Order of Merlin First Class Mr-Neville-Longbottom!’

Neville received the loudest cheer yet as everyone leapt to their feet and roared their approval, Seamus and Dean rushed from their own table and ruffled his hair enthusiastically as everyone on his table backslapped him, shook his hand or (in the case of Hannah) kissed him. In a daze Neville left the table and made his way down to the stage where he was forced to conjure a pair of sunglasses to protect his eyes from the glare of the camera flashes. He climbed the steps and made his way over to Kingsley who was waiting an Order of Merlin First Class medal a wide grin on his face. He held out a hand and Neville took it.

‘Congratulations Neville you really deserve this’ Kingsley said pinning the medal to his lapel as down in the audience Seamus began chanting ‘Neville!, Neville!, Neville!’ ‘your parents would be proud I know they would’

‘Thanks Kingsley’ Neville mumbled ‘I-I-I don’t know what to say’

‘You don’t have to say anything to me just get up there and give your speech’ Kingsley replied cuffing him on the shoulder.

Neville turned and made his way over to the lectern. He looked over the gathered crowd who resumed their seats and immediately fell silent as he retrieved his notes from his waistcoat pocket.

‘It seems to be the trend tonight to give short speeches tonight so I will try and keep my speech short’ he began ‘I only ask forgiveness if this speech turns into another Hogwarts sorting’

Neville looked over at Ron and grinned. Ron rolled his eyes and gave him a subtle but joking one fingered salute. He then turned his attention back to his notes.

‘You know it feels rather peculiar for me to be the recipient of a Order of Merlin First Class medal’ he said ‘and I don’t really feel I deserve it, I did what I did at the Battle of Hogwarts to first help one of my best mates and second fight along my fellow schoolmates. Not for one minute did I think what I would do would make me eligible for one of the magical worlds highest honours. None there that night do I think. But I do have to say I am extraordinarily honoured and proud to accept this award and thank each and every one of you who nominated me. I truly feel humbled that you the public decided that I am worthy of such an honour.

There are several people who I would like to thank so please bear with me as I acknowledge each one. First to my Gran Augusta Longbottom who came to Hogwarts and fought alongside my friends and I, Gran I thank you for your help so much and you will never know just how much your participation meant to me. Next to my best friends Ron, Weasley, Hermione Granger and Harry Potter, I would be here all night if I were to list everything you did that was so wonderful and so selfless you are all incredible and I thank you so much for being the inspiration the rest of the D.A and I that helped us continue on under the difficult circumstances’

There was polite but enthusiastic applause from the rest of the audience and Harry, Ron and Hermione nodded in his direction to accept his praise. Neville took a deep breath and prepared to bring his speech to its natural conclusion.

‘There are two more people who I would like to thank before I end my speech and let the next person come up here to receive their medal’ he said ‘the first of those is my girlfriend Hannah Abbott, she too performed extraordinary magic that she’s told me she didn’t think she was capable of performing. I saw her successfully take on Dolohov and fell Fenrir Greyback with some awesome spell work. Thanks Han you’re a beautiful beautiful woman and I am so very fortunate to know you’

Neville felt his face flush with heat as a volley of wolf whistles emanated from his table. He took a deep breath then continued on.

‘And the last person I would like to thank is Mrs Molly Weasley...sh...’

There was a sharp intake of breath and a light smattering of applause as the mention of Mrs Weasley’s name. The older woman’s eyes widened in surprise and she gave Neville a questioning look.

‘Everyone in this room knows what Mrs Weasley did in the Great Hall so there’s no need to go into explicit detail but my friends and family who were there that night would know the deep personal impact what she did had on me. Mrs Weasley what you did at that moment means the world to me and I will be forever grateful. I can never thank you enough’

Mrs Weasley nodded in acknowledgement her soft brown eyes shining with tears. Neville then stepped back from the lectern to a fresh round of applause. He acknowledged it with a wave then turned right and took his seat next to Professor McGonagall where the Order of Merlin first class recipients would wait to have a group photo taken at the end of proceedings.

