It Started With a Kiss

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The next four days Neville and Hannah had no time to themselves because of the intensive rehabilitation Neville had to endure to be able to attend Professor Lupin’s funeral. Twice a day Neville was taken to the hydrotherapy pool and once a day he had treatment in his room. The potions he had been prescribed had also changed to accelerate his recovery and by the morning of the funeral he was feeling much more himself. Now able to get to the bathroom on his own and perform basic magic. Hannah and his Gran would be accompanying him to Professor Lupin’s funeral along with two healers from the Emergency Department and they would be catching the Knight Bus from a secret alley way behind St Mungos.

Hannah was the first to arrive on Friday morning to find Neville sitting in a recliner he had conjured himself dressed in his special dress robes.

‘Morning!’ She said after a long kiss ‘How are you feeling?’

‘Loads better’ Neville said ‘You look gorgeous’

‘You think so?’ Hannah said standing up and performing a little twirl.

Neville looked Hannah up and down and took in her heavenly appearance. She wore a floaty long sleeved blouse with sequined cuffs and collar and a floor length black skirt with shiny black beading along the hemming. The outfit was finished off with a petite pillbox hat and black mourning veil.

‘Of course, I think you’d look good wrapped cling film’

Hannah snorted.
‘I’ll give that a miss’ She said with a grin ‘Maybe the next function we attend. Not a funeral. Halloween’s in five months maybe then. I could transfigure my hat into a pumpkin and go as a Jack o’Lantern’

‘Stylish’ Neville said getting to his feet ‘Did you see Gran on your way up?’

‘No not yet but then I’m early how are you feeling now after four days of hard rehab?’

‘Well I don’t feel constantly spewy and I’m not dizzy anymore. I can keep my food down and I’m on half the potions I was four days ago. Crockford reckons I could be out of here in half the estimated time if I keep going at this rate’

Hannah’s face lit up.
‘Really truly?’ She said ‘That’s great! You can come down to Wolverhampton to see where I live then. Beacon Park is such a lovely place you can go fishing in the dam and horse riding in the national park. There’s loads to do’

‘You fish?’ Neville asked in surprise.

‘Of course I do whenever I get the chance. Why sound so surprised?’

‘I dunno it seems a rather blokey thing to do and you’re so...so well girly’ Neville finished lamely ‘God that sounds so sexist!’

‘I know what you men though’ Hannah said with a grin ‘When in my own environment I’m a true tomboy. I’m more likely to go out in overalls and wellies to roll about in the mud or to climb a tree than to stay inside and puff up my hair and put on makeup’

‘You’ve puffed up your hair and put on make up today’

‘Well yeah I’m about to go to a funeral. I do tart myself up when I have to go out for a formal occasional but otherwise I’d rather bum about in a pair of jeans and flip flops. I know it seems weird but you’ve only ever seen me in school robes or casual clothes when we were doing the Patronus tutoring sessions you’ve only seen me dress up once before when we went to Fred’s funeral three weeks ago’

‘Well you can dress up any time you like you look sensational’ Neville said with a blush.

Hannah strode over to him and slung her arms around his neck.
‘I like how you’re no free and easy with the compliments’ She said with a giggle ‘But thankyou. You look pretty snappy yourself’

‘Now who’s free and easy with compliments?’ Neville replied with a grin resting his hands on her hips ‘You smell nice too vanilla again?’

‘Yeah I make it myself’ Hannah said ‘I like to make scents for people. It’s something Mum and I started before I started at Hogwarts. Mum did it for a living with a big company and was on the point of going out on her own when....well she died. Jake and Louise want to carry on the idea once they’re out of Hogwarts’

‘So is your scent your own recipe?’ Neville asked leaning down and kissing Hannah on the neck.

‘Yeah this one is’ Hannah breathed ‘Ah shit that tickles!’

Neville burst into laughter as Hannah slapped his arm.

‘That’s not fair Neville Longbottom you know it isn’t!’ Hannah exclaimed

‘What isn’t?’ Neville asked with a cheeky grin ‘This?’

Neville lowered his lips to Hannah’s neck and blew a loud and very wet raspberry on her vanilla scented skin she shrieked and began chasing him around the spacious ward.

‘You bastard!’ She yelled overcome with giggles ‘You stinking no good slimy.....’

Neville cut Hannah off by grabbing her head and smashing her lips down on her. She resisted momentarily but then relaxed leaning on the edge of Neville’s bed kissing him back enthusiastically.

‘Ahem came a polite cough from the door.

Neville and Hannah tore themselves away from each other and turned around to see Augusta standing just inside the door dressed in black.

‘Morning you two’ She said with a barely discernable smile ‘Ah Neville I see you’re up and about. How are you feeling?’

‘Yeah just fine Gran thanks for asking’ Neville said flatly his face burning in embarrassment.

A moment later Healer Ferguson entered Neville’s room wheeling a wheelchair.
‘Good morning!’ She piped ‘All ready to go Neville?’

‘Yeah b-...I have to go in a wheelchair? I feel well enough to walk’

‘You do now but it’s going to be a long day for you and by the end of it you’ll need this. Plus it’s under one of Director Crockford’s conditions that you’re allowed to leave for the day. Hospital policy if you will’

‘Well I suppose I have no choice’ Neville said flopping down in the chair ‘I thought there was going to be two of you?’

‘There will be, we’ll be meeting Healer Lewis downstairs. He’s on his break at the moment’

So together Neville and Hannah along with Augusta and Healer Ferguson left the room and made their way from the intensive care department downstairs to the ground floor where they met a young male healer with the looks of a male model.

‘Neville this is Tony Lewis he’s a healer in the department you’re going to after you’ve left intensive care’ Healer Ferguson said in a breathless voice that made Neville think she fancied the other healer ‘Tony this is Neville Longbottom out escortee’

‘Howdy’ Tony said extending a hand forward.

Neville grasped Tony’s hand and shook it.
‘Nice to meet ya’ He said ‘I’m not really enthusiastic about being in this thing you know’

‘I figured you wouldn’t but unfortunately mate it’s Crocko’s stipulation’

‘Crocko?’ Hannah said with a grin.

‘Oh yeah and that’s one of his nicer nicknames. The pedantic bugger. He’s a nice guy but the most anal retentive attention to detail bloke I’ve ever worked for. The trainee healers call him Cock Head’

Neville sniggered.

