It Started With a Kiss

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A/N1: Okay peoples here is the fourth installment of my Neville/Hannah fic. Sorry it's taken so long for it to be updated by the Grande Fromage's (Big cheeses...lol) at AFF central had issues with my disclaimer and hid it from public view til I fixed it. I got quite teary toward the middle of this fic but writing about death and funerals can do that to a girl I suppose. I have lots of ideas and situations I want Neville and Hannah to get involved in and if I can make them sound realistic and not like I'm not a retard I'll be happy. The next chapter is where things start to heat up between Neville and Hannah and once I've finished it, it'll be here for my few but loyal reviewers to feast upon...lol...as if that'd happen!

Anyway I hope you enjoy this installment.

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After dinner Neville went with Ron, Hermione and Hermione to the second floor where they ensconced themselves in a locked and silenced room to talk about the Patronus tutoring sessions. With her Hermione brought several sheets of parchment each bearing the official seal of the Ministry of Magic.

‘Okay you’re going to have to fill me in on everything, Kingsley had to apparate off somewhere when he mentioned these Patronus tutoring sessions’ Neville said sitting down on one of the armchairs Hermione had conjured.

‘Well it’s not very complicated’ Hermione said laying out the pieces of parchment on one of the desks ‘Here on these pieces of parchment are the names of the of age witches and wizards who wish to help the Ministry in the banishing of the loose Dementors. We are to divide them into easily managed groups managed by two instructors then owl the people in those groups with a time and a place of the first session. Kingsley has also asked us to recruit as many DA members as possible so we can get as many Patronus producing witches and wizards out there’

‘So how many people have expressed their interest?’

‘Two thousand in total but Kingsley has given us a list of three hundred and twenty to sort through’

‘So anyone ideas for when we are to start these sessions?’

‘Next Wednesday that’s the first day there’s no funerals on’

‘So who do you all plan on asking to help?’ Neville asked Harry.

‘Oh all the old DA members. Dean, Seamus, Lavender, Angelina, Cho, The Patil twins, Gin, Luna, Susan, Justin, Hannah and Ernie. I think for the time being it’s best to leave George and Katie alone. Katie is still sedated suffering from shock and apparently George is holed up in his room at the Burrow not much better’

‘Are you okay to do this?’ Neville asked Ron who looked sober when the talk turned to the funerals ‘Fred was your brother too’

‘No I’m not but I will be’ Ron said rubbing his face ‘I have to be strong for Mum, Dad and George of everyone in the family they’re taking it the hardest. I’m doing this because it’s part of getting the magical world back to normal. Or as normal as it can get after what’s happened’

There was a brief period of awkward contemplative silence before Hermione shuffled the sheafs of parchment in front of her.

‘Okay lets get started’ She said handing each of the boys a sheet each ‘On each piece of parchment there’s a list of eighty people and four DA members. Divide them into groups of twenty and assign two DA members to each group. Then we’ll send off owls to those DA members not at the castle now asking to meet us here for further discussion. Kingsley indicated he’d prefer no information to go out in owls and an in person meeting would be more secure’

‘Do you want Harry, Ron and I to write the owls to the people in the groups?’ Neville asked seizing a quill’

‘No I’ll do that then duplicate them. But before we send out those owls we need to get together with all the DA members who will volunteer to tutor these people so we know how many instructors we have. If some can’t or say no we’ll have to make bigger groups’

‘What about the DA galleons?’ Ron asked making a note on his piece of parchment ‘Couldn’t you activate the Protean Charm on those?’

‘I could but those members who aren’t at the castle and are with family will need to plan ahead and prepare their loved ones for their departure. If they suddenly leave when they feel their coin activated that’ll cause even more distress and I’m sure you’ll agree there’s been quite enough of that’

‘Yeah true if any of us left Mum and Dad alone again Mum would go ape’ Ron said ‘And I couldn’t do that to her. Not now’

‘Okay let’s get to work’

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Half an hour later Neville, Harry, Ron and Hermione lay down their quills the sorting of the Patronus tutoring groups finalised.

‘Okay now all we have to do is owl the prospective instructors and see when we can get things formalised’ Hermione said pulling out another sheet of smaller parchment then flicking her wand and muttering Geminus . Instantly the single piece of parchment became sixteen.

‘Okay all you have to do is sign the bottom of this letter then send them off to the appropriate people’ Hermione said.

‘Hang on the five DA members you assigned to my group of people are still at the Castle' Neville said ‘I can go see Luna, Hannah, Susan, Ernie and Justin now’

‘Would you mind?’ Hermione asked gratefully ‘Then those five letters can go to Oliver, Alicia and others’

‘Yeah it’s no hassle I can call by the Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff common rooms on my way back upstairs’

‘Good just tell them we’re looking at Friday night in the Room of Requirement for this meeting’

‘The Room of Requirement?’ Ron piped up in surprise ‘I thought after the Friendfyre went through it would’ve been destroyed’

‘Well I thought so too but I had a theory which turned out to be correct that only the form the room took at the time the Friendfyre went through would be destroyed. So if we ask for a large common room type space for this meeting it should transform. It transformed into a woodwork shop when I asked it to’

‘When did you do this?’ Neville asked in interest.

‘Yesterday after Kingsley left. If that didn’t work I was going to suggest the Hogs Head’

‘I don’t want to go into Hogsmeade at the moment I hear the High Street is like the magical version of Fleet Street’ Harry said screwing up his note ‘Apparently the Daily Prophet and Wizarding Financial Times have set up temporary offices there’

‘Who’d you hear that from?’ Neville asked in amazement.

‘Aberforth he sent me an owl this morning to check on how things were going. He reckons the press from Europe will start turning up soon. I’m not going to be able to go out in public for ages. And imagine when word gets out that I’m starting in the Auror Department. Rita Skeeter will crawl over broken glass to get that story out there’

‘She won’t if we remind her of her animagus issue’ Hermione said acidly.

‘Erm her animagus issue?’ Neville asked in confusion.

‘Rita Skeeter is an unregistered animagus’ Hermione said ‘I found out in fourth year during the Triwizard Tournament’

‘How?’

‘The same way Hermione finds out about everything’ Ron said ‘Homework’

Harry let out a great snorting laugh which set Ron off and eventually Neville joined in. All the time Hermione gave Ron a mock death stare.

‘Wankers’ She muttered.

‘So is that it for tonight?’ Neville asked folding up his sheaf of parchment.

‘Yeah it’s all we can do for now’ Hermione said ‘All that needs to be done is get the old D.A together and we can go forward from there. Thanks for your help Neville’

Neville got up and vanished his chair with a flick from his wand.
‘No worries Hermione I’m always glad to help’ He said ‘Well I’m off to see Luna, Hannah, Ernie, Justin and Susan. See you all in the common room’

‘Byeeee’

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Being the nearest on his journey back to Gryffindor Tower Neville called by the Hufflepuff common room first. A portrait of Helga Hufflepuff the house founder graced the entrance and she greeted him with great enthusiasm.

‘Ah Neville Longbottom!’ She exclaimed ‘I’ve heard so much about you!’

‘Who from?’ Neville asked in amusement ‘Peeves?’

‘Yes him and amongst others one very enamoured Miss Hannah Abbott. You are popular with her’

Neville blushed.
‘Well I’m here to see her along with, Susan, Ernie and Justin’ Neville said ‘May I come in?’

‘Of course I’d feel privileged for you to set foot in my house. And just so you know I do wish you had been sorted into Hufflepuff’ Helga said with a huge grin on her face.

‘Er thanks Helga’

The portrait disappeared an in it’s place formed a huge oak door, Neville pushed on it gently and it swung forward easily despite it’s great weight. Behind was a short walkway which led into the large airy Hufflepuff common room which was a soft mix of khaki and Hufflepuff yellow. The first people to notice Neville’s arrival was Justin Finch Fletchley and Ernie McMillan who were playing an enthusiastic game of chess.

‘Oh bollocks’ Ernie cussed as one of his pieces was demolished and dragged off the board ‘Neville!’

‘Hey lads things are a bit slow up in Gryffindor so I thought I’d come down here and annoy you, Susan and Hannah for a while’ Neville joked plopping down into a spare chair ‘Who’s winning?’

‘This sodding prat’ Ernie said making a face as he gestured toward Justin who was grinning like a Cheshire cat.

‘Not in the series though Ernie’s ahead seven six’ Justin replied as he contemplated his next move ‘Hmmmmm’

‘How many in the series?’

‘Fifteen’

‘You’ve played fifteen straight games?’ Neville asked ‘Geez I would’ve been bored out of my brain before then'

‘Well no we’ve not played fifteen straight today it’s a challenge we started the first night after the battle’ Ernie said ‘You know all part of getting back to normal. I figured chess was a normal part of the wizarding world and that’s what society needs at the moment. To get back to normal as soon as possible’

‘You make it sound like this particular game is going to settle society down’ Justin said with a snort.

‘Don’t be a prat Finch boy’

‘So where are Hannah and Susan?’ Neville asked ‘Harry, Ron and Hermione have had an idea for a D.A project and want our help’

That comment forced Ernie and Neville to stop playing their game and peer at Neville in great interest.

‘A D.A project?’ Ernie repeated keenly.

‘Yup but I need to talk to you all together as well as Luna we’re going to have to make a trip up to the Ravenclaw common room to see her’ Neville said ‘This project requires as many D.A members as possible to be successful and you lads plus Susan, Hannah and Luna are the only D.A members remaining at the Castle’

‘I’ll go fetch the girls’ Ernie said getting out of his chair ‘They’ll be down quick smart to hear about this bit of news’

Ernie left the main part of the common room and went upstairs where Neville assumed the Hufflepuff dormitories were.