‘That was a very heartfelt speech Neville you ought to be congratulated’ McGonagall said patting his arm ‘you spoke very well’

‘Thankyou Professor’ Neville said as Mrs Weasley was announced to the stage ‘I added that last bit for Mrs Weasley at the last minute’

‘I thought you might have’

The applause Neville received died away quickly and the atmosphere tensed perceptively as the time for Mrs Weasley to receive her Order of Merlin award arrived. Neville saw Mr Weasley squeeze her hand and Bill who was sitting on her left pat her shoulder.

‘Ladies and Gentlemen the next person to receive their award has become one of the most admired witches in our society since the Battle of Hogwarts simply for doing one thing. Taking on and singlehandedly defeating Bellatrix LeStrange, am told by those who were witness to the magnificent duel that it was incredible magic at it’s most powerful. All youngsters have a lot to learn from this particular woman. Please applaud long and loud as you welcome to the stage Molly Weasley!’

Neville’s ears rang as everyone in the room leapt to their feet and roared their approval. Mrs Weasley Kissed Mr Weasley on the cheek and hugged each of her children before making her way to the stage. The raucous approval continued as Kingsley pinned her medal on her chest then afterwards as she stepped up to the lectern. She waved good naturedly to calm the audience down and took a deep breath once the noise quietened down and people resumed their seats.

‘Thankyou thankyou!’ she said ‘Let me echo my fellow recipients in saying how honoured I am to be lucky enough to be awarded an Order of Merlin First Class. I never thought that I would ever be in this situation. And I certainly never thought doing something as simple as defending my family would result in me being here now in front of you all. First of all I would like to thank my family starting with my husband Arthur, darling you being there by my side that night strengthened me beyond belief and without you by my side I would never be able to have done what I did. To my eldest sons Bill and Charlie, I know you weren’t able to get to Hogwarts that night boys but your support of your father and I and your brothers and sister in the aftermath is priceless and we thank you both for that. To my next eldest son Percy, honey it was very big of you to return and do what you did that night and in doing what you did began a lot of healing, thank you so much for that. Next to George, Georgie I know you’re going through indescribable grief at the moment but honey I and the rest of the family are there for you remember t-that....’

Mrs Weasley’s voice wavered and she took a moment to compose herself before continuing on.

‘Next to my youngest son Ronald....Ronnie I am so so proud of you, you stuck by Harry and Hermione all year and delved into the front line of the Battle with astounding bravery and you so deserve your honour tonight. The whole family is proud of you’

Even from as far away as he was Neville could see Ron’s ears turn red.

‘And lastly to my only daughter Ginny sweetheart you have blossomed into an extraordinary young woman and the bravery you displayed during the battle makes your father and I so incredibly proud of you, and no it doesn’t matter that you disobeyed our wishes that night. I’m sure if you hadn’t the light side would have lost many more. Your efforts I know helped many on our side’

Neville felt a lump form in his throat and he saw Ginny burst into silent tears and fall into Harry’s arms. Mrs Weasley stepped back from the lectern then made her way over to the seats where she sat beside Neville.

‘Kick arse speech Mrs W’ he said with a grin embracing her ‘spesh stuff’

‘Oh very funny Neville, it was nothing special’ Mrs Weasley said.

‘Yeah it was, it was great though I think you embarrassed the hell out of Ron by calling him Ronnie in front of all Wizarding elite society. He hates it when any of us do it and I think he only tolerates it from Hermione and she hardly ever calls him that’

Mrs Weasley chuckled.

'Ah now ladies and gentlemen now we get to the meaty part of the evening’ McKenzie said clapping gleefully ‘We are now about to award the Order of Merlin to the three people who are the reason we are all here tonight celebrating the end of the war. These three young people are extraordinary in every possible way and if anyone deserves an Order of Merlin First Class it’s these three. They have been dubbed the Golden Trio by the magical media and ladies and gentlemen we are truly privileged to be in the presence of these three young people. Please welcome to the stage to accept her Order of Merlin First class for her part in the Battle of Hogwarts Miss-Hermione-GRANGER!’

Neville leapt to his feet and actually screamed as Hermione (who turned a brilliant shade of magenta) rose from her seat and engulfed Ron in a hug. She then kissed him on the lips and proceeded to embrace everyone at the table. She then made her way toward the stage but was hailed by Seamus who insisted on kissing her on the cheek and enveloping her in a hug. All present members of the D.A got their chance to congratulate Hermione but it was still several long moments before she made it to the stage and allowed Kingsley to pin her Order of Merlin medal on her chest and kiss her on the cheek. This time Neville decided to start a chant and within seconds the whole room was chanting ‘HER-MIO-NE! HER-MIO-NE! HER-MIO-NE!. Hermione’s parents who were sitting on her left were applauding and cheering the loudest.