‘Okay lets head out into the alleyway and we’ll get on the Knight Bus’ Healer Ferguson said wheeling Neville to the nearest exit door.

The group left the foyer of St Mungos and headed out into the alleyway. Neville took his wand out of it’s holster and held it out. A second later there was a deafening bang and the Knight Bus made it’s usual metallic cruch appearance. They boarded the bus and took their seats. Healer Ferguson and Tony secured Neville’s wheelchair so it wouldn’t be bustled about during their journey and took their own seats a few rows away.

‘Are you okay about today?’ Hannah asked softly rubbing the back of his hand.

‘No not really’ Neville said exhaling in a rush ‘You know Professor Lupin was one of the few teachers that believed in me and it’s so unfair he just died when he’d become a father you know? He’s the main reason I started becoming more confident about my magic. It was partly him that got me to start up the D.A again this year. How can you say goodbye to someone who’s meant so much to you? I stayed up last night writing a tribute to him that I’m going to read out if the opportunity comes up. I know Harry is giving the main eulogy’

‘Can I have a look at what you wrote?’

‘Sure’

Neville retrieved a sheet of parchment from his robes pocket and gave it to Hannah. She unfolded it and began reading. Neville sat on the edge of his seat itching to ask her reaction to his effort at a tribute.

A few minutes later Hannah finished reading her green eyes shining with tears.
‘That was lovely!’ She choked ‘It perfectly describes Professor Lupin as I remember him and how he was from what Harry said during his visit yesterday. You did very well’

‘Thanks. I just wrote from the heart you know?’

‘I think that was the only way to go’ Hannah said ‘You’re a very from the heart person Neville you were just being true to yourself. The second Gryffindor trait after bravery’

Moments later the Knight Bus arrived in Budleigh Babberton and the group alighted just outside the magical cemetery. Neville saw several members of the D.A as well as the entire teaching faculty of Hogwarts file into the graveyard making their way to where the seating for the double funeral would be held

‘Tony and I will be close right behind if you need us just give us a wave’ Healer Ferguson said after parking Neville’s wheelchair at the end of the left hand side front row ‘Got it?’

‘Yeah got it thanks’ Neville said.

‘Oh she so fancies him!’ Hannah hissed in Neville’s ear ‘She thinks the sun shines out of his arse’

‘How can you tell?’

Hannah rolled her eyes.
‘Oh come on Neville it’s obvious’ Hannah said ‘I kept looking at her in the Knight Bus and she had issues keeping her tongue in her head. Sort of how Harry is around Ginny or Ron is around Hermione. Or even how I’m around you’

‘You’re like that?’ Neville said in amusement.

‘Yeah of course especially when we’re alone’ Hannah said with a grin kissing him on the cheek ‘I can show you next time we have some alone time’

‘You’re a naughty minx’ Neville said with a chuckle ‘Hey there’s Harry I’m going to have a quick word to him back in a minute’

‘I’m going to come with you’ Hannah said getting up and holding a hand out to him ‘I think it wise you have someone with you at all times. I can chat to Ginny’

Twenty minutes later the service began and the same minister that conducted Fred’s service once again stepped up to a lectern that had been placed between Tonks and Lupin’s caskets.

‘Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen and welcome to the Budleigh Babberton Memorial Gardens as we gather to celebrate the lives of Remus John Lupin and his wife Nymphadora Louise Lupin, Members of the Order of The Phoenix crusaders of light and good friend to many. To get things underway I would like to invite Harry Potter up to the lectern to deliver today’s main eulogy....Harry if you would?’

Neville watched as Harry looking the most miserable he’d ever seen him rose from his seat and trudged up to the lectern adjusting his glasses in a manner that reminded Neville of Dumbledore.

‘The first time I ever met Remus Lupin was on the Hogwarts Express prior to the beginning of my third year’ He began ‘He saved my arse from a dementor and gave me a chunk of chocolate. That incident was the beginning of a friendship that I will treasure for the rest of my days. Remus taught me to produce a Patronus Charm that year and taught me more about my late Mum and Dad than anyone before or since could’ve hoped to. He was a totally selfless man that always thought about others before himself and when he was a teacher at Hogwarts his students were the most important to him.

He believed in helping each and every student that passed through his classroom and made them want to better at Defence Against the Dark Arts, he made them want to be better at school, in general and most of all he wanted them to be better people. Of all the people who were privileged and lucky enough to have him as their Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher for that one year I know each and every one of them will bet a better witch or wizard because of him. He inspired you to want to go out in the world and make a difference, to do something for someone that was not as well off as yourself. And I know anyone that had the fortune to be a student, friend or colleague of his in some way wether it be big or small has made a difference in the world.

But as those closest to Remus know he was a thickhead in the romance stakes’

A rumble of reminiscent laughter ran through the mourners. Harry smiled sadly and with a deep breath continued on.

‘I first met Nymphadora or Tonks as she liked to be known....I’m going to refer to her as Tonks today because even though she’s on the other side I know she still wouldn’t be liked to be called Nymphadora’ Harry said with grin as the remaining members of the Order chuckled heartily ‘Back in fifth year a month before the start of term. She was one of several Order of The Phoenix members who had come to escort me to headquarters. Tonks was unlike anyone I had ever met before. She was an Auror a position I’ve aspired to since fourth year and she was by far the coolest person I had ever met in the wizarding world. And this was aside from her metamorphmagising abilities. She was the most happy go lucky, selfless and dare I say it clumsy witch I have ever met who made the lives of those who crossed her path just that little bit brighter. She could make anyone’s day better by something as simple as a dirty joke or changing her nose into a pigs snout or a chickens beak and it’s that devil may care attitude I am thankful for. But most of all I am thankful to her for coming into the life of one of my best friends Remus Lupin. She had fancied him long before he came to his senses and even though they were an item for a short time I know of all the couples to come together those two were meant to be. And Remus, Tonks it is my solemn vow as your son Teddy’s Godfather I will make sure he grows up to be like you both, Selfless, honest, caring, brave and funny. I want him to grow up to know what you did for me, for my friends and for the entire Wizarding world that is better off for you being in it.

Harry swallowed hard and took in a deep shuddering breath as the tears fell down his cheeks. He furiously wiped them dry and went back to his seat where Ginny tears also running down her cheeks hugged him hard.