‘So who’s idea is this D.A project?’ Justin asked pressing Neville for more information ‘Yours? You ran the D.A when we were all holed up in the room of requirement during the year’

‘Nah this one definitely isn’t mine’ Neville replied ‘It comes from a higher power, I’ll tell you and the others more once we get up to the Ravenclaw common room’

A moment later Ernie returned downstairs with Susan and Hannah who gave Neville a furtive wink when his eyes fell on him.

‘Okay so what’s this D.A project Ernie told us about?’ Susan asked.

‘I’ll tell you once we’ve gone upstairs and fetched Luna’ Neville said ‘As part of the D.A she needs to be in on this too’

‘Fair enough’

The group left the Hufflepuff common room and went to the next floor up where the Ravenclaw common room was. The portrait covering the entrance was open so Neville stepped through.

‘You lot wait here and I’ll get Luna’ He said to the others ‘If you can find a spare classroom we can meet in’

‘I know just the place’ Justin said eagerly ‘Fifth room down the hall on the left’

‘I’ll meet you there’

The others walked off and Neville continued into the main part of the Ravenclaw common room which was decorated in various shades of blue. A huge Ravenclaw House wall hanging bearing the house crest hung over the now empty fireplace. Terry Boot a seventh year Ravenclaw who had remained behind to fight in the final battle was seated in one of the many chairs reading a book.

‘Hey Neville!” He said brightly ‘What brings you to Ravenclaw?’

‘I need to see Luna’ Neville said ‘Is she here? It’s important’

‘Yeah sure hang on a sec I’ll go get her’

Terry put his book face down on the nearest table and went up a nearby set of stairs to fetch Luna. A few minutes later Luna returned obviously having just come out of the showers. Steam came off her in great billowing clouds and her platinum blonde hair was hidden in a blue towel twisted into a turban.

‘You’re smoking’ Neville said with a laugh.

‘Ha ha’ Luna said ‘What’s happening? Terry said it was important’

‘Yeah it is, your opinion is needed on a few things. I’m meeting some others just down the hall. Will you come?’

‘Of course’

Luna followed Neville out of the Ravenclaw common room and down the hall to the spare classroom where the others from Hufflepuff had gathered. Quite a bit of spell work had gone on and the room resembled more of a lounge room than a disused classroom.

‘Neville what’s going on?’ Hannah asked ‘You’re being awfully mysterious. Nothing’s wrong is it?’

Neville shut the door behind him and applied a silencing and locking charm to the door.

‘No nothing’s wrong but Harry, Ron and Hermione need our help’ He said ‘Yesterday the new minster for magic Kingsley Shacklebolt came to them and asked them to gather around them as many people as possible that were capable of producing a full corporeal Patronus. Apparently there are thousands of rogue Dementors out there and hundreds of people in magical society have been recruited to banish them. It’s their job as well as mine to go around all the D.A members and see how many of them are able and who want to help. Apparently it’s the minister’s goal to replace the Dementors as the Azkaban guards with witch and wizard wardens. So the reason I’m here is to see if you lot are willing and able to help’

Hannah, Susan, Ernie, Justin and Luna agreed loudly.

‘Of course we’ll help’ Ernie said pompously ‘We need to help’

‘Great now just on two thousand people have volunteered to help banish the Dementors but not all of them can produce a Patronus. It’s Harry, Ron, Hermione and my job to gather together all the remaining D.A members to divide those people up into groups and tutor them’

‘Two thousand people?’ Susan yelped ‘The D.A needs to teach two thousand people to produce a Patronus?’

‘No not all two thousand there are others in magical society who is doing the coaching’ Neville replied ‘The Minister gave Hermione a list of three hundred and twenty people for the D.A to coach. We’ve done the sums and that works out to be twenty people per pair of DA members. Harry wants each group to be coached by two people. I have a list of a hundred and twenty people who we here will be responsible for’

‘I think twenty people per pair of DA members are a manageable number’ Justin said ‘So who’s pairing with who?’

‘Well for the list I have I’ve got you and Ernie, Susan and Luna and Hannah and I managing the groups’ Neville said.

‘Fair enough’

‘So when do these sessions start?’ Luna asked.

‘That’s what we’ve yet to work out’ Neville replied ‘There’s a meeting Friday night at eight o’clock in the room of requirement for all those people who are willing to help. There we’ll work out a time that suits everyone and venues. We’re looking at starting these sessions next Wednesday that’s the first day where there’s no funerals’

‘I’m still allowed to help?’ Luna asked ‘I’m not of age yet’

‘The Minister isn’t worried about that now’ Neville said ‘He wants anyone who is capable of producing a corporeal Patronus to help and sod how old the tutors are. Ginny’s not of age either and she’s going to help’

‘Oh okay then’

‘How come Terry’s not here?’ Luna continued ‘As part of the D.A her should be here. He can produce a corporeal Patronus too’

‘He’s on the list Ron’s got so Ron will catch up with him sometime soon’ Neville said ‘He along with you lot and a few from Gryffindor are the only other members of the D.A that are still at the Castle the rest we’re sending express owls out to’

‘So there should be a decent turn out then’ Susan said.

‘That’s what we’re hoping’ Neville said ‘With those two thousand helpers out there the problem should be dealt with pretty quickly but we need to get started soon so we don’t have Dementor attacks’

‘Have there been any yet?’ Hannah asked worriedly.

‘None that I’ve heard but we’ve got to mobilise quickly so they don’t start’

In a fit of frivolousness Ernie got up and cried ‘EXPECTO PATRONUM! a silver boar with tusks akin to an elephants erupted from the end of his wand and began running circles around them before fading into a formless mist.

‘Well that works’ He said casually.

‘That’s what you need to teach your group of twenty’ Neville said ‘Do you think you can do that?’

‘Sure. I’m glad to help Neville we all are’ Ernie said seriously as he pocketed his wand.

The others murmured in agreement.

‘Thanks everyone it means a lot to me and the others’ Neville said ‘You’ve already done a lot and you don’t have to stay and do this’

Hannah laid a hand on his arm.
‘But we want to’ She said ‘We’re not doing it for out selfish reasons. A lot of us have lost people in the lead up to this war or during the war itself and we’re doing what we can where we can to return the world to its state before all this shit started going down. Or as close to it as we can get in any case’

If they had been alone at the moment Neville would’ve kissed her.

‘Well that’s til until Friday night’ Neville said ‘See you at eight in the room, of requirement eh?’

‘Are you going to Fred Weasley’s funeral tomorrow?’ Ernie asked.

‘Of course you?’

‘Yeah we all are, just to pay respects to a fellow D.A member. And to support Ron and Ginny of course’

‘Well I’ll see you there then’

‘Yeah no worries’

Hannah stayed back and as soon as Ernie let the door shut behind him she kissed Neville right on the lips.
‘I wish I could stay’ She said ‘I think what you’re doing is very noble, you don’t have to do this you know’

Neville returned the kiss.
‘Yeah I know’ He said ‘But I want to. And I’m sure things won’t be so bad when we do these sessions together’

‘Awww you’re sweet’ Hannah said with a grin ‘Are you catching the eleven portkey from the Great Hall to go to Fred’s funeral?’

‘Yeah’

‘So am I, I think all of us here tonight are. The next few days are going to be hard for me’ Hannah said laying her head on Neville’s chest ‘Will you be there to hug me when I need it?’

‘Of course that’s a silly question’ Neville said in amusement giving Hannah a light squeeze ‘And you’ll do the same?’

‘Silly question Neville’ Hannah said with a snort.

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The following morning dawned and cast a depressing pall over the castle. The first funeral of the victims of the last battle was to be held today and the atmosphere reflected that of a Dementor arrival. Neville rose early and made his way down to the Great Hall. As it had been for Cedric Diggory three years previously it had been decorated with black hangings bearing the Hogwarts Crest and a banner reading ‘FRED WEASLEY GRYFFINDOR HOUSE 1978-1998’ hung above the high table where the coloured hanging of the school crest usually hung. Neville sat at his usual table and silently began eating his breakfast pondering on the coming events for the day. As usual he was joined by Hannah a few minutes later.

‘I’m not looking forward to today’ She said plopping down next to him ‘I hate funerals. They’re bloody depressing’

‘They’re not meant to be cheerful occasions’ Neville said ‘More a celebration of the life of the person who has passed’

‘Hmmm that’s not going to be any comfort to Mr and Mrs Weasley or Ron and Ginny’ Hannah said adding some bacon to her plate ‘We’ll just have to be there for them I suppose’

‘Exactly’

A short time later Ernie, Justin and Susan entered the Great Hall and joined Neville and Susan at their table.

‘I came up with an idea last night after that meeting we had’ Susan said to Neville reaching into her pocket and pulling out a rectangular piece of card and enlarging it with a poke from her wand ‘I made this card for the whole Weasley family, Mr and Mrs Weasley Bill, Charlie, Percy, George, Ron and Ginny and I was wondering if you would sign it? Ernie, Justin, Hannah and I have already signed it’

‘Of course count me in’ Neville said laying his fork down ‘Got a quill?’

‘Yeah’

Susan produced a quill and bottle of ink and gave them to Neville. He opened the card dipped the quill into the ink and paused briefly to think of what to write before pressing the nib to the paper and writing the following.

To Mr and Mrs Weasley, Bill, Charlie, Percy, George, Ron and Ginny. I know there’s nothing I can say or do so make your loss any less keen but please know my thoughts are with you at this difficult time. If there’s anything I can do please send an owl, Yours Neville Longbottom’

Neville cast a drying charm on the ink and a cleaning charm on the quill before handing it back to Susan.
‘There you go’ He said.

‘Thanks, now can you get as many old D.A members from Gryffindor as possible to sign this, then give it to Mrs and Mrs Weasley? They know you better than us. And you led the D.A when Harry wasn’t here. It would make more sense for it to come from you’

‘You sure about that?’ Neville said doubtfully ‘It might mean more if it comes from someone that didn’t know them very well’

‘Maybe but it might mean more for it to some from someone they know too’ Susan countered ‘Plus you’re more likely to go to the wake when it’s appropriate to give such a condolence card’

‘Oh I suppose, yeah okay I’ll give it to them’ Neville said.