Hermione made her way up to the stage where Kingsley greeted her enthusiastically. He embraced her then kissed her on the cheek before pinning her Order of Merlin to her chest. She then stepped up to the lectern her throat clearing cough drowned out by the continuous cheers, whoops and ear splitting whistles. Ron in a fit of high spirits had thrust his wand into the air where from the tip purple and gold sparkly ribbons sprouted from the tip twisting into the words ‘I LOVE HERMIONE GRANGER Neville saw Charlie elbow Bill with a wide grin on his face and knew later Ron would be the butt of many jokes. But he also knew Ron wouldn’t give a shit.

Hermione tucked a stay strand of hair behind her ear and with a deep breath conjured her speech notes. Only then did her raucous reception die down.

‘Wow this is all rather overwhelming’ she said looking out over the packed ballroom ‘I thankyou all very much for the reception it really is humbling. I would like to begin by thanking all my friends and family in reverse order. First to my parents Richard and Louise, Mum and Dad you are two of the most understanding, compassionate and empathetic people one could have the fortune to meet. Thank you for understanding why I had to do what I did. I know it wasn’t easy to come to terms with and your support of me since coming home has meant so much to me’

There was polite applause and Neville saw Louise Hermione’s mother blow her daughter a kiss.

‘Next to all the members of Dumbledore’s Army who are here tonight who were at Hogwarts that awful night and who fought so bravely alongside your friends. Thank you so so much for your efforts. There are too many of you name individually but please know every spell you cast, every strategy you executed and every effort you went to means the world to me. If it weren’t for your help there’s no way Harry would have been able to do what he did thank you so much’

Neville could hear Hermione struggling to suppress tear now and sure enough she had a rather watery voice when she spoke again.

‘And next to my and excuse my bad English bestest friends forever Harry Potter and Ron Weasley. Boys you two are truly amazing and what you both did that night astound me. Not going into details but Ron the magic you performed in the Chamber was incredible but not I daresay as incredible as your comment about house elves afterward that truly was selfless’

Harry let out a loud snort and Neville could see his friend struggle to not burst into a fit of giggles, he also saw Ron turn a brilliant shade of red and cover his face with his hands. Hermione grinned and winked then continued on.

‘Harry I know you don’t like it but you truly are a legend and out of all of us receiving Order of Merlins tonight you deserve it most. The way you so selflessly acted in those hours puts us all to shame. You put yourself on the true front line and gave up everything in the name of morality and love to save us. Everyone here especially those closest to you will be forever in your debt’

The audience burst into applause as Hermione stepped back from the lectern and made her way over to the seats where she sat down beside Neville.

‘Did I detect a little ocular moisture from our heroine?’ He joked giving her a one armed squeeze.

No I don’t cry during speeches’ Hermione said with a grin.

‘Sure Hermione I believe ya thousands wouldn’t’ Neville said with a grin.

‘Oh ha ha you’re full of it Neville’

‘Ah all the girls after me say that’

Hermione just rolled her eyes.

Odeon McKenzie once again resumed his spot at the lectern bouncing on the balls of his feet like a little kid at the counter of a lolly shop.

‘Now ladies and gentlemen we come to the thirteenth and penultimate recipient of the First Class order of Merlins and this young man has done many many extraordinary the months. And he was one of the people who displayed extraordinary magic to destroy another of the Dark Lord’s Horcruxes therefore directly helping in Harry Potter’s efforts. He stood by Harry Potter and Hermione Granger during the darkest hours of the Battle of Hogwarts and again rose to the occasion a week later in the Lockinge Valley Riots when the residual Death Eater attacks began. One of the most accomplished casters of the Patronus Charm he has been a leader in the post war Patronus Tutoring lessons and has churned out dozens of young witches and wizards to go out on the Ministry led Dementor banishing missions. Ladies and Gentlemen and extraordinary young man Mr Ronald Weasley!’