The celebrant once again stepped up to the lectern.
‘And now I’d like to invite Neville Longbottom one of Remus Lupins former students up to share his memories of his former professor’

Hannah squeezed Neville’s hand and kissed him on the cheek as he got out of the wheelchair and made his way up to the lectern.

‘I didn’t know Professor Lupin for as long as some of you gathered here today’ He began ‘But nonetheless he had such a huge impact on my life I felt the need to say something to you all today. Like Harry the first time I met Professor Lupin was at the beginning of my third year at Hogwarts at the welcoming feast prior to the start of term. I knew nothing of him but my first impressions were of a kindly man who cared more about those around him than himself. The more I got to know Professor Lupin the more this impression became apparent. It was during the year he taught Defence Against the Dark Arts at Hogwarts that I became more confident in myself as a person and in my abilities as a wizard and it was his unfailing faith in me Neville Longbottom that helped me become the person I am today. Everything I have done in school and life since is because of Remus Lupins time as a teacher of mine.

It is said that a subject is only as good and relevant as the professor teaching it and if that’s the case Remus Lupin is the most relevant and good person I have ever met. It’s his faith in me as a person that got me starting up Dumbledore’s Army in Harry’s absence this year and his inspiration that kept me at Hogwarts during the battle long after most people would’ve left. It is my opinion the effectiveness of a teacher goes on long after a student has left their tutelage and in the future for the rest of my life I will tell people wether they be family, friends, business acquaintances even my own children when I have them in the future the impact Remus Lupin had on my life. I thank you Professor for being one of the most influential people in my life you have done me and my school friends a great service and for that we will be forever in your debt’

There was a brief silence before Seamus got to his feet and called out ‘Bravo! Right on Neville!’

Everyone else got to their feet and burst into applause at Neville’s speech. He blushed embarrassed as Hannah blew him a kiss and hugged him as he returned to the wheelchair.

‘That was brilliant’ She whispered in his ear ‘That was a wonderful tribute you delivered it perfectly’

‘Y’think so?’

‘Of course it said what I think everyone else thinks too’

Half an hour later after eulogies from Kingsley and McGonagall and a musical tribute from the string ensemble that had played at Fred’s funeral the committal took place and everyone who had known Remus and Tonks filed past their graves to throw in a handful of dirt or a conjured bouquet of flowers. Neville threw a huge bunch of long stemmed roses into Lupin’s grave and mouthed ‘thank you’ before conjuring a bunch of orchids and tossing them into Tonks’s grave. He then got up and walked over to Hannah who was talking to Ginny

‘Neville you’re wonderful!’ Ginny exclaimed engulfing Neville in a rib cracking hug ‘That eulogy was truly truly wonderful!’

‘Thanks Gin it was from the heart’ Neville said his face reddening slightly ‘How’s Harry holding up?’

‘Not really well’ Ginny replied soberly ‘It took his all to write that eulogy then get up there and read it. Going to all these funerals could do him in I’m worried abut how delicate mentally he is. He’s not telling me anything’

‘Do you want me to chat to him?’ Neville asked ‘I don’t know how much help I can be but the very least I can try and get him to talk to you’

‘Oh would you mind?’ Ginny asked gratefully ‘I don’t know what I can say to him’

‘I’ll give it a go that’s what friends do for each other’

Ginny gave him another rib cracking hug.
‘You’re a gem Neville’ She said ‘You really are. Hannah you’re a lucky tart’

Hannah giggled as she slung an arm around Neville’s waist.
‘I know I am aren’t I?’ She said as Neville burned scarlet ‘I think we all are now. Though when you spend so much time going to funerals it makes you debate that’

‘No kidding. Will you two come back to the Burrow for the wake? We’re all gathering back there to reminisce’

‘Of course, we’ll have to take the Knight Bus though. Neville can’t apparate or floo anywhere while he’s still in hospital’

‘No worries’

It wasn’t for another half an hour when people started leaving the cemetery that Neville got a chance to talk to Harry.

‘You got a second mate?’ He said.

‘Yeah what’s up?’

‘We need to chat’

‘Gawd that sound ominous’ Harry said ‘I heard similar words before each detention I got a school’

Neville grinned.
‘I’m not going to make you write likes or clean every trophy in the trophy room’ He said ‘But it’s probably better if we chat at Mr and Mrs Weasley’s’

‘Gin put you up to this didn’t she?’

‘W-ell I-I wouldn’t say she talked me into anything...I sort of volunteered because she’s so worried about you’

A myriad of expressions crossed Harry’s face before he seemed to deflate.
‘Okay we’ll chat when we get back to the Burrow he said ‘After lunch maybe?’

‘Yeah sweet see you then’

‘You ready to head off mate?’ Tony said to Neville a moment later pushing forward the wheelchair ‘Hannah tells me the wake is where we’re headed next’

‘Yeah it is’ Neville said flopping into the chair ‘Lets get going’

Hannah and Neville left the cemetery with Tony and Healer Ferguson then made their way down to where the Knight Bus had dropped them off. Hannah hailed it this time and as usual it arrived with the usual metallic crunch.

So many people turned up isn’t that wonderful?’ Hannah said to Neville as the Knight Bus took off again ‘I reckon most of the mourners were old students of Professor Lupins. I can only hope I’m half that respected when I eventually shuffle off this mortal coil’

‘Yeah it was nice’ Neville said lacing his fingers through hers ‘Still a wholly depressing event though. Did you see Harry throughout the service? I thought any minute he was going to break down and be a blubbering snotty mess like Mrs Tonks was. I’ve never seen anyone so grief stricken not even Mrs Weasley was that bad at Fred’s funeral’

‘Maybe it was because Mrs Tonks has lost her whole family. Her husband, daughter and her son in law. She’s only got her grandson now. I know it sounds sort of clinical but at least Mrs Weasley had her six other kids all her son and daughter in laws and her husband. She’s got people to support her if need be it doesn’t seem like Mrs Tonks has anyone. That sucks on so many levels’

Ten minutes later after dropping off the other passengers the Knight Bus pulled up at the end of the lane leading to The Burrow. They all got off and started toward the Burrow who’s peaked roof was just visible over the surrounding pine trees.