‘Thanks Neville’

‘No worries’

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Neville returned to Gryffindor Tower after breakfast after making arrangements for Hannah to meet him outside the portrait of the Fat Lady at quarter to eleven. The first person her ran into was Hermione.

‘Hey Hermione how’s Ron?’ Neville asked.

‘Not really great’ Hermione said quietly ‘I tried to convince him to come down for breakfast but he said he didn’t want to face any more people than he has to today so I stayed up here with him Ginny and Harry and we had breakfast here’

Neville pulled the condolence card from his pocket and held it out to Hermione.
‘This is a condolence card from the whole D.A to the whole Weasley family Susan, Hannah, Ernie and Justin from Hufflepuff put together. I’ve just come from Ravenclaw where Terry and Luna signed it. Can you and Harry sign it? I’d like to get as any D.A members as possible to put their mark on it’

‘Of course!’ Hermione said going to a desk in the corner of the room upon which rested several quills and pots of ink ‘Harry is up in your dorm at the moment now you could get him to sign it now’

‘Is Ron there? I kind of want to present it to the whole family as a surprise’

‘Ron’s probably asleep he went straight back to bed after breakfast so I’m sure you could get Harry to sign it without to many problems’ Hermione replied dipping one of the quills into some ink and writing her message of condolence ‘I like what you wrote. Very thoughtful’

‘Thanks’

Hermione wrote a short message then dried the ink and gave the card back to Neville.
‘There you go’ She said ‘How are you going to get the other D.A members to sign it?’

‘Well Harry said something to me last night at dinner that all the old D.A members are going to come to Fred’s funeral as a sign of solidarity for Ron and Ginny so I suppose I’ll get them to do it all then discreetly of course’ Neville replied ‘I don’t suppose Dean and Seamus are up in the dorms are they?’

‘No I don’t think so Seamus would be in the hospital wing getting a final check over from Madam Pomfrey and I think Dean is off in the company of Padma’

‘Okay then I’ll wait til we get to the cemetery to get them to sign it. I don’t really want to walk in on Dean and Padma snogging or Seamus being examined’

Hermione snorted.
‘I doubt he’s having anything examined with a Probity Probe you know’ She said with a chuckle.

‘Still I’ll wait I don’t really want to go out of my way looking for people when I can catch up with them at the funeral’

‘Fair enough’

Hermione headed for the girls dormitories and Neville headed for the boys dormitories. Only Harry and Ron were there and as Hermione predicted Ron was in bed sound asleep. Harry was in his bed laying on his back and idly levitating various items and making them zoom around the room.

‘Hey Neville’ He said dully.

‘Hey Harry, what’s doing?’

‘I’m practicing my levitation charms’ Harry said with a grin lowering the Gryffindor Scarf he had cast the spell on ‘What’s that?’

Neville held up the condolence card.
‘It’s a condolence card to the Weasley’s that Susan started’ He said ‘It’s from the everyone in the D.A. Susan, Hannah, Ernie, Justin, Luna, Terry, Padma Patil and Hermione have signed I and I’m trying to get the DA members who come to the funeral to sign it before I present it to Mr and Mrs Weasley. Will you sign it? I mean you are the D.A you inspired me to keep it going this year’

‘Yeah no worries Neville’ Harry said swinging his legs over the end of his bed ‘You know I don’t know how I’m going to get through today. I barely kept it together at Dumbledore’s funeral’

‘I don’t think anyone is expecting you to keep it together Harry’ Neville said sitting on his own bed ‘You don’t have to be strong all the time you know. It’s human to be weak at times. No one would think any less of you if you showed some weakness’

‘Hmmm I just want to be strong for Gin you now? She looked up to Fred so much’

‘I think the best thing for you to do is just be there for her’ Neville said sagely ‘But the whole Weasley family is going to need their friends around them and you being one of them will need to be there. Even if it’s for something as small as making Mrs Weasley a cup of tea or pour Mr Weasley a shot of Firewhiskey’

Harry laughed.
‘I can manage that’ He said casting a drying charm on his message in the condolence card then giving it back to Neville.

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At quarter to eleven Neville left Gryffindor Tower dressed in the most appropriate clothes he had for a funeral. Black shirt, tie, vest and trousers along with his black dress robes. Over that he wore a black travelling cloak and on his feet he wore his dress shoes to which he had applied a shoe shine charm. Hannah was waiting for him dressed in a black floor length floaty spaghetti strap dress over which she wore black dress robes. On her feet she wore black stilettos and in her hair she wore a modest feather fascinator. Despite the reason for getting dressed up Neville couldn’t help but have his breath taken away by her.

‘Wow you look gorgeous!’ He breathed.

‘Thanks you look pretty handsome yourself’ Hannah said with a small smile ‘Shall we go?’

Neville held his arm out for her but Hannah disregarded it and grasped his hand lacing her fingers through his.

‘I thought you wanted to keep things quiet’ Neville said squeezing her hand.

‘I did but now I feel ready not to hide any more. How about you?’

‘Yeah who cares if people see us together?’ Neville said with a grin ‘They can go snog the Giant Squid’

Hannah sniggered.

A few people whispered and pointed at Hannah and Neville as they made their way down to the Great Hall but for the most part they were too caught up in what was to come that they didn’t bother them.

A row of Portkeys were laid out on the High Table ready for those who were going to Fred’s funeral. Hannah and Neville joined the cue to a stuffed panda bear portkey where Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Seamus, Lavender, Luna and the Patil twins Pavarti and Padma were waiting. Hermione gave Neville a furtive wink and smile when she spied Hannah and Neville holding hands. But no words were spoken til Professor McGonagall stepped up to the High Table.

‘Each Portkey will depart at five minute intervals from eleven am’ She said ‘Starting from the right to the left. Please make sure you have grasped your desired portkey when it glows blue’

Neville and Hannah immediately went with the others as they gathered around the panda. At one minute to eleven it glowed blue and each one of them made sure they were in contact with some part of it. The right on eleven AM it glowed gold and activated pulling those holding onto it into nothingness.

A moment later the suffocating pressure on Neville’s chest lessened and he became aware of his surroundings. He stumbled onto his knees but quickly got up holding his hand out to Hannah to help her to her feet.

‘Where are we?’ Neville asked Hermione.

‘Not sure’ Hermione replied ‘A cemetery obviously’

‘It’s the Ottery St Catchpole village cemetery’ Ginny replied dully ‘The magical one. Uncle Bilius and Mum’s brothers Uncle Fabian and Gideon are buried here. Mum and Dad have a family plot here. We just didn’t think we’d be putting any of us in it so soon’

Hermione gave her friend a tight hug.

Neville and Hannah followed the crowd as they apparated and portkeyed into the cemetery til they came to the Weasley family plot which was surrounded by many white fold out chairs. Neville was looking about the rows of seats which were quickly filling when Ginny tugged on his cloak.

‘Will you sit with our family?’ She asked softly ‘Neville you’re on of Ron’s mates and therefore one of mine I’d like to have you close during the service’

‘Are you sure?’ Neville asked ‘You and Ron are the only Weasley’s I know well would your parents mind?’

‘No they wouldn’t. They know the importance of friends. Please Neville it would mean a lot to me’

‘Okay then’

‘I’ll go sit with the others’ Hannah said to Neville pointing to where Ernie, Justin and Susan had just arrived.

‘Don’t be silly, stay’ Ginny said to Hannah grasping her arm.

‘Are you sure?’

‘Of course I am’ Ginny said ‘It’ll be nice to have as many D.A members close by. You guys are all friends. We’ll need you all around I can tell you’

Neville and Hannah started making their way down toward the front rows of seating in front of a freshly dug grave. Next to it was a small memorial display commemorating Fred’s life. A framed photo board of the former Gryffindor took pride of place documenting each year of his short life along with his prized dragon hide jacket, wand, Gryffindor scarf a Weasley’s Wizarding Wheezes catalogue and his battered quidditch beaters gloves. Despite the solemn occasion the display was bright colourful and cheerful reflecting that of Fred in life. The entire front row of seats was taken up by the Weasley family so Neville and Hannah chose seats closest to the aisle in the second row and sat down.

‘Can you hold our seats?’ Neville asked Hannah quietly ‘I want to try and get some more D.A signatures on this card while I can’

‘Yeah no worries’

Neville walked back into the main group of attendees and within no time had filled the card with condolence notes from every attending D.A member. Only when a midnight black hearse clearly with magical properties materialised at the gate of the cemetery did he return to the seating. A gathered string quartet struck up a slow mournful tune and a celebrant took his place at a lectern by the memorial display as Bill, Charlie, Percy, George, Ron, Ginny and Harry got up and made their way to the hearse. In the front row a stoic Mr Weasley had his arm around his wife’s shoulders while tears of deep grief ran down her cheeks which had reddened from the effort of crying so hard. Hannah grasped Neville’s hand and leaned on him inhaling with a shudder. Neville who was usually a strong person in the emotional sense felt his eyes prickle as Bill, Charlie, Percy, George, Ron and Harry lifted Fred’s crysthathemum and carnation adorned casket onto their shoulders. Ginny walked in front of her brothers coffin holding a framed picture of him in her hands.

Slowly the procession made its way down the aisle and came to a stop beside the freshly dug grave. They placed the casket on the wooden stand beside it before taking their seats. Ginny kissed her brothers photo and placed it on the casket before sitting down next to Harry.

The celebrant held his arms wide and cleared his throat to draw everyone's attention.