Neville joined everyone else in the room to give Ron a standing ovation. She shook hands with all his family and Harry who remained at the table and set off to the stage his face a magnificent shade of red. Hermione applauded the loudest and her face shone in total unadulterated admiration as Ron climbed the steps and paused in front of Kingsley who pinned his Order of Merlin medal on his robes lapel. Hermione followed Ron’s earlier example and with a flourish of her wand the words I LOVE RONALD WEASLEY twisted into shape in glittering gold sparks. Neville didn’t think it possible but Ron turned a deeper shade of red and turned toward the lectern.

‘Someone’s going to get lucky tonight’ he whispered to Hermione.

‘Oh behave yourself Neville’ Hermione hissed he cheeks pinking up.

Because of the many people determined to congratulate him on the way up to the stage it took Ron longer then the previous recipients to make his way to the steps. And as he placed his foot on the first step Seamus began singing loudly.

‘WEASLEY IS OUR KING!
WEASLEY IS OUR KING
HE NEVER LETS THE BAD GUYS IN
WEASLEY IS OUR KING!

By now all of Ron’s friends and family had picked up the chant and were joining in, even McGonagall to Neville great amusement.

‘WEALSEY IS OUR KING
WEASLEY IS OUR KING
HE’LL ALWAYS MAKE SURE WE WILL WIN
WEASLEY IS OUR KING!

The chant continued even as Ron climbed the steps and made his way over to Kingsley who immediately embraced him and pinned his medal on his lapel with a flourish. The chant was so loud Neville who was only six feet away from the pair could not hear their conversation.

Ron shook Kingsley’s hand then turned and made his way up to the lectern.

‘WEASLEY IS OUR KING
WEASLEY IS OUR KING
HE NEVER LETS THE BAD GUYS IN
WEASLEY IS OUR KING!

Ron waved down the roar and the chant died down allowing Ron to begin speaking.

‘Seamus you’re nuts’ he said with a grin ‘I’ll be having words with you later, you can count on that’

Seamus sniggered heartily and tipped his flute of champagne to Ron in a silent toast. Ron retrieved his notes from his pocket but quickly dispensed with them vanishing them with a flick from his wand.

‘He’s not using his notes! Hermione hissed ‘and we spent hours writing that speech too!

‘He’ll be fine maybe he’s just got a stroke of inspiration’ Neville whispered putting a calming hand on her arm ‘here he goes’

Ron gripped each side of the lectern and began speaking.

‘I would like to echo my fellow awardees tonight in saying I am so very honoured to be the recipient of a First Class medal. Growing up the holders of an Order of Merlin First Class was people to be admired and to me it’s weird that in some people’s eyes I may just be that respected. I’d honestly be happy with my own chocolate frog card’

There was a collective snigger from the gathered audience. Ron grinned and carried on.

‘I won’t keep you all much longer after all we really need to get Harry up here, but there are a few people that need thanking before I finish. First to Mum and Dad I love you both so much you two are two of the bravest, fearless, determined people I know and your help in the Battle was essential to the final outcome especially yours Mum that was some incredible magic, really incredible’

‘Oh my boy!’ Neville heard Mrs Weasley whisper as she clutched a lace hanky to her nose.

Neville silently patted her arm then turned his attention back to Ron’s speech.

‘And next to all the boys and girls in Dumbledore’s Army who stayed back to help please forgive the time it takes to name them all but I do feel they deserve the accolades, Neville Longbottom, Seamus Finnigan, Dean Thomas, Padma and Pavarti Patil, Susan Bones, Hannah Abbott, Ernie McMillan, Justin Finch-Fletchley, Terry Boot, Luna Lovegood, Cho Chang, Katie Bell, Angelina Johnson, Oliver Wood my brothers Fred and George Weasley, Dennis and Colin Creevy, my sister Ginny Weasley and of course my two best friends Harry Potter and Hermione Granger. Without your help guys we would’ve been a goner and I’ll be forever in your debt you’re all legends and I love you all, especially you Hermione’

Hermione promptly turned a violent shade of scarlet and hid her face on Neville’s shoulder as from his table Seamus wolf whistled loudly. Ron himself blushed hard but continued on,

‘To the rest of my family Bill, Charlie, Perce, George and Gin you four are unbelievable. Bill and Charlie you help in the aftermath of the Battle was invaluable and none of your friends or family would be as well off as they are now without your help. Perce it was very big and selfless of you to come back into the thick of things when you did and in doing so strengthened our family to jump into the thick of things...thanks mate. To George mate to do what you did that night was incredible despite what you witnessed and I thank you from the bottom of my heart without your efforts the light side would have lost more I’m certain of it. No one around you except for one has any idea the indecent amount of pain you are in but please know this we, that being your friends and especially your family are here for you in whatever capacity’

From two seats down next to his father George nodded mutely.