‘I’d like to live in the country when I eventually get a place of my own’ Hannah mused taking in a lungful of pinewood scented air ‘The city’s too cramped for me’

‘I’ve always lived in the country I can’t imagine ever living in the city’ Neville said ‘Though I have to spend the majority if my time in the city once I begin Auror training and I don’t want to live at home with Gran forever and a lot of magical folk go and live in London when they first live on their own’

‘Is that something you want to do? Get a flat of your own in London?’

‘Yeah it’s something I’d like to do even if it’s for a short time’ Neville said ‘I think I’ll eventually go and live back at the Manor though I can’t imagine staying in London forever’

They reached the end of the lane and The Burrow came into view. Neville saw Harry and Ginny along with Bill, Charlie, Percy, George, Ron and Hermione setting up seating for all those coming to the wake. Mr Weasley came out of the house carrying an armful of tablecloths and waved them over when the rusty clink of the garden gate drew his attention to them.

‘Neville Hannah you’re here welcome!’ He said ‘Can I offer you a drink?’

‘Nah I’m alright for the time being Mr Weasley thanks for the offer’ Neville said getting out of the wheelchair ‘I’d rather lend a hand to get things going if you don’t mind. I can have a drink with lunch’

‘Are you sure you’re okay to help?’ Mr Weasley asked in doubt ‘You have been quite ill’

‘I feel fine’

‘If you don’t overdo it or do any heavy lifting you should be okay’ Healer Ferguson said to Neville.

‘Go inside and see if Molly could use a hand inside then’ Mr Weasley said to Neville ‘At least there you can sit down if you get tired’

‘Okay then’

‘I’ll help the others and come in later to see how you’re going’ Hannah said to Neville squeezing his hand.

‘No worries’

Hannah went off to join the others setting up the tables and chairs and Neville headed inside to the kitchen where Mrs Weasley was busy at the stove stirring an enormous pot of stew.

‘Hi Mrs Weasley can I lend a hand?’ He asked ‘I’m not allowed to do any heavy lifting or overdo it. Mr Weasley suggested I come in here and do something that I can do while sitting down’

‘Oh hello Neville dear of course I’d love the help could you start by oiling up that big pan? I have some bread dough ready to be baked’

‘No worries’

Neville collected a pastry brush and a pot of softened butter then sat don at the table where a huge tray waited to be oiled. He worked in silence for several moments before breaking the silence.

‘So how have you been getting on Mrs Weasley?’ He said dipping the pastry brush into the butter ‘You know....since we last caught up’

‘Oh dear I’ve been getting on okay’ Mrs Weasley said in a flat voice ‘Just dealing with each day as it comes you know? I can’t do much more than that. Sometimes it feels like the world is going to fall down on me but having Arthur, Bill, Charlie, Percy, George, Ron, Ginny. Harry and Hermione around help. I think it’s best to keep busy and I’ve been doing that. How about you dear? How’s your rehab in hospital going? When will you be out?’

‘I’m not sure exactly’ Neville replied ‘At least another week but most likely another fortnight I had to do twice daily hydrotherapy and once daily physiotherapy to be well enough to attend Professor Lupins funeral and I’m going to continue that in the hope I can get out of St Mungos quicker. I saw the director before leaving St Mungos this morning and he said there’s a distinct possibility I may be in the general ward by the end of the weekend if I keep in getting better. I’ve already gone from eight daily potions to four’

‘Well that’s a good thing!’ Mrs Weasley exclaimed going to a nearby cupboard and dragging out a huge bowl of bread dough ‘You’re obviously a quick healer and do what the healers tell you to...whereas my lot would rather be out an about on a broomstick not taking any required medicines’

‘I’d rather be out and about too though not on a broomstick’ Neville joked ‘I know I’ve been in St Mungos for nearly three weeks but in the four days that I’ve been awake I’m already going stir crazy. I grew up in the open air and spent very little time indoors and it’s driving me nuts being stuck inside. I’m going to ask for some time out in the sunroom or the balcony when I get back tonight that’s the closest I’m going to get to being outside until I get back home. And I can apparate, floo or Portkey anywhere til I get medical clearance and that’s not likely to happen til I get discharged from St Mungos’

‘Well if you keep on following the instructions of your healers you should be discharged early’ Mrs Weasley said rolling up her sleeves and dumping the huge mound of bread dough onto the floured bench ‘It will be good to have you up and about again. Too may people from the good side have been injured or killed and it needs to be stopped. Everyone needs to be home with their loved ones’

Mrs Weasley sniffed long and loud her chocolate brown eyes shining with barely suppressed tears. Neville got up and awkwardly patted her shoulder. She wiped her eyes and gave him a rib cracking hug much like the one Ginny had given him back in Budleigh Babberton.

‘Thank you for the ear Neville’ She said with a watery smile ‘I appreciate it’

‘No worries Mrs Weasley I’m glad to help’ Neville said with a grin ‘So what are we making?’

‘Just dinner rolls, would you like to help make them?’ I just have to re-knead the dough and once that’s done you can make fist sized balls of dough’

‘I can manage that’ Neville said ‘I used to help my Great Aunt Enid cook before I started at Hogwarts but since then I’ve had little chance or time to do it’

‘Wonderful you’ve had experience then, what did you cook?’

‘Mainly chocolate self saucing pudding that was because I used to lick the bowl clean when Enie had finished but all sorts really we grow our own veggies at the manor and have a chook pen so anything involving our produce’

‘I think you’ll really impress Hannah if you cook her a meal sometime’ Mrs Weasley said with a grin ‘Girls like to be cooked for’

‘I’m not sure my cooking is good enough for another’s consumption’ Neville said with a laugh ‘Did Mr Weasley cook for you when you were dating?’

‘Oh yes several times...the first time wasn’t particularly successful though’ Mrs Weasley said reminiscently ‘He was living in a small flat in Chelsea at the time and nearly blew up his kitchen when he forgot to turn the gas down on his stove. There were scorch marks all over the walls and half the wallpaper was burnt.....we ended up apparating into muggle London to have our meal at a pizza parlour’

Neville laughed.
‘That’s romantic’ He said with a chuckle ‘If I ever do cook for Hannah I’ll remember to turn the gas off’

Mrs Weasley laughed just as Andromeda Tonks came down the steps her hair mussed up and her mascara running tracks down her cheeks.