'Good morning Ladies and Gentlemen I’d like to welcome you here this morning as we gather to celebrate the life of Fred Stephen Weasley. Beloved son of Molly and Arthur cherished brother of Bill, Charlie, Percy, George, Ron and Ginny, loved partner of Katie and friend to many. It is not the wish of the Weasley family to dwell on the sadness of today’s proceedings so they ask you to not feel ashamed to laugh when the urge takes you. Fred I am told would not want this to be a depressing gathering and would be the first to tell a joke or play a prank. As such today’s ceremony will not be a long one so as to give you all time to reflect on the Fred Weasley you knew. I would like to invite Minerva McGonagall a teacher from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and head of Gryffindor House who has been asked by Fred’s parents Molly and Arthur to give today’s main eulogy to come to the lectern to share her memories of Fred'

There was silence as the celebrant stood aside and McGonagall made her way to the lectern. She cleared her throat as the slid a pair of reading glasses on her nose.

‘It was September first nineteen eighty nine when I first met Fred Weasley’ She began ‘This was his and his twin brother George’s first day at Hogwarts and even at such a young age I knew then that never again would I have a student such as him. Right from first year he was determined to prove what an individual he was to define himself away from his older brothers Bill, Charlie and Percy and most of all his twin George. Fred was not the most dedicated to his studies but despite this went on to become to a truly gifted wizard once saying to me ‘I don’t need O.W.L’s or N.E.W.T’s to run a joke shop Professor’ And how true those words were. It’s been one of my life’s greatest pleasures to see how successful Weasley’s Wizarding Wheezes has become. Some people are successful at whatever they turn their hand to and Fred was one of those people. I’m sure if he’d decided to breed Blast Ended Skrewts for a living he still would’ve been a raging success.

Despite being a fiercely independent person as all the Weasley children are Fred was at heart a family man. All through his years at Hogwarts he was in regular contact with his two eldest brothers Bill who had spent most of his life post Hogwarts in Egypt working for Gringotts and second eldest brother Charlie who works closely with dragons in the Krostovsky Dragon Reserve in Southern Romania. Quite often as happens a lot in large families Fred pretended he didn’t have any younger siblings but I know like a true Gryffindor he was fiercely protective of his youngest brother Ron and his only sister Ginny. He told me once he wouldn’t hesitate to hex to dust anyone who attempted to harm them. It’s that trait of loyalty and love that makes his loss even harder to bear.

Of all the students to pass through Gryffindor House in my time at Hogwarts Fred was one who embodied the ethos of his house to the full. He was just, loving helpful, not afraid of anything, considerate, caring and most of all loyal and brave. It is these last two qualities that called him to Hogwarts to dive full on into fighting in the final battle. I know what I am about to say will be cold comfort to you Molly, Arthur, Bill, Charlie, Percy, George, Ron, Ginny and Katie but please know this: Fred was loved and respected by all that met him. He did not die in vain. He’s passed on fighting for the betterment of our world. And for that reason I salute him. To Fred Stephen Weasley a brave brave m-m-an’

McGonagall’s voice broke toward the end of her speech and she quickly conjured a lace tartan hanky from thin air to dab at her eyes. That set everyone else off and for several long moments the only sounds that could be heard was sniffs and blowing of noses.

In the front row Fred’s girlfriend Katie collapsed against a woman Neville assumed was her mother in total an unadulterated grief. She had cried so much her mascara had begun running and her cheeks were decorated with great streaks of the makeup. Her shoulders shook from the effort and every few seconds she heaved in a breath and gulped. Beside him Hannah had also let the tears fall and to comfort her Neville put an arm around her and gave her a squeeze.

There was a long period of reflection before the celebrant once again stepped up to the lectern to speak.

‘And next to contribute to today’s proceedings is Fred’s only sister Ginny’ He said ‘She will speak on behalf of her parents and brothers’

Harry gave Ginny a kiss as she got up clutching a sheet of parchment. She took a deep fortifying breath and made her way past her brother’s casket and to the lectern. She then spread the parchment out on the flat of the lectern and began speaking.

‘The following is a version of the poem ‘Do not stand by my grave and weep’ She said ‘I I have re-written it to reflect my big brother’s personality and I hope wherever he is, he will get a giggle out of it’

Don’t mope around and wish I were here,
Going forward you must hold dear,

Do not wish me back from the dead it cannot be done,
And anyways Uncle Bilius is here and I’m having way too much fun...’

A sort rumbling laugh rumbled through those gathered.

‘I have not left you,
I’m not like that, I love you Katie,
true as true.

I’m in your thoughts every day, and you in mine,
I know you will all be just fine,

I may not be in the physical but I am till with you.
I am a Weasley and my heart beats true.

I am the wind that blows through the willows,
And not it’s not because of baked beans...’

That last line started Percy snorting in laughter. The rest of the Weasley’s joined in and Mrs Weasley who had had he head bowed for the entire service thus far even managed to crack a smile.

‘I am the sunrise in the morning,
But more the sunset in the evening,
You know how much I hate early mornings,

And to everyone here today that wishes I was here with you, don’t.
I am at peace, I am not suffering,
and for that I am grateful’

Ginny folded the piece of parchment and took a gulping breath.

‘On behalf of my parents, brothers and Katie Fred’s beloved partner I would like to extend deep heartfelt thanks to you who have taken time to remember Fred with us today. Wether you knew him personally or were a customer of the Wheezes shop. It means so much to us that you are here. Mum and Dad and especially Katie have asked me to convey their wishes that you not dwell on what has happened but you move forward and live life to the full, as if it were your last just like Fred did. Fred lived and loved for the moment and we want that way to continue for those of us left behind....thank you’

There was a small pause before someone began hesitantly applauding. That encouraged others and Neville took a deep breath deciding to get to his feet where he began applauding more loudly. Seamus and Dean joined in and soon everyone was applauding the whole Weasley family.

After the applause had died down the celebrant once again stepped up to the lectern.
‘Now comes the time for the committal’ He said solemnly ‘The strings will play as we lay Fred to rest’

Katie let out a strangled cry and pulled away from her mother dropping to her knees at the graveside as the celebrant waved his wand at the casket which slowly began lowering into the freshly dug grave. At his side Hannah pressed her face into Neville’s chest and choked back a sob. Neville who wasn’t usually one to show his true feelings in public finally let the tears trickle down his cheeks as he hugged Hannah tightly.

Fred’s casket came to a rest at the bottom of the grave just as the last mournful notes faded away and the celebrant stepped up to the lectern.

‘Okay ladies and gentlemen that now concludes the official proceedings for today. You are now invited to walk pas the Fred’s final resting place and throw a handful of dirt onto the casket’

Molly and Arthur left their seats ad with Katie approached Fred’s grave as all the other gusts formed a cue behind them. Hannah and Neville joined the cue along with Seamus who was on crutches and being helped along by Lavender.

‘That was so sad’ Hannah whispered to Neville as the cue edged forward ‘I feel so awful for Mr and Mrs Weasley ad Katie. I’ve never seen anyone look so grief stricken. Even at Mums funeral Dad just sat there doing nothing’

‘Each person handles grief in different ways I suppose’ Neville said ‘But of all the people here I expected Mrs Weasley and Katie to be like they have been the most. I mean he was a son and lover and Katie saw him die. Seeing anyone die wouldn’t be easy but to be so intimately involved with the person that does die would be devastating’

Eventually Neville and Hannah came to the gravesite. They both threw a handful of earth on top of the casket then as an added touch Neville conjured an elegant bouquet of blood red roses from thin air and dropped them in. Mrs Weasley saw his gesture and gave him a grateful wink and small smile. Hannah once again laced her fingers through Neville’s and together they walked around Fred’s casket to where the Weasley family had gathered. Hannah went to Ginny and Neville went to Mr and Mrs Weasley.

‘Mr Weasley I am so sorry for your loss’ He said shaking the older man’s hand.

‘Thankyou Neville your attendance means a lot to Molly and I’ Arthur replied shaking Neville’s hand firmly ‘How are you keeping?’

‘Oh getting by you know?’ Neville said ‘I don’t think anyone is going to be the same for a while yet. I’m just taking each day as it comes. I think that’s all I can do for the time being’

‘I understand’

Neville reached into his pocket and pulled out the condolence card signed by all the D.A members and gave it to Mrs Weasley.
‘Mrs Weasley this is from every member of Dumbledore’s Army’ He said ‘Just a small note expressing our condolences to you and Mr Weasley as well as ,Bill, Charlie, Percy, George, Ron and Ginny. There’s nothing we can do to make you feel any better but please know there’s loads of people out there who knew Fred who are thinking of you all at this time’

Mrs Weasley accepted the card and gave Neville a fierce hug.
‘Thankyou so much dear’ She said ‘It means a lot to me that you all thought so highly of Fred, will you and your companion come back to the Burrow for the wake? Arthur and I having a small gathering there and as one of Ronald’s friends we’d like to have you there’

‘I’d be honoured to Mrs Weasley thankyou’ Neville said ‘But I don’t know the apparition co-ordinates for your home. How am I to get there?’

‘See Ron or Ginny and they’ll tell you’ Mrs Weasley said ‘Or when the time comes to leave you may side along apparate with Arthur or I’

After expressing his condolences to the rest of the Weasley’s Neville went in search of Hannah, he found her speaking in soft tones with Susan.

‘Do you have a minute?’ He asked.

‘Sure’

‘I’ll go find Ernie’ Susan said ‘See you back at Hogwarts guys’

Susan walked off and Neville sat beside Hannah.
‘Mrs Weasley has invited us back to the Burrow for the wake’ He said ‘Now I don’t know how to get there so we’re going to have to side along with her and Mr Weasley. Will you come with me?’

‘Of course’ Hannah replied softly ‘How are you handling things?’

‘Oh I’ll be okay’ Neville said slumping back in his chair and slinging an arm around her ‘I’m just thinking about the unfairness of it all you know? I mean Fred was barely twenty. He’d only just started to live life. His business was thriving, he had a partner I overheard Angelina say he was five minutes away from asking her to marry him. If he were a hundred year old senior cit it would’ve made more sense for him do die. I mean I love McGonagall but if she had snuffed it, it would’ve made more sense. You know?’