‘And last but not least my two best friends Harry Potter and Hermione Granger. Wow what you two did that night is beyond any decipherable description. Harry you displayed bravery and morality that would put all your fellow Gryffindor’s to shame. I know few will disagree with me when I say you are a legend. What you did at that moment was magic at it’s most powerful and something all of us here will be telling our great grand kids about when we’re old and demented in the geriatric ward of St Mungos. Thank you for making us all feel safe again’

‘Harry’s going to hex him for that’ Hermione whispered with a giggle.

‘And lastly to the most gorgeous girl I have ever had the fortune to meet Hermione Granger’ Ron continued looking down at the lectern his face a warm shade of rouge ‘’Mione you are incredible. Having you alongside Harry and I the last twelve months was invaluable. If it wasn’t you Harry and particularly I would’ve done many more stupid things than we ended up doing. You were our sensible and pulled us into line. And you were awesome to watch during the battle. The way you wielded your wand was scary and I know without you the light side would have been a goner’

‘Oh someone’s definitely going to get lucky tonight’ Neville whispered in Hermione’s ear.

‘And last of all to my best friend Harry Potter. Mate never did I think when I met you on the Hogwarts Express seven years ago that we would end up here on this night. In the whole time I have known you it hasn’t been boring once. I am better at defence because of you as are so many more of your school mates. What you did went beyond the call of duty and I can never thank you enough. We’re here tonight in a quieter more peaceful world because of you and as one of your mates who was with you that night I would like to express my undying gratitude. You truly are a legend’

The audience burst into applause as Harry lifted his flute of champagne and silently toasted his best friend. Ron then turned and took the seat beside Hermione immediately lacing his fingers through hers.

‘You two ought to leave coming to Yorkshire with the rest of us and go rent a hotel room’ Neville whispered to his two friends ‘I’m sure Harry won’t mind’

‘Fuck off Neville’ came Ron’s dry reply.

The atmosphere in the ballroom thickened perceptively as the time came for Harry’s Order of Merlin arrived. The lights dimmed and a spotlight shone on the lectern where Odeon McKenzie looked fit to burst.

‘Ladies and Gentlemen we are now at the moment where we award the most extraordinary young man an Order of Merlin First Class. Ever since he entered Hogwarts seven years ago he has repeatedly fought and won in battles against the Dark Lord but three months ago he did it for the seventh and final time bringing to an end the darkest era in European wizarding history to a close. You all know what he did that night so further elaboration is unnecessary. Please be upstanding as we honour Harry James Potter!’

The roar from the audience was so loud the air itself seemed to shake as everyone screamed their approval. Harry got to his feet and hugged Ginny fiercely as the spotlight was trained on him. Harry’s reception was so enthusiastic normally reserved people like McGonagall and Mr and Mrs Weasley were dancing on the spot stamping their feet, whistling piercingly and letting firecrackers erupt from the end of their wands. Neville bit back a giggle as McGonagall did a quick circle dance with Flitwick and turned his attention back to Harry’s progress up to the stage which was at a snails pace as his friends and strangers surrounded him eager to give their personal congratulations.

Harry pushed his way through the crowd humbly accepting each person’s congratulations and a full five minutes after Odeon McKenzie announced him on stage he climbed the steps where he was enthusiastically greeted by Kingsley. Who shook his hand hard and pinned his medal on his left lapel. Tonks and Lupins medal swung jauntily off his right lapel were they were pinned side by side.

Seamus who had clearly been the D.A’s chief cheerleader all evening started up another chant.

‘SPEECH! SPEECH! SPEECH!

Within seconds the whole room was chanting and with a deep breath Harry retrieved some notes from his vest pocket and laid them out on the lectern. Eager to hear him speak the audience quickly quietened and resumed their seats.