‘Andromeda dear take a seat!’ Mrs Weasley said with what Neville thought was false cheeriness as she bustled over to pulling out a old wooden chair and bustling the other woman into it ‘Would you like a Firewhiskey?’

‘Yes please make it a quadruple’ The other woman said in such a quiet voice Neville had issues hearing her.

Mrs Weasley busied herself with fetching the Firewhiskey from the liquor cabinet.

‘Um Mrs Tonks?’ Neville began hesitatingly.

‘Yes dear?’

‘Um my name’s Neville Long-b-‘

‘Longbottom you gave the second eulogy’ Andromeda said peering at Neville.

‘Y-y-yes um well I just wanted to express my sympathy for you loss...um...well...yeah that’s a-all’

‘Thankyou Neville that means a great deal to me’ Andromeda said as Mrs Weasley pushed a tumbler full of Firewhiskey into Andromeda’s hands ‘Thanks Molly’

Neville helped Mrs Weasley make the dinner rolls then went out into the yard with a drink to find most of the attendees from the funeral service had arrived and were mingling.

‘Hey what does this I hear about you and Lavender rutting like deer?’ He said to Seamus with a grin.

‘Rutting like deer?’ Seamus exclaimed going brick red ‘Is that a quote or your own words?’

‘A quote when Harry, Ginny, Ron and Hermione visited me on Monday Hermione said she walked in on you and Lavender quote ‘Rutting like deer’ unquote’

‘Hermione said that?’ Seamus said in a mixture of embarrassment and disbelief ‘Where is she? I’ll kill her!’

‘So she did walk on you two at it then’ Neville said with a grin.

‘Yeah she did and McGonagall almost did too’

Neville choked on his juice.
‘You’re kidding?’ He exclaimed wiping his nose.

‘Yeah I bit my tongue and covered Lavenders mouth with a hand and McGonagall walked right by the room we were in’

‘God that sounds far kinkier than I want it to be’ Neville said making a face ‘Well if it’s any consolation McGonagall actually did walk in on Hannah and I?’

‘Are you two shagging as well?’

‘No!’ Neville exclaimed ‘Not yet I mean we’re not thinking about that yet. She walked in on us snogging in her office.

‘You snogged in the heads office are you mental?’ Seamus exclaimed incredulously ‘Bloody hell not even I would do that’

‘Hmm well it’s not something I’m going to do again’

‘That begs the question why did you?’

‘Hannah was seeing me off to the Manor and I was seeing her off to her place McGonagall said we could use her fireplace to floo home’

‘So you got carried away then?’ Seamus said with a laconic grin.

‘I suppose we did’ Neville said not meeting his friend’s eyes.

‘Whoo hoo Neville you stallion!’ Seamus hissed.

‘Oh sod off’ Neville said rolling his eyes ‘Stallion my magical bum. You’re full of it Seamus’

Seamus only sniggered.

A few minutes later Neville left Seamus and began moving through the crowd speaking with most of the people gathered. He found Harry and Ginny a short distance away chatting quietly.

‘I’ll leave you two to talk’ Ginny said getting to her feet and patting Neville on the arm ‘I’ll be inside helping Mum’

Ginny walked off and Neville took her seat swinging it about and sitting on it backward. The two men sat in silence for several minutes before Harry spoke.

‘All this is so fucking unfair!’ He exclaimed wiping furiously at his eyes wth the sleeve of his shirt ‘You know after Sirius Remus was the one person who was the closest to my parents and now with him gone I’ve lost that connection permanently. He was one of my parent’s best friends and now every single one of them is gone’

‘Didn’t McGonagall, Flitwick and Slughorn know them?’ Neville asked.

‘Yeah but more in the professional sense as students when they were at school and in the case of Flitwick and McGonagall the Order of The Phoenix. Remus was one of the few who knew my parents away from all of that. He spent holidays with them attended their wedding and was there when I was born. I am literally all on my own now’

‘Harry that’s bullshit’ Neville said suddenly

Harry’s eyebrows rose at Neville’s uncharacteristic use if language.

‘Yes I said bullshit’ Neville said in an even tone ‘That attitude is whole and complete bullshit. You are not alone and you know you aren’t. You have the entire Weasley family...’

‘But-‘

‘No buts. Sure they may not be biologically your but bloodline does not define family your heart does. You’ve said to me in the past that Mr and Mrs Weasley are as close to being your parents as two people can be without actually being your parents. And Ron as well as being your best mate is like a brother to you. And you get on well with Bill, Charlie, Percy and George and Ginny is your girlfriend. That sounds like family to me. Therefore you are not alone stop thinking such rot’

‘Well I suppose you’re right’ Harry conceded deflating like a pricked balloon ‘It’s still hard to deal with the unfairness of it all though you know? One minute Remus and Tonks were here parents to a newborn and now they’re in a box in the ground. Jeez Tonks was only twenty three! That’s too young to die even for a muggle! She should be here growing old and wrinkly having as many kids as Mr and Mrs Weasley did’

‘Well I suppose all you can do it make sure their son grows up knowing how good his parents were’ Neville said ‘He deserves to know how his Dad taught you how to produce a Patronus Charm when you were thirteen or how his Mum made you and all around her laugh’

‘I can tell you right here and now I’ll be doing that’ Harry resolved ‘Ginny suggested I write down little anecdotes I recall about each of them whenever it crosses my mind and to meet with people that knew them when they were alive and write down their recollections so when Ted’s old enough he’ll have a book about his parents to read’

‘Sounds like a good idea’ Neville said.

There was another long silence before Neville spoke.
‘So when are you off to Australia with Ron, Hermione and Ginny to retrieve Hermione’s parents?’ He asked.

‘No firm plans yet but Hermione would like to get going by the end of next week’ Harry said ‘She wants to let the dust settle on all the funerals before heading off. She said she doesn’t want to stress out Mrs Weasley any more then is absolutely necessary’

‘I have the feeling Mrs Weasley would stress no matter when you went’ Neville said.