‘Yeah I understand what you mean totally’ Hannah said leaning her head on his shoulder ‘I thought the same at Mum’s funeral. If Nan had died no one would’ve been surprised because of her age but Mum was only thirty five’

‘Neville?’ A familiar voice said.

Neville turned around and saw his Gran dressed in a black mourning outfit lace veil and pillbox hat approaching.

‘Gran!’ He exclaimed jumping to his feet ‘You came!’

‘Of course, I’ve known the Weasley's for years it was the respectable thing to do. I’ve just come from meeting Molly and Arthur. They said you’re going to the wake’

‘Yeah Mrs Weasley asked me to come along as one of Ron’s friends’

‘Lovely and who’s this?’ Augusta asked peering in interest at Hannah.

Neville squeezed Hannah’s hand.
‘Gran I’d like you to meet my girlfriend Hannah, Hannah this is my Gran’

‘Lovely to meet you Mrs Longbottom’ Hannah said politely holding out her hand and shaking Augusta’s.

‘Oh dearie call me Augusta’ Augusta said warmly sweeping down to kiss Hannah on the cheek ‘It’s lovely Neville told me all about you when he was home at the manor’

‘Oh did he now?’ Hannah said with a giggle as Neville blushed scarlet and looked away in embarrassment ‘I hope it was all good’

‘Oh yes dear it was, quite glowing in his repo....’

‘GRAN!’ Neville exclaimed ‘I think that’s quite enough thankyou very much. How’s Enie and Algie?’

‘They’re quite fine dear’ Augusta said with a barely discernable smile ‘They’re considering a holiday in Hossegor once all this unpleasant business is over’

‘Gee I could go a couple of weeks there’ Hannah said wistfully ‘I haven’t been there since the summer of my third year. I actually tried surfing there’

Neville snorted.

‘Oy don’t laugh!’ Hannah said with a grin ‘I did actually manage to stay on once’

‘Just the once?’ Neville said with a grin.

‘You try staying on a thin piece of fibreglass with tons and tons of water under you palley and see how you manage’

Augusta laughed at the exchange.
‘Well dears I must go’ She said ‘Lovely to meet you Hannah you must come by the Manor sometime’

‘I will Mrs Longbottom lovely to meet you too’

Neville hugged his Grandmother goodbye and with a crack she disapparated.

‘She’s a nice lady your Gran’ Hannah said.

‘Yeah she’s a great person’ Neville said.

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

An hour later after socialising with all the D.A members who had attended Fred’s funeral Hannah and Neville and Hannah made their was over to the Weasley family who were now joined by Lavender, Seamus, Lee Jordan, Dean and the Patil twins who it appeared had also been invited to the wake.

‘Hannah dear you can side along with me Neville you go with Arthur’ Molly said as Hannah and Neville arrived back at the group.

Neville waked over to Arthur who gripped his shoulder. Then everything turned to black and a great pressure pressed down onto Neville’s chest. A second later it stopped and he arrived at the Weasley family home. A large chicken yard was next to a muggle style garage and further along the drive was a pig pen.

‘Welcome to the Burrow’ Arthur said as one by one all the Weasley’s and their invitees apparated into the yard.

‘Looks very homey’ Neville said.

‘Yeah it is’ Arthur replied quietly ‘We’ve had some very happy times here, and unfortunately some sad ones too’

Mr Weasley flicked his wand to open the back door of the Burrow and Neville walked into the kitchen from which emitted an alluring roasting meat smell. Mrs Weasley pushed past them and immediately began fussing in the kitchen.

‘Molly dear you don’t have to..’Mr Weasley started.

‘I NEED to’ Mrs Weasley replied with more force than Neville guessed she intended to ‘Neville dear could you help Harry and Ron set up a table for outside? Ron will show you where everything is’

Neville keen to get out of the awkward atmosphere readily agreed.
‘Yes ma’am’

Neville turned and went into the lounge room where everyone had gathered.
‘Erm Ron?’ He said ‘Your Mum said has asked you me and Harry to set up a table for outside and said you’d be able to show me where everything is’ Neville began.

‘Sure follow me’ Ron said.

Harry and Ron got up and led Neville outside to the muggle style garage. Inside were shelves and shelves of muggle artefacts, broken toasters, microwaves and even an old computer. And in one corner was an ancient wooden coffee table. Ron flicked his wand and muttered Wingardium Leviosa the table rose into the air and hovered at shoulder height.

‘The matching chairs are down the back in the redwood cupboard’ He said ‘You’ll need to duplicate some the table only came with eight’

Harry and Neville went down to the back of the shed where a great redwood cupboard stood.

‘How’s Ginny holding up?’ Neville asked.

Harry opened the cupboard to reveal a stack of matching chairs.
‘Better than I expected to be honest’ He said ‘It was when she was writing that poem she read that she was at her most vulnerable. But Fred’s death is still raw it’ll be tonight when everyone’s gone home that she’ll let her guard down. She normally wears her heart on her sleeve but she’s trying to be strong primarily for Molly and George. Of all the Weasley’s they’ve taken it the hardest’

‘So will you be staying here tonight?’ Neville asked pulling two chairs from within the cupboard.

‘Yeah I’ll stay here til Friday when I have to come back for the DA meeting at Hogwarts’ Harry replied ‘There’s not much more I can do at Hogwarts and it’ll be nice just to sit around and relax. I’ve been on tiptoes for my entire years at Hogwarts and I find the idea of being able to relax a novel idea’

‘Well if you have some free time come up to Yorkshire for a visit at the manor’ Neville offered levitating his stack of chairs into the air and walking back down to the front of the garage ‘Gran said I can have friends up whenever I like and I think she’d quite fancy to have the saviour of the wizarding world to tea’

Harry made a face.

‘Yeah I know what you’re thinking’ Neville said ‘Gran wouldn’t fawn over you like a lot of the rest of society would. She’s not the fawning type. She said to me friends are important and she wants me to have mine around me. And that means you, Ginny, Ron, Hermione, Seamus, Dean and whoever they’re dating. Trust me Harry you’d find some privacy at my place. Gran thinks the sun shines out your arse but won’t turn into an arse kisser’

Harry laughed.
‘Well I suppose I can come up for a visit’ He said.

‘Even if it’s for Great Aunt Enid’s chocolate self saucing pudding’ Neville continued with a hearty snigger ‘Everyone in England should try it’

‘Okay then you have my word’ Harry said with a grin ‘As soon as everyone has some time I’ll bring them up to your place’

Harry and Neville brought the chairs out to the back lawn where Ron had enlarged the table and conjured a cotton tablecloth out of thin air to decorate it. Neville set out his four chairs and with a flick from his wand muttered Geminus. The four chairs became eight and set themselves out evenly around the table. Harry performed the same spell and everything was set up.

‘This is the same table we ate at before the Quidditch World Cup’ Harry commented.

‘Yeah I suppose it is’ Ron said dully ‘C’mon lets get inside and help Mum I need to keep busy’

‘Is he going to be okay?’ Neville asked Harry as Ron went ahead of them ‘I know given what’s happened his mood is not unexpected but gee I’ve never seen him like this’

‘Nah he’s not but he will be’ Harry said ‘I think he’s going to throw himself into this Patronus tutoring thing with all his heart and soul, He said to me last night it’s something Fred would’ve done’

‘As long as he’s not doing this because it’s just something Fred would’ve done and is something he wants to do for his own reasons’

‘I think it’s bit of both’ Harry said ‘It might be a cathartic healing process for him you know’

‘Yeah maybe’

‘So are you and Hannah official?’ Harry asked with a grin ‘That end of battle snog wasn’t just a once off then?’

Neville blushed.
‘No it wasn’t and as it turns out yes we are officially an item’ He said ‘As of three days ago’

‘Good on ya’

‘What about you and Ginny? Are things back on with you two? I’ve not seen you two in the Gryffindor common room much since the end of the battle’

‘Hell yeah with a vengeance’ Harry said with a goofy grin ‘Apparently I’m an awesome kisser’

Neville made a face.
‘That’s abut all the detail I need’ He said ‘Thanks for sharing though’

‘Anytime mate anytime’

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

With help from everyone the food was placed on the table and everyone sat down to eat. There was several minutes of awkward depressed silence before Neville took the initiative filling his goblet and tapping a fork against it’s side.

‘I’d like to propose a toast’ He said sitting up straight ‘Well more of a tribute’

All eyes turned to him.

‘Here’s to Fred’ Neville said ‘A good man in all aspects. Gone too soon but not in vain’

‘To Fred’ came the refrain.

‘I remember in fifth year when Fred and George were perfecting their Skiving Snackboxes Fred slipped me a Canary cream’ Neville went on with a grin keen to lighten the mood as much as he could ‘I grew feathers on every inch of skin including places I daren’t mention in polite company. I looked like a right prat’

Seamus sniggered.
‘And remember when he put that stinging hex on Umbridge’s office chair?’ He said with a grin ‘I still don’t know how he got away with it’

‘He did the same to Quirrell back in out second year’ George said quietly with the faintest of smiles ‘He said he wanted to try it just to see if he could get away with it’

‘Did he?’ Neville asked.

‘Yeah he pinned it on Kenneth Towler’ George replied his grin widening ‘He got a weeks worth of detentions with Filch’

And soon the air was filled with each person contributing their memories of Fred in life. The only one to remain quiet was Katie who sat between her mother and Hermione morosely picking at her salad.

A depressing pall had been cast over the afternoon’s proceedings but it was lightened as everyone gathered contributed their memories of Fred. Then mid afternoon everyone nearly fell off their chairs in shock as Kingsley apparated into the yard with such a loud crack the gnomes scurried into their warrens in fright. He adjusted his robes before his gaze fell onto everyone gathered around the table.