‘Thankyou so much for your reception’ he began unconsciously adjusting his glasses ‘the fact you think so much of me is quite humbling. My speech may be a tad longer than my fellow recipients this evening and I beg your forgiveness as I thank all the people close to me and who had direct influence on why I’m up here in front of you all tonight. First to my late parents James and Lily Potter. If it weren’t for their sacrifice sixteen years ago when I was a baby there’s no way I would’ve had the strength to do what I had to. Their spirit was with me as I faced what I thought was certain death and in the months since the battle their memory has helped me on the long road to recovery. To Albus Dumbledore who started the search for the Horcruxes and sacrificed himself for the greater good. Sir there were times over the past twelve months that I was mad as hell at you but as always there were reasons and if it wasn’t for your earlier efforts I would’ve been screwed. To all the members of the Order of the Phoenix past and present, Mad Eye, Tonks, Remus, Sirius, Kingsley, Bill and Charlie Weasley, and Severus Snape. Thank you for being a tower of strength, thank you for fighting and in one members case thankyou for watching over me and loving her. If it wasn’t for your sacrifice I wouldn’t be here tonight finally able to relax. To Molly and Arthur Weasley. You have been the parents I never had and your guidance and advice over the years has been invaluable. I’m glad it was you two who were there for me when my own parents could not be’

Beside him Neville heard Mrs Weasley burst into silent tears.

‘Next to Dumbledore’s Army. Wow you guys are incredible. I didn’t think when we started up three years ago that we would be here tonight after what happened in the final battle. For a group of fifth years who first gathered in defiance of a pants Defence teacher we didn’t end up to bad did we?’

An enthusiastic cheer rose from the three tables where the D.A was gathered.

‘Next to my Girlfriend Ginny Weasley’ Harry went on ‘gorgeous girl you are one hell of a scary woman to watch when you’re in full swing and you being there in the Great Hall was like a tonic for the soul. And though I said the opposite when the troops were rallying I’m glad you left the room and fought in the front line. You helped more than you can imagine’

Ginny blew Harry a kiss and silently toasted him with her flute of champagne.

‘And lastly to the two people who have been by my side throughout the year leading up to the battle’ Harry said ‘Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger are two of the most, incredible, scary, skilled, determined and in Ron’s case stubborn....’

Ron turned red as a murmur of amusement washed over the crowd. Harry grinned and continued on.
‘Sensible, brave and selfless people I know. They are the two best friends a bloke like me could hope to have. I would no be here tonight right now accepting an Order of Merlin First Class if it were not for them. They helped me in so many ways so Ron ad Hermione thank you from the bottom of my heart I love you both’

Harry nodded ending his speech and the audience once again leapt to their feet to madly applaud him. Neville approached his mate and firmly shook his hand and cuffed him on the shoulder.

‘Great speech Harry’ he said as the other First Class recipients surrounded him ‘inspired stuff’

‘Yeah?’

‘Yeah great stuff’

It was an hour later when festivities finally began wrapping up.

‘How about we get changed then meet back at my place in half an hour?’ Neville suggested to Ginny ad Harry ‘that gives you guys enough time to get back to the Burrow and change’

‘Sounds good’ Harry said with a grin ‘I’m ready to let my hair down tonight’s been great but I’m ready for something informal’

‘Well you’re in for a night of informality then’ Neville said ‘Friday night is Karaoke night where we’re going’

Harry looked horror struck and Ginny sniggered.

‘I don’t sing’ Harry said.

‘You don’t have to’ Neville said with a laugh ‘But there is a five hundred pound prize if you win the comp they have’

‘What’s the equivalent in Galleons?’ Ginny asked in interest.

Neville did the mental math.
‘Uhhhhm about a hundred Galleons’ he replied ‘give or a take a sickle. But they do only have muggle music’

‘That doesn’t matter they’d have the words to read’

‘You sound like you’re thinking of having a go’ Harry said.

‘I am, why not?’ Ginny said with a grin ‘I’m willing to make a knob of myself for a hundred Galleons’

‘I’ll see you back at my place yeah?’ Neville said ‘I better go find Hannah’

‘Yeah see you soon Neville’

Neville pushed his way through the crowd still receiving accolades from his friends ad colleagues til he found Hannah talking with her father at their table.