‘Yeah she would ‘Hermione really worried about how we’re going to do it though’ Harry said swirling his glass of Firewhiskey ‘She wants to start dropping hints now that Her, Ron, Gin and I want to go on a break to get away from the media then we go to Australia and do what we have to’

‘I’m not sure that would hold’ Neville said doubtfully ‘Mrs Weasley strikes me as a very cluey person she’d see through that in an instant’

‘That’s what Ron and Ginny said. Ron said if it were in any other situation he’d get George to help he and Fred were the masters of pulling the wool over Molly’s eyes when they were younger but since the funeral he’s been in a permanent alcoholic stupor’

Neville’s eyes wandered over to George who was with Angelina on the far side of the garden a huge glass of Firewhiskey in his hand, his eyes totally unfocused and a small line of drool coming out the right side of his mouth.

‘Merlins pants he looks like shit!’ Neville said in surprise whose memory of George was a larger than life happy life of the party person. The person in his line of vision appeared to be nothing more than a well dressed drunk.

‘No kidding that’s being kind’ Harry said ‘As Angelina said at the D.A meeting to discuss the Patronus tutoring sessions we can see why he’s doing it but no one wants to see him turn into an alcoholic’

‘Um I think he already has’ Neville said watching George take a deep swig of Firewhiskey and slop most of it down the front of his black dress robes.

‘Yeah well that’s my opinion too Mr and Mrs Weasley have even gone to the point of confiscating his wand too. He went apeshit when he found that out’

‘I can imagine so is the wheezes shop in Diagon Alley going to re-open?’

‘I don’t know. Ron has been talking of getting together with Verity and Glen the counter staff to re-open the shop. It’s the only one in Diagon Alley not open. Even Maggie Fortescue opened up the Ice Cream Parlour and officials never found every bit of Florean’

Neville made a face.
‘Well if you need any help let me know’ He said ‘I’m no good at inventing stuff but I’m good at numbers and I could do the books’

‘Thanks I’ll let Ron know. Something needs to be done. Mrs Weasley is determined for her family to get back to normal as soon as possible. Or at least as normal as it can be given the circumstances’

‘Harry can I be blunt?’ Neville asked a few minutes later.

Harry gave Neville an odd look.
‘Well-I suppose so’ He said warily his whole body tensing up.

‘W-well you kn-know I mean the best don’t you? What I’m about to say is because you’re one of my best mates. I don’t want to-‘

‘Neville get on with it’ Harry said his face colouring up ‘Stop procrastinating’

‘OhokayIthinkyououghttogoandseeacounsellor’ Neville rushed.

‘Pardon? I didn’t quite get that’

‘I think you need to go and see a counsellor’

‘Excuse me?’ Harry exclaimed ‘You think I’m mental?’

‘No-of-‘ Neville began.

‘Then what did you mean?’ Harry exclaimed loudly getting to his feet and look of indignation on his face drawing the attention of everyone gathered.

‘Harry sit down! Neville hissed staring evenly at Harry who’s face was red with anger.

‘So I will not sit down!’ Harry seethed ‘Neville you’re one of my best mates and I need your support not the accusation the cheese has slipped off the cracker! What the hell were you thinking on a day like today of all days coming to me and questioning my mental capacity?’

‘Harry-I-I...’

‘No you can eat shit and choke on it Neville go to hell!’ Harry espoused knocking over his hair and stalking off pushing through the crowd and into the house from where issued a loud slamming of a door.

There was a deafening silence and a very pregnant pause. Neville buried his face in his hands before the babble of conversation broke out again and those gathered resumed their mingling.

A moment later Neville felt the softness of Hannah’s touch as she came over and slung her arms around his neck.

‘Well that went well’ He said sarcastically.

‘Don’t worry he’ll come around’ Hannah said hugging him tightly ‘You two are really tight’

‘I don’t know how tight after that’ Neville said ‘He’s going to flip when he finds out Ginny asked me to say something’

‘Ginny’s sensible she won’t say anything til Harry’s clamed down’ Hannah said as Ginny went into the house.

‘You know Harry scared me then I’ve never seen him so ropable’ Neville said ‘It’s weird to see him like that he’s normally such a mild mannered person’

‘Well grief does weird things to people. I don’t think Harry is like that normally. Remember he’s had a lot of stuff going on his whole life and has lost a lot of people along the way I think he’s emotionally purging getting rid of all his emotional baggage as it were. That just now was him getting rid of some stuff he doesn’t need to hold onto’

Neville looked at Hannah impressed.
‘You ought to be a mental health healer’ He said ‘I hadn’t thought of that incident so deeply’

‘Things will be okay Neville trust me’ Hannah said with such conviction Neville couldn’t help but smile.

‘You’re too good for me you know that?’ He said brushing the pad of his thumb across her cheek.

Hannah flushed.

An hour later Harry emerged from the house and everyone took their seats for lunch.

‘Um everyone before we start I’d like to propose a toast’ Harry said getting to his feet and holding a tumbler of Firewhiskey aloft ‘To Remus and Tonks together forever and I hope resting in peace...absent friends’

‘To absent friends’ Came the refrain.

Neville caught Harry’s gaze and his friend’s expression hardened before he turned away and focused his attention on a nearby bowl of salad.

‘He’s never going to forgive me’ He said to Hannah placing one of Mrs Weasley’s dinner rolls on his plate.

‘Yeah he will just leave him be fore the time being’ Hannah replied squeezing his knee ‘He’s got a lot to deal with. I think Ginny’ll be the one to turn him around’

‘I hope so I don’t want this to be a permanent thing. I value Harry’s friendship’

‘I know but I think the best thing you can do as his friend I think for the time being is to leave him be. If you do dive in and confront him you could ruin things’

‘Hmmm Yeah you’re right’ Neville conceded.

Throughout the casual and sombre meal Neville surreptitiously snatched glances at Harry to see if the opportunity to speak to his friend would crop up but it never did and eventually Neville gave up and literally followed Hannah’s advice to leave him be.

After lunch Neville was once again mingling in the crowd when Kingsley pulled him aside.

‘Neville how are you?’ He asked.

‘Not bad still a bit sore but the rehab and potions all the specialists at St Mungos are making me take are helping’ Neville said ‘The director of the intensive care department reckons I could be out of intensive care and into a general care ward by Sunday or Monday’

‘Excellent excellent I expect you’re going stir crazy though?’