‘Minister!’ Molly exclaimed won’t you join us?’

‘Sorry Molly really I can’t but thankyou for the invitation’ Kingsley replied ‘I do apologise for arriving so suddenly but I thought a Patronus would alarm too many people’

‘No no that’s fine’ Molly said ‘How can I help you?’

‘I was wondering if I could have a private audience with Ron, Hermione and Neville for a moment. Is there somewhere private for us to chat?’

‘Of course just go in the house’

Harry, Ron, Hermione and Neville rose from the table and went into the main house where Kingsley applied a silencing charm to the kitchen door.

‘Okay what’s wrong?’ Harry asked immediately.

‘Nothing’s wrong I just didn’t think it was a good idea to have an audience’ Kinsgsley said pulling a small folder out of his robes ‘I’ve done a bit of fast talking and managed to get your Portkey Activation licences approved as of now. Here is something you can keep on your person if someone from the law enforcement department should pull you up’

Kingsley opened the folder and pulled out four cards abut the size of the muggle drivers licence. Each card bore Harry, Ron and Hermione’s details as well as a photo and ‘Authorised Portkey Creator’ in red letters across the bottom.

‘This photo looks better than my muggle driver’s license one’ Hermione said in amusement peering down at her photo which blinked at her benignly.

‘You have a muggle driver’s licence?’ Ron asked in surprise.

‘Yeah got one at the end of fifth year’

‘What’s the point? You can apparate everywhere or now take a portkey’

‘I couldn’t apparate or produce a portkey then and you never know it ay come in handy’ Hermione said ‘So Kingsley who can we tell about this?’

‘Only those you trust implicitly’ Kingsley said ‘Anyone in the Order I’m sure you’d be safe with. If there’s any doubt about a particular person don’t tell them. I don’t want someone like Rita Skeeter finding this out'

‘What about partners?’ Neville asked.

‘Do you trust her?’

‘Yeah she’s a member of the D.A’

‘Well then you can tell her’

‘So basically we can tell everyone bar Lavender’ Ron said with a grin ‘She couldn’t shut up to save her life’

Hermione’s face turned a fierce shade of red as she fought the urge to laugh.

‘Don’t tell Seamus that he’ll hex you’

Neville said with a grin.

‘Ha ha’

‘So when can we use this?’ Harry asked.

‘Well officially I can’t say whenever you like but I’ll say whenever you really need to’ Kingsley said ‘Don’t use it for simple travel you can apparate, floo or ride a broom or that. It can be used for emergencies. The definition of that will be up to you at the time’

‘Who else knows we have these?’ Neville asked.

‘The Law Enforcement department’ Kingsley said ‘So all sitting members of the Wizengamot and the Auror office. But don’t worry of anything leaking from there I made them all take an Unbreakable Oath. Under Britain’s Magical Constitution they’re law bound to take one if it’s in regard to a matter of national security’

‘Do these cover international portkeys?’ Hermione asked suddenly.

‘Yes, will you need to use one?’

‘Possibly in the near future’ Hermione said ‘I don’t want to go into it at the moment. It won’t be for a little while though’

‘Fair enough. Well I must go. Ron my condolences’

Ron shook Kingsley’s hand.
‘Thanks’ He said.

Kingsley disapparated and for a moment Neville, Harry, Ron and Hermione stood there looking at their Portkey licenses in amazement.

‘Well I suppose this makes up for a little of what we all wen through this year’ Ron said breaking the silence ‘Who wants to be the first to test this out?’

‘Ron! you heard Kingsley we’re not supposed to play around with this!’ Hermione exclaimed ‘Having a Portkey licence is a huge responsibility’

‘But ‘Mione we’ve got to see how it works in the practical sense on one way or the other and what if one day we’re in the situation where we cast the spell and it doesn’t work?’ Ron said ‘I know it’s not likely to happen but I’m sure at some point all licence holders had to prove they could create a proper portkey before being granted their licence’

‘We-ell I suppose so’

Neville picked up a nearby bread knife and held it up ‘Who wants to be the first guinea pig? He said drawing his wand ‘I think we should each test each others portkeys’

‘I’ll go first’ Ron agreed immediately ‘Don’t send me to the ends of the earth will ya?’

‘Nah just upstairs’ Neville said ‘Portus upstairs!’

The bread knife glowed blue then Ron grabbed it. A moment later he disappeared and a second later a distinct ’thump’ followed by an even more distinct ’shit’ could be heard. Neville, Harry and Hermione raced up the stairs to find Ron getting to his feet at the base of the stairs leading up to the attic.

‘So did it work?’ Neville asked keenly.

‘Obviously’ Ron said dryly rubbing his knees ‘I think one needs to be very specific when creating a portkey I literally appeared at the top of the attic stairs and fell down them’

Harry, Neville and Hermione let out great snorts then broke into hysterical laughter. Ron just rolled his eyes.

‘Okay who next? I’ve done my bit’ Neville said.

‘My turn’ Hermione said ‘Hang on a sec’

Hermione went down the hall to the room she and Ginny were sharing and brought out a stuffed owl.

‘Harry you can cast the spell’ She said giving it to him.

‘Where do you want me to send you?’

‘Just the lounge room will do’

‘Portus lounge room!

And like the bread knife the owl glowed gold at which point Hermione grasped it. She disappeared and a second later her voice floated up from below.

‘I worked!’

Everyone else went downstairs to find Hermione smack bang in the middle of the lounge room floor looking excited.

‘Okay my turn’ She said summoning a cushion from Mr Weasley’s recliner.

‘Who’s going to take the trip?’

‘I don’t mind’ Neville volunteered ‘Just don’t send me to the chook yard. I never stay standing when travelling by portkey and I don’t want to get chicken poop on my robes. Gran would have my head’

‘Try the end of the orchard near the clearing where we play quidditch’ Ron suggested.

‘Oh okay then Portus apple orchard!’

The second Hermione finished casting the spell Neville grasped the cushion and immediately felt the familiar tug behind the navel as the portkey activated. He was pulled from the house and second later his feet hit the ground and he stumbled to his knees on the ground of the Weasley’s apple orchard. The cushion rolled a few feet and came to rest at the base of one particularly large apple tree.

‘Well that worked’ He said to the air as he summoned the cushion.

As soon as the cushion was securely in his grasp Neville disapparated back to the main house arriving exactly in the spot he left seconds earlier.

‘How did it go?’ Hermione asked.

‘Good it worked fine’ Neville said ‘I arrived at the opening of the clearing’

‘That precise?’ Harry asked in surprise.

‘Yeah’

‘That’s probably because `Mione has precise magic’ Ron said as Neville returned the cushion to Mr Weasley’s chair.

‘Oh don’t talk rubbish Ronald’ Hermione said her cheeks turning a faint shade of pink.

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

Just as the sun began to dip below the horizon Hannah and Neville decided to leave and leave the Weasley’s to grieve in private.

‘Well we better be going Mr and Mrs Weasley’ Neville said shaking Mr Weasley’s hand and kissing Mrs Weasley on the cheek ‘It’s getting late’

‘Well thankyou for coming dear it meant a lot to Arthur and I’ Mrs Weasley said hugging Neville fiercely ‘If you’re ever in the area do drop in won’t you? It’s easy enough to adjust the wards to let you and Hannah in’

‘I’ll do that’ Neville promised ‘See you back at Hogwarts on Friday eh Ron, Harry Hermione?’

‘Yeah see ya Neville’ came the collective reply.

Neville grasped Hannah’s hand and with a crack they disapparated.

Where are we?’ Hannah asked.

‘Blackpool’ Neville said as they began walking down the deserted street they had arrived in to the main street bustling with patrons socialising at the various eateries and café’s ‘I used to come here a fair bit when I was small. I thought we could have a coffee here and chat before we return to the castle’

‘You sound like you have something on your mind’ Hannah said.

‘I do I want to tell you something’ Neville said ‘But I don’t want to say it out on the street anyone could be about. There’s a nice little café bistro place with booths in it we could go to be and be afforded some privacy’

‘Okay then your shout’ Hannah said with a grin.

Neville squeezed her hand.

Neville and Hannah continued down the street for a minute longer then came to a small French themed café. Neville let Hannah go through the door first and they made their way down to the back where they sat in a small booth.

‘Okay what’s on your mind?’ Hannah asked reaching forward and grasping Neville’s hand.

‘Well you know earlier when the Minister apparated into the Burrow’s yard while we were having lunch and took us into the house?’

‘Uh huh’

‘Well he came to give Harry, Ron and Hermione one of these’

Neville reached into his robes pocket and pulled out his Portkey License pushing it across the table.

Hannah picked up the card and read the details her eyes widening in shock.

‘Is this real?’ She said incredulously ‘You have a ministry approved Portkey Licence? Wow’

‘Yeah it’s real’ Neville said ‘Harry, Ron and Hermione have one too. The only people who know about this are the sitting members of the Wizengamot And the rest of the Law Enforcement Department’

‘But why do you have one?’ Hannah asked in confusion ‘I can see why Harry has one even Ron and Hermione....’

‘Do you want to hear the whole story?’ Neville asked putting the portkey licence back in his pocket.

‘Of course!’

‘But I need you to promise me you won’t tell a soul’ Neville said ‘Some of what I’m about to tell you is classified information’

‘Do you want me to take an Unbreakable Vow?’ Hannah asked softly.

‘No you don’t have to do that anyway we don’t have a bonder here, but I need you to keep a lot of what I am telling you secret. Some of it will soon be known to the public but until then you need to keep what I’m going to tell you between us or Harry, Ron, Hermione or Ginny’

‘Of course I trust you Neville if what you’re telling me needs to be kept secret you can count on me keeping it that way’ Hannah said.

‘Hello hello can I take your order?’ A waitress said brightly.

She had appeared so suddenly Neville could’ve sworn she had apparated had it not been for the fact he and Hannah were in a Muggle populated area.