‘I’m thinking of heading home’ he said to Hannah ‘do you want to come back with me or go back to your place to change?’

‘I’ll go home to change’ Hannah said getting to her feet ‘I’m too over dressed to go clubbing....are you coming home Dad or sticking around a bit?’

‘I might stay back and say good bye to a few people then head home but you go ahead of me sweetheart’ Mick replied ‘if you go back out before I get home have a safe night won’t you? If you get too drunk take the Knight Bus home or kip at Neville’s’

‘Okay I’ll do that thanks Dad’ Hannah said kissing her father on the cheek ‘See you in the morning’

‘See you sweetie’

‘I’ll see you at your place in abut fifteen yeah?’ Hannah said to Neville kissing him on the cheek.

‘Got ya’

A moment later Hannah disapparated and immediately after Neville followed appearing on the front porch of the house. He took of his cloak and made his way inside where he went upstairs to his room. He was down to his underwear when there was a crack of apparition and Hannah appeared in his toom wearing the same outfit se had at the ball but this time carrying a backpack. Neville jumped backwards tripping over his shoes causing him to fall backwards and hit his head painfully on the footboard of his bed.

‘Ah shit!’ he exclaimed clutching his head ad his scalp erupted in pain ‘Ow ow ow ow!’

Hannah looking horrified dropped her bag and fell to her knees.
‘Shit are you okay?’ she exclaimed rubbing the back of his head.

‘Yeah, yeah I’ll be fine’ Neville grimaced as the stinging subsided ‘Ah it stings!’

Hannah let out a snort but quickly covered it using all her self control not to giggle out loud.

Neville shot her a mock murderous look.
‘Do you enjoy seeing me in agony?’ he said making a face.

Hannah did actually laugh out loud at his words.
‘You know I don’t’ she said with a grin kissing him on the lips ‘shall I rub your owie better?’

Neville grinned.
‘Nah my owie is fine’ he said ‘I can think of something else you culd rub though’

Hannah laughed loudly and slapped his arm.
‘Neville Longbottom you are a pervert!’ she exclaimed getting to her feet and holding a hand out to him ‘I should hex you, you know’

Neville grasped her hand and got to his feet.
‘Yeah but you won’t’ he said with a grin heading toward the ensuite ‘you’re not the violent type’

‘I could learn to be!’

Neville brushed his teeth then went back into the bedroom where Hannah was dressed only in her lacy and very brief lingerie hanging up her dress on the back of the room door. Neville immediately felt a rush of blood head to his loins as he walked over to her and wrapped his arms around her waist.

‘You ought to get around in your knickers more often’ he whispered in her ear then moving down to kiss her on the neck ‘it’s very becoming’

Hannah giggled.
‘Only you would say that’ she said turning around and rubbing the tip of her nose against his ‘I think Algie, Enid and Augusta would have something to say if I turned up for a day to be spent in your company in just my knickers and bra’

‘So wait til you get up here to strip off’ Neville said with a grin slowly grinding his arousal against her hips ‘actually I think you would be overdressed if you were wearing knickers and a bra’

‘Oh now you’re definitely a pervert’ Hannah said with a giggle reaching down and rubbing the bulge in his underpants ‘if I’m over dressed you defintely are, in fact I really think these ought to come off’

‘You’re reading my mind then’

Hannah hooked her thumbs over the edge of Neville’s underpants and slowly began pulling them down. Neville twitched slightly when they caught on his arousal and exhaled in a rush when they dropped to floor. He stepped out of them and allowed Hannah to push him back toward the bed where he flopped down his arousal sticking up hard and proud. Hannah crawled between his legs and grasped his length gently pumping him.

‘Merlin, I have the feeling I’m no going to last long’ he groaned.

‘You don’t have to’ Hannah replied ‘Now everyone is going to be here soon so how about we do this at the same time? I don’t really want to have to wait to have your head between my legs’

‘Get up on the bed then’

Hannah divested herself of her lingerie and climbed onto the bed. She gave Neville a long languid kiss then positioned her dripping core over his face.
‘Now be nice’ she said with a grin ‘or I will be forced to punish you’

‘I think that’s something I can only look forward to’ Neville replied with a grin.