‘Yeah like you wouldn’t believe. I’m allowed to move about my room but it’s not the same as getting out and feeling the sun on my face. Today has helped me feel loads better even given the miserable occasion’

‘Well if there’s anything I can do to help just let me know....it is due to my request you were put in a situation where you were so very nearly killed’

‘Don’t feel guilty I went to Lockinge Valley because I wanted to help’ Neville said ‘I mean if I’m going to be an Auror I’m going to have to be prepared to deal with stuff like that aren’t I? Call it work experience’

Kingsley chuckled.
‘That’s rather optimistic of you’ He said ‘I’m not sure others would feel the same in a similar situation’

‘Ah call it as Gryffindor trait’ Neville said with a sheepish grin ‘I think we’re a rather optimistic lot’

‘So it seems, now I was wondering if I could get you Ron and Harry together for a bit of a chat? Ron said we can use the lounge room in the house’

‘Sure now?’

‘If you don’t mind I’d rather get you all together but with you in hospital and Ron and Harry busy with the Patronus tutoring sessions I’ve not had the opportunity to get all three of you together’

‘Lead the way’

Kingsley started off toward the house and Neville followed Harry and Ron caught Kingsley’s serreptisous hand wave and they followed also Harry determinedly avoiding Neville’s eyes.

Kingsley led them into the lounge room and locked and silenced the room behind them.

‘So what’s up?’ Ron said.

‘The sky’ Neville joked.

Ron and Kingsley laughed but Harry’s expression remained stony.

‘Okay I won’t keep you long but I have some things here for you that you need to look at before you start your Auror training’ Kingsley said retrieving a shrunk bag from within his robes and resizing it with a tap from his wand ‘It is important that you keep these documents in a safe place and hidden from those who do not know of your future endeavours. At least until there’s a special announcement’

‘Um a special announcement?’ Harry said with a raised eyebrow.

‘Yes I would like to schedule a press conference to announce that you three are the latest additions to the Auror training program’

‘Fuck off Kingsley I am not dealing with the press!’ He exclaimed vehemently before Ron or Neville could react ‘I have had enough shit to deal with the last twelve months....no scratch that my whole magical life. I don’t need to be paraded in front of the world’s magical media like a prize bull! You know I get dozens of owls a day asking for an interview? I’ve had thirty four owls from Rita Skeeter alone! I ended up writing directly to the editor of the Prophet to try and get her off my case! Anyway I don’t have the time for a press conference I have my hands full with the Patronus tutoring sessions and I visit Ted and Andromeda every day too! I’m not going to have time to wipe my arse once training actually begins!’

‘Mate calm down you’re scaring us!’ Ron exclaimed in alarm as Harry began pacing the room his magical energy exuding from him so strongly random items were throwing themselves off shelves and tables and shattering into thousands of pieces.

Harry threw himself down into the nearest chair heaving for breath like he’s just run a marathon. With a flick of his wand Neville repaired all the broken ornaments and they returned themselves fro where they had come.

‘Harry if you honestly feel you are not able to face a press conference of course I will not make you attend one’ Kingsley said diplomatically ‘But some announcement has to be made. The wizarding community has been starved of proper information in our world since Rufus was murdered and I’m sure you’d agree they deserve to be properly informed of everything that’s gone on since the battle’

Inwardly Neville couldn’t help but agree with Kingsley but his fear of Harry yelling at him again stopped him from outwardly saying so.

Harry exhaled so hard his tousled fringe performed a theatrical puff.
‘Yeah they do but they don’t need me at a press conference’ He said ‘Put out a media release. Do what you need to but I don’t need to be there when you do it’

‘Neither do I’ Neville said after a long pause.

‘Aye?’ Ron yelped staring at Neville as if he’d sprouted another head ‘Mate after Harry you’re the person everyone most wants to know about! You killed Voldemort’s snake! That near enough takes you into legend status!’

‘Oh bullshit it does not Neville said rolling his eyes ‘I’m just saying as Harry’s mates it would show solidarity if we joined him in not going to a press conference. Friends stick together in trying times and I for one this is one of those times’

Harry shot Neville a look of gratitude.
‘Thanks mate’ He said ‘That means a lot’

‘You’re both right’ Ron said after a moment of silence ‘Kingsley do we have to do this press conference?’

‘No of course not as I said I won’t make you do anything you feel uncomfortable with’ Kingsley said sitting down and pulling the resized bag toward him ‘But do keep in mind when word gets out you three are in the Auror training program the media will go after you like a pack of wolverines and as part of your training and when you eventually go into the job full time you will have to deal with the media it’s part of the job I’m afraid’

‘Well we’ll deal with that when we absolutely have to then’ Neville said ‘No point in doing it before then is there?’

‘No of course...now the reason I brought you here’

Kingsley reached into the bag and pulled out three inch thick folders.
‘In these folders is what each new trainee gets when they are first accepted into the Auror program’ He said handing them out ‘It’s much like your first Hogwarts letter in that it lists all your required bookwork and training schedule both physical and theoretically the British Ministry of Magic Aurors Handbook which is an annual publication issued only to those in the Auror office and some paperwork from actual arrests within the last five years. Or longer given the significance to wizarding law. I want the three of you to thoroughly go through this and study its contents whenever the opportunity arises so when you eventually begin the coursework you’ll be ahead of the other trainees’

‘How many others are there in the training program besides us?’ Neville asked.

‘Just two Frankie Llewellyn and Mackenzie Oliver. Both are four years out of Hogwarts and have been practicing law within the French Ministry. Out of the three hundred applicants to the Auror program only those two passed the exams. I think it’s going to be of great value to have two people already with law experience in the program it could help with courtroom strategy and case building’

‘Mackenzie Oliver was in the same year as Percy and was the Head Girl when he was the Head Boy’ Ron said ‘She’s from Hufflepuff’

‘How do you remember that?’ Neville asked in surprise ‘I have issues remembering you were a prefect let alone who was the Head Girl in Percy’s year’

‘I remember because the summer before our third year and Percy’s seventh he couldn’t stop banging on about who was Head Girl’ Ron said dryly rolling his eyes ‘Apparently she was the first Hufflepuff Head Girl since Professor Sprout’

‘Sprout was Head Girl?’ Neville exclaimed ‘I didn-sorry Kingsley off topic’

Kingsley laughed.
‘No worries no worries’ He said shrinking the now empty bag and pocketing it ‘Now if you could all get into reading this material as soon as possible it’d be great’

‘Well this is something that will fill my time while I’m in St Mungos’ Neville said leafing through the Auror’s Handbook ‘And it’s not as heavy as that Herbology house brick Hermione gave me to read on Wednesday’

‘Remember the security charms’ Kingsley said to them ‘Especially when you’re not in contact with the folder. You’ll be bothered by the press even more if any of this gets out’

'I’ll bet anyone here that when Hermione finds out I have this she’ll want me to read it then she’ll want to quiz me on it’s contents’ Ron said dryly.