‘Yeah I’ll have a mug of hot chocolate with marshmallows’ Hannah said.

‘Make that two’ Neville said.

‘Coming right up!’

‘How much longer do you think you’ll stay at Hogwarts?’ Hannah asked retrieving a tube of lip gloss from her handbag.

‘Maybe until the funerals of all the people I knew are over’ Neville said ‘Possibly another week I’m not mussing Lupin or Tonks’s funeral and I want to go to Colin Creevy’s. Then I’ll head back to the Manor’

Several minutes later the waitress returned with Hannah and Neville’s drinks and as soon as she left Neville cast the appropriate security charms to lessen the likelihood of someone overhearing them.

‘Okay let’s start at the beginning’ Neville said Do you know what a Horcrux is?’

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‘You’re kidding?’ Hannah exclaimed an hour later as Neville finished relaying everything that had happened to him since the final battle ‘You literally destroyed a Horcrux? Oh WOW that is huge’

‘No kidding I just about fell off my chair when Harry told me what I just told you’ Neville said ‘It all makes sense to me now all that has gone on this year’

‘Yeah yeah it does’

‘But there’s more’ Neville said.

‘There is?’ Hannah exclaimed ‘How could there possibly be? What you’ve just told me is plenty!’

‘I know weird isn’t it? Well I had a meeting with Harry, Ron and Hermione with the Minister two days after the battle and because of what I’ve just told you and my involvement in it all he’s invited us all to join the Auror department’

Hannah’s eyes bugged
‘You’re kidding me?!’ She said ‘The Minister for Magic as invited you to train as An Auror?’

‘Yeah without the second year N.E.W.T’s or the Auror entrance exams’ Neville said ‘I didn’t think I could do it but Ron and Gran convinced me I could do it. Potions and Transfiguration are my weakest subjects but Ron and Hermione convince me with the intensive tutoring the Auror training program I could progress well’

‘I reckon you’re right’ Hannah said squeezing his hand ‘Confidence is what you need in every aspect of what you chose to do. You never know your best subjects may end up being Transfiguration and Potions’

Neville snorted derisively.
‘I doubt it’ He said ‘But it would be nice to be better at them’

‘Well I help you whenever I can’ Hannah said ‘Potions isn’t my best subject either but I get by’

‘Thanks....well that’s all. Now you know everything’

Hannah leaned across the table and dropped a light kiss on Neville’s lips.
‘Thanks for telling me’ She said ‘I feel privileged that you chose to tell me’

Neville’s cheeks turned pink.
‘Awww it was nothing’ He said.

Hannah put a finger under Neville’s chin and forced him to look her in the eyes.
‘No it wasn’t nothing’ She said firmly ‘It doesn’t matter what the subject matter is it takes a lot of balls to reveal a secret to someone. And I’m telling you right now Neville Longbottom you have balls’

Neville laughed.
‘More than the obvious then?’ he said.

Hannah giggled
‘Yes more then the obvious’ She said ‘I told you I would have an interesting time getting to know you Neville’

‘So I’m not boring then?’

‘Hell no not by a long shot. I suppose I’m in for an interesting ride dating a Gryffindor. You lot are the most interesting house in the whole of Hogwarts’

‘Glad you think so’

A few minutes later Neville and Hannah left the café and began walking back to where they had arrived.

‘So are we apparating back to Hogwarts or taking a Portkey?’ Hannah asked as they entered the deserted street.

‘We’ll take a portkey it’s the only thing that will get us in the grounds’ Neville said ducking behind a four wheel drive car ‘Ready to go?’

‘Yup’

Neville pulled a teaspoon out of his robes pocket and muttered Engorgio silently the spoon tripled in size so it became big enough for two people to grip it. He then muttered Portus fourth floor classroom. It glowed gold then Hannah grabbed it and together they disappeared from Blackpool and were pulled through a suffocating darkness.

As per usual Neville arrived at his Portkey destination by falling flat on his face. Hannah shrieked and fell on top of him her fascinator falling out of her hair and skittering away a few feet.

‘Oh I’m sorry!’ Hannah exclaimed scrambling off Neville and getting to her feet.

‘Nah no worries’ Neville said accepting Hannah’s help and getting to his feet ‘Well that worked’

‘Did you expect it no to?’ Hannah asked in surprise summoning her fascinator from where it was on the floor.

‘A little part of me did yeah’ Neville said straightening his robes ‘I tested one back at the Burrow after the Minister left that’s why we took a while to come back to lunch. Ron thought it best we test them out before we have to do it in any emergency situation. I wasn’t a hundred percent specific when I created the first one and caused Ron to fall down the attic steps’

Hannah snorted.

‘Naw it wasn’t funny!’ Neville exclaimed ‘I said ‘Portus Upstairs’ when I should’ve said ‘Portus first landing’

‘Well you’ve learnt’ Hannah said with a grin ‘This is the room we met in the other day with Susan, Ernie, Justin and Luna’

‘Yeah I thought this would be the best place to arrive’ Neville said ‘It’s close to the Hufflepuff common room’

‘Do you want to come into the common room for a while?’ Hannah asked taking out the clip in her hair and letting her hair fall to her waist ‘It’s too early to go to bed and I fancy staying up for a while yet’

Neville’s breath caught in his throat as the light caught Hannah’s hair.
‘Yeah that would be nice’ He said ‘You ought to wear your hair down more often it looks....gorgeous’

Hannah’s face lit up like a Christmas tree.
‘Thank you!’ She said ‘I think that deserves a kiss’

Hannah stepped close to Neville and laced her fingers through his. She then lifted her chin and pressed her lips to his. Neville squeezed her hands and returned the kiss. Only when lack of oxygen began invading their senses did they pull apart. Hannah grinned throwing her arms around him and squeezing hard.

‘That was nice’ She said ‘C’mon I’d rather snog in the common room then here’

‘I’m not going to do it in front of the whole of Hufflepuff!’ Neville said as they left the classroom and made their way down to the staircase leading up to the fifth floor.

‘At the moment the only people from Hufflepuff who are still at the castle are Susan, Ernie, Justin and I’ Hannah said ‘And they’ll know to leave us alone. But I don’t expect you to do anything you’re not comfortable with. But you can brush my hair if you like’

‘I would like that’ Neville said with a grin.

A moment later Neville and Hannah entered the Hufflepuff common room (Neville received a knowing wink from Helga Hufflepuff’s portrait just before the access door opened) and Hannah steered Neville over to the biggest lounge in front of the now cold fireplace.

‘You wait her I’ll be back in a minute’ She said.

Neville took off his cloak and outer robes and sat down. He was deep in thought about recent events when he was snapped out of his reverie by Hannah waving a hand in front of his face.

‘Hellooooooooooooo?’ She said ‘Wakey wakey to the tuned out Horcrux destroyer’

‘Oh sod off’ Neville said rolling his eyes as Hannah giggled ‘Don’t let that get out’

‘Nah I won’t it’ll be my private nickname for you’ Hannah said sitting on the floor between his legs and flicking her hair so it fanned out on Neville’s lap.

Neville took the brush Hannah gave him and began running it through her hair. Se closed her eyes and sighed in contentment.

‘I could let you do this all night’ She said digging her toes into the plush carpet that covered the common room floor.

‘I will if you like it’s a relaxing activity’ Neville said.

‘Don’t open your mouth too much I might hold you to that’ Hannah replied with a giggle ‘But if I fall asleep you have to wake me up.

‘Do you often fall asleep sitting up?’

‘Oh yeah all the time, especially during O.W.L’s. I fell asleep in the library once while researching some Charms material and Madam Pince found me sound asleep with my aforementioned Charms notes stuck to my face because I had drooled’

Neville snorted.

‘Oy it’s not funny you!’ Hannah admonished in mild embarrassment ‘Because of the ink I had ‘Wingardium Leviosa’ tattooed across my cheek for three days’

Neville laughed out loud at this. Hannah got to her knees and playfully began slapping his legs, arms and anywhere she could get.

‘Ooof oy lay off woman I thought Hufflepuffs girls were supposed to be quiet, demure sensible people? You’re being violent!’

‘Oh poof I am not’ Hannah pouted in mock annoyance as she sneaked a kiss from him ‘And I thought Gryffindor men are supposed to be brave front line confident people. You’re being a wuss’

‘Do you like wusses?’ Neville said with a great snorting laugh.

‘I’m with you aren’t I?’ Hannah said collapsing in a fit of giggles.

Neville clutched at his heart pretending to be hurt.
‘Oh I’m wounded!’ He declared slumping back on the lounge ‘Oh you’ve cut me to the quick! I’m bleeding I’m dying!....I’m...’

‘Full of shit’ Hannah said dryly getting up and flopping onto the couch next to him.

Neville shyly put an arm around Hannah’s shoulders and his heart swelled when she snuggled into him her vanilla perfume invading his senses.

'Thanks for being there for me today’ He said softly running his free hand over her golden locks ‘It was very comforting to have a friend close’

‘No worries Neville I’m glad I could be there’ Hannah replied ‘Though it seemed you did most of the comforting. You transfigured that pebble into a hanky quite well I thought’

‘I think I was concentrating more on you than the spell’ Neville said ‘I think my transfiguration stinks so much because I worry too much about the outcome of the result’

‘Well take that attitude when you start Auror training and you’ll sail through it’ Hannah said with a giggle ‘Don’t think and you’ll be fine’

‘Oh hardi har har har’ Neville said dryly ‘Good one. I think at some point deep and intense thinking will be required. I’m sure when he was doing his Auror training the Minister had to think...at least once’

‘Oh you crack me up’ Hannah said rolling her eyes ‘Have you got ideas of how you want to conduct these Patronus tutoring sessions together?’