Hannah leaned forward and enveloped Neville’s length in her mouth, he in turn prised her lips apart and licked her languidly bottom to top, she let out a small squeak and tensed up but then relaxed. Neville greedily drank in her scent as he stiffened his tongue and poked it into her core. He grasped her hips hard and latched onto her clit sucking, nipping, pulling and pressing on it all the time his own arousal heightening as Hannah worked on him.

‘Shit Neville I think I think I’m gonna cum before you!’ Hannah squeaked rubbing his balls ‘oh man alive!....shit!’

‘Let go’ Neville groaned circling her clit with his thumb and inserting two fingers into her core ‘come for me hard’

Hannah arched her back and ground her core against Neville’s ministrations totally forgetting about his cock then the hot swoop of climax crashed down on her and she screamed her release. Neville greedily lapped up her release as she gushed down upon his face.

‘Oh god that was amazing!’ Hannah breathed running her fingers through her hair and heaving for breath.

‘You’re twitching’ Neville muttered huskily nibbling at her folds.

‘Do you blame me?’ Hannah said with a giggle returning her attentions to his cock ‘you’ll be twitching in a minute I can guarantee that’

Neville tensed as once again he felt Hannah’s mouth slide down his arousal. She gently grasped his balls and rolled them in her fingers as she sucked, nibbled and blew on his hardness. Neville gritted his teeth and rabbed at Hannah’s hips thrusting softly into the warm cavern of her mouth.

The suddenly they heard the sounds of Algie, Enid and Augusta apparating home.

‘Shit they’re home!’ Neville hissed making to get up.

Hannah clamped her legs around his head and grabbed the nearest wand which happened to be Neville’s. Then with some quick spellwork she locked and warded the door wordlessly. She then discarded the wand and returned her attention back to bringing Neville to climax.

‘What wards did you cast?’ Neville groaned thrusting into her mouth.

‘Locking, Silencing and a repelling charm that will only activate if someone comes within a foot of the door’ Hannah murmurred slurping on him ‘mmmm you taste great’

Hannah slowly and torturously swallowed his entire length causing another violent shock of arousal to shoot up Neville’s spine she then massaged his balls and moved with him as he thrust into her mouth.

‘Shit Han I’m cl-ose I’m close!’ Neville squeaked as the dull ache of climax began building in his hips as he thrust harder and harder into her mouth ‘Ahhh....!’

And with one final hard thrust Neville spilled his essence into Hannah’s mouth his muscles twitching as each wave of climax washed over him.

‘ARRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHH!’ he bellowed ‘Holy shit!’

Hannah swallowed and got up turning around to face him.
‘Told ya I’d make you twitch’ she said saucily licking her fingers theatrically.

‘Hannah Louise Abbott you are a naughty naughty girl’ Neville puffed resting a hand on her hips ‘If you hadn’t put those enchantments on the door Gran would’ve come running’

‘Well you did rather scream didn’t you?’ Hannah said with a grin laying down on her front and resting her chin on his heaving chest.

‘Yeah well so did you’ Neville countered ‘how long do you reckon we could lay here before the others guess where we are?’

‘Not much longer I don’t think Hannah replied with a grin ‘we’re getting rather good with this oral sex lark aren’t we? Just think we could quite possibly be experts by the time we’re ready for the real thing’

There was a loud and ringing silence where Neville blushed violently and Hannah looked away.

‘Me and my big mouth’ she muttered scrambling to sit up ‘sorry’

Neville sat up.
‘You don’t have to be’ he whispered in her ear ‘you know I want to right? I want to do it more than anything but it’s not quite the time yet. I want it to feel right, I want to make love not fuck. You’re too good just to fuck’

Hannah’s round face was a shade similar to the setting sun.
‘You’re being very noble’ she said speaking into her lap ‘typical bloody Gryffindor, but thanks’

‘No worries, now how about we get decent and make our way downstairs?’

‘Yes let’s’

Hannah and Neville quickly re-dressed and serruptisiously left the room and Headed downstairs. Every day he was with Hannah he could feel their bond strengthening wether their interludes were sexual and not and more than once in the lead up to the Order fo Merlin Ball he was on the brink of telling her all about his parents but something indefinable always made him bite his tongue. But now after their latest intimate encounter he came to the conclusion it was time to follow his Gran’s advice and tell her about his parents.

Tomorrow.