Neville and Harry sniggered and Kingsley got to his feet.
‘Well thankyou for your time lads I’m sorry to take you away from the–er I wouldn’t quite call them festivities’ He said.

‘No worries Kingsley I think we needed the distraction’ Ron said ‘Maybe now that this is the last funeral we can all and at least try to get back to normal eh?’

‘Yes it will be a welcome relief’ Kingsley agreed ‘After rushing to get the Death Eater trials to the Wizengamot and dealing with what comes naturally as Minister for Magic it seems all I’ve done is go to funerals. It’s quite wearing’

‘Who’s the new Auror head now that you’re Minister?’ Harry asked

‘Archie Collingsworth an Australian who used to head up the Auror department in the Australian Ministry’ Kingsley replied ‘You three will have to meet him in the near future. He’ll be personally training you three’

‘We get a personal trainer?’ Neville asked in amazement.

‘Yes all new recruits get grouped into three and paired off with a trainer who will personally oversee their progress through the three year training course but as this year there is an uneven number of recruits you three will be paired off with Archie and Mackenzie and Frankie will be paired off with his deputy Olivier Giteau an Auror I recruited to the department when I took over the Auror department. Some classes you’ll take together but for the most part you’ll be training in your own little groups. Years ago when I first joined the Ministry Aurors were trained in one big group but it was found trainees benefitted more from working in small groups. Some recruits have been known to graduate early since that regulation was brought in’

‘Doubt that’s going to happen to me’ Neville said scanning a list of required text and clothing required for all new Auror recruits.

‘Don’t be so sure of that Neville’ Kingsley said kindly ‘There have been some people come through the Auror training program that I have thought were well and truly a vol au vent short of a buffet and they’ve sailed through the training and graduated early. The thing is you don’t know how you’ll go til you get into the thick of things and test yourself. I can tell you right now after your efforts in the Battle of Hogwarts and the Lockinge Valley Riots you’ll do very well in combat training’

‘You think I’m a vol au vent short of a buffet?’ Neville said with a grin.

Kingsley rolled his eyes.
‘No I don’t’ he said with a deep rumbling chuckle ‘It’s not all theory this Auror training it’s lateral thinking and out on the field work. I think the three of you will acquit yourselves quite well’

‘Thanks’

After Kingsley left the room Neville Ron and Harry remained behind to digest their folder of Auror training information.

‘Bloody hell it’s not exactly Charms notes is it?’ Ron said after a few minutes of silence ‘What was Kingsley saying about Auror training not being all about theory? No wonder you have to be a brainiac just to pass the entrance exams. I have a feeling the exams we have once in training will be nothing like we ever had while we were at Hogwarts’

‘That would have to be the understatement of the century’ Neville muttered scanning a piece of parchment titles ‘The People Vs Proctor-Smythe’ ‘Well Kingsley did say when he first invited us to train that the coursework doesn’t start til September first the same as the Hogwarts term so we have plenty of time to absorb all this’

‘I reckon we’ll need every minute of it’ Ron said ‘My head is going to burst going through this’

‘Don’t expect us to clean it up’ Harry said with a laugh.

Suddenly from the other side of the lounge door the slamming of the kitchen door reached their ears followed by the violent shattering of something made from glass.

‘Dammit Molly I can’t be here!’ Came Andromeda’s grief stricken voice ‘I can’t do this anymore! What’s the point?’

Neville, Harry and Ron leapt to their feet and rushed into the kitchen where the battered kitchen door was swinging barely on it’s hinges and Andromeda and Molly were facing off at the end of the long dining table.

‘What’s going on?’ Harry asked striding forward ‘Andromeda are you okay?’

‘No I’m not okay’ Andromeda spat back with the venom of a thousand vipers and causing Harry to take a step back in alarm ‘Do I look okay to you? I’ve had it I’m outta here!’

‘Where are you going?’ Harry asked.

‘None of your fucking business!’ Andromeda ranted snatching up her cloak from the nearby coat stand and pulling it on roughly.

‘EXCUSE ME?’ Harry returned his hackles and voice rising ‘It is mu fucking business! What about Teddy? What’s to become of him? What’s going to happen to him without you here?’

‘I-DON’T-GIVE-A-FUCK! Andromeda yelled screaming so loud her voice broke then summoning her handbag so violently it hit her right in the solar plexus ‘I don’t give a shit about anything anymore Harry! I don’t give a fuck about life, you, Ted ANYTHING You can all go to hell!’

‘Oh for fucks sake Andromeda pull yourself together!’ Harry bellowed ‘I know you’ve lost everyone! Hey look at me so have I! Don’t go running off because you ‘can’t handle’ your shit anymore! Think about Teddy! He’ll have nothing too if you fuck off god knows where! Pull your head out of your arse and stop acting like the rest of your family!’

Andromeda swelled like a bullfrog and the abject anger projecting from her entire being was so strong Neville, Ron and even Mrs Weasley took a step backwards. It seemed any second a full on duel was going to break out and Neville serreptisously gripped the handle of his wand ready to jump in if it did.

‘HOW DARE YOU?’ Andromeda screamed ‘I am nothing...NOTHING like the rest of them! How DARE you suggest it?’

‘I’m suggesting it because Andromeda you are!’ Harry bellowed back his face red from the effort of yelling so loud ‘I’d expect this more of Bellatrix than you!’

Andromeda pulled out her wand but before she had the chance to cast a spell Ron and Neville jumped in bellowing.....

‘PROTEGO MAXIMA!.

Knocked back by the force of the spell Andromeda shot one last glare of anguish at Harry and disapparated with an angry snap.

‘Now where’s she fucking gone?’ Harry yelled to the thin air ‘DAMN YOU ANDROMEDA!’

An awkward silence filled the air that was only broken by the sharp start of Teddy’s cry from upstairs.

‘I-I-I’ll g-go s-see to h-him’ Mrs Weasley said in a trembling voice.

Mrs Weasley disappeared up the stairs and Harry threw himself down into the nearest