‘I haven’t given it great thought with all the funeral stuff going on but I thought if we conducted it like Harry conducted the D.A sessions where he taught us to produce Patronuses we can’t go wrong. Of course it depends on what the people we’re teaching are like. Different people are taught differently’

‘I reckon you could be a teacher one day’ Hannah said ‘That’s Sprout’s theory too’

‘What I would teach?’ Neville said.

‘Duh! Herbology! You’re the best in the school at it. You’ve come up with some really obscure Herbology facts that Sprout didn’t even know. And you are the reason Hogwarts now has a colony of Mimbulus Mimbletonias’

‘No I’m not my Great Uncle Algie is’ Neville said ‘He got the plant for me’

‘But you brought it to the greenhouses. You contributed to the school curriculum’

‘Y’think so?’

‘Of course fifth year up wouldn’t be studying them if it weren’t for you’

‘Thanks’

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

Two days later Hannah and Neville followed Harry, Ron and Hermione up to the seventh floor at seven thirty to wait for the arrival of all the members of the D.A that Hermione had owled for the ‘Patronus tutoring discussion’ as Ron called it. The D.A members would be arriving via the Hogs Head Inn as they had for the final battle.

They arrived in the room of requirement to find it much like it ad been back in their fifth year when the D.A had formed. A large high ceilinged room with shelves and shelves of books all relating to Defence against the Dark Arts. Ariana Dumbledore’s portrait hung a few feet away just over a small case of stairs. She gave them all an enthusiastic but silent wave in greeting as the torches self ignited and bathed the room in a soft light. A faint smell of burning cinders hung in the air something Hannah immediately commented on.

‘That would be from the burning of the room of hidden things mode the room was in when the Friendfyre went through’ Hermione said.

‘Does that mean somewhere out in the ether that room of what remains of it still exists?’ Neville asked following Ron’s lead and flicking his wand to arrange all the bean bags that were to serve as the evening’s seating.

‘That’s entirely possible’ Hermione said thoughtfully ‘Come to think of it the room of requirement is much like the Magic Faraway Tree...’

‘The what?’

‘The Ma- oh it’s a popular muggle children’s book about a tree that has a different magical land at the top every day or so’ Hermione said ‘It was one of my favourite books to read when I was small’

‘Hermione you could read a phonebook and it would be your favourite’ Harry said dryly.

‘Sod off Harry’ Hermione replied as Harry gave a hearty snigger.

At ten to eight the first members of the old D.A started to arrive. Cho Chang along with Alicia Spinnet.

‘The High street is like Diagon Alley on Christmas Eve’ Alicia said pulling off her cloak ‘You’re doing the right thing in staying in the castle Harry Rita Skeeter’s on the war path. I think Oliver was about to hex her when I entered the Hog’s Head'

‘If I slipped him a few galleons would he do it anyway?’ Harry said with a grin.

Hermione sniggered.

‘Since when has Oliver been ‘Oliver’?’ Ron asked as Alicia took off her cloak and hung it on a coat hook that had suddenly appeared ‘Are you two dating now?’

‘Oh wake up Ron they’ve been dating since our fourth year’ Hermione said rolling her eyes.

‘You are?’ Ron said to Alicia.

‘Ron even I knew that and I’m in Hufflepuff’ Hannah said with a giggle.

‘Didn’t think you two were the type to read the gossip section of the Prophet’

‘It wasn’t in the gossip section of the Prophet num nuts' Hannah said witheringly 'During a Hogsmeade visit Rodger Davies from Ravenclaw and Sal Perks from Hufflepuff saw Oliver and Alicia snogging in Madam Puddifoots and I over heard Lavender and Pavarti talking about it in the fourth floor girls loos. How could you not know? You and Lavender were all over each other in sixth year and everyone knows Lavender couldn’t keep a secret to save her life. She was going on about how lucky Alicia was to be on with someone who had just been promoted to the senior squad of Puddlemere United’

‘Oh that’s nice to know I was ‘On’ with Oliver that sounds so romantic’ Alicia said dryly flopping into one of the bean bags ‘I must tell him so we can be ‘on’ more often’

‘You mean you two aren’t shagging like rabbits already?’ Ron said in disbelief.

‘None of your fucking business nosey’ Alicia said with a grin (Her cheeks turning a handsome shade of rouge)

‘And Oliver and Alicia’s love life if none of your business nosey’ Hermione admonished dryly as Ron rolled about laughing.

‘Who’s being nosey?’ Oliver asked announcing his arrival with a question.

‘Ron’ came the collective reply.

Finally at quarter past eight every former member of the D.A had gathered including to Neville’s surprise Angelina who looked exhausted.

‘Ange I didn’t expect you to be able to come!’ Harry said in surprise as Angelina who arrived just as he was about to begin proceedings.

‘Well George the stupid great git has gotten himself so paro he passed out at The Burrow so Molly suggested I take a break’ Angelina said tired exasperation ‘I thought I may as well come and see what’s up’

‘Is he okay?’ Ron as Ginny chorused in alarm.

‘Oh he’ll be fine’ Angelina said dropping not the nearest bean bag ‘Nothing a bit of Hangover Draught and swift kick up the arse from your Mum won’t fix. I understand why he’s doing it but your Mum’s gone through enough stress the past few days and doesn’t need any more’

‘Oh okay erm well lets get things started then shall we?’ Harry said awkwardly ‘Er a few days ago the new Minister Kingsley Shacklebolt came to Ron, Hermione and I and asked us to help out in the post war 'clean up of society' as he puts it. As you may have noticed there are loads of Dementors out there and they need to be banished. And the only thing that does that is a good strong Patronus. And I know each and every one of you gathered here tonight know how to produce one. He’s asked us the entire D.A to be the tutors for the people in the rest of society who can’t produce a full Patronus or can only produce a shield one. Two thousand people have volunteered to the Ministry in total but we only have to tutor a tick over three hundred. The whole idea is to get as many people as possible out there banishing Dementors the more people that can produce a Patronus the quicker they’ll all be gone. The whole point of Hermione, Ron and I getting you all here tonight is to see how many of you are willing to help us and therefore the Ministry out’

The air was suddenly filled with choruses of ‘I am!’ and (From Ernie the nice but pompous Hufflepuff) ‘It’s our obligation!’

‘So if my maths is correct that’s ten people to each D.A member’ Terry Boot said.

‘Yep but I want you to tutor in pairs so the group you are responsible for can see how two different people cast their Patronuses’ Harry said ‘A group of twenty per pair. Hermione did the numbers and that seems reasonable’

‘So when do we start these tutoring sessions?’ Alicia asked.

‘Well that’s up to you and Oliver who will be responsible for teaching the group of twenty Hermione worked out for you. We’ve got paperwork for all the pairings we’ve worked out and in that are the names and addresses of your prospective students. You’re to owl them and arrange a time to suit you all. The first day there’s no funerals on is next Wednesday I thought that would be a good time to start’

‘The important question is where do we conduct these sessions?’ Michael Corner asked.

‘That too is up to you’ Harry said ‘I know many of you live in large homes that could accommodate a group of twenty but for those of you who don’t you’re able to use Hogwarts’ Harry said ‘I’ve already organised that with Professor McGonagall’

‘Can we use the Room of Requirement?’ Lavender asked.

‘Well I suppose you could but if word gets out about the room Hogwarts security could be compromised and that’s happened enough as it is. Plus it would give Rita Skeeter enough material to write into the next millennium. And I wouldn’t give that woman toilet paper to write on’

Everyone laughed.

‘Where’s Zacharias Smith that little piece of shit?’ Justin Finch-Fletchley said suddenly ‘Last time I saw that cowardly tosspot he was racing the Slytherins for the front door’

‘Well I owled him’ Hermione said.

‘He hasn’t got the balls to turn up that’s what’ Ron said darkly ‘You know he’s the only D.A member who didn’t stay behind to fight? Even all the underage ones did!’

‘He’s the example of why most people think Hufflepuffs are limp wristed wibblers’ Susan ‘I’m ashamed to be in the same house as he is’

‘Who gives a rats arse about this Smith bloke? Oliver said ‘The people who count are here that should be enough for everyone’

‘For me it is’ Neville said standing up ‘Sod all those who didn’t stay behind to help they would only have been a hindrance if they had. It’s up to us to do what we can and little toerags like Smith can go step in fresh hippogriff shit with bare feet’

Everyone rolled about laughing at hearing Neville speaking so out of character.
‘Well he can!’ Neville exclaimed going bright red and flopping back down in his bean bag.

Hannah gave him a wink and squeezed his hand

Hermione stood up.
‘Okay everyone now’s time to pair up and get to work Oliver you and Alicia are the first up...

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

‘So where do you want to conduct our sessions?’ Hannah asked ‘My place is too small. It’s only the size to fit Dad, Louise, Jake, Zac and I’

‘We could do it at my place I suppose’ Neville said ‘The library is huge and could easily fit twenty people. We’d have to re-arrange a bit of furniture but that would be no problem’

‘Just how big is your library?’ Hannah asked in surprise.

‘Oh huge don’t know the exact measurements’ Neville replied ‘Of course it’s been extended over the years it’s been in my family I’m not sure how big it was when Great Pop Longbottom bought it back in the early eighteen hundreds’

‘So it’s been in your family that long eh?’

‘Yeah Grand Pop struck it big on the potions market and decided to get into real estate’ Neville said ‘He passed it down to my pop who was the eldest of three and he left it to Gran when she died and I suppose at some point I’ll get it. But I’m not in a hurry for that to happen’

‘What about your Dad?’ Hannah asked ‘Wouldn’t he get it first? It seems to have been passed down to the male members of the Longbottom family’

The sudden stern look on Neville’s face alarmed Hannah and momentarily she considered backing away.
‘Let’s not talk about that’ He said ‘So how about next Wednesday at midday?’

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A/N2: So what did you think? Can you see the progression of Neville and Hannah's relationship like I can? If you're new to the lesser canon pairings thanks for reading this far and if you're one of the regular readers wether you review or not...thanks...you're ace!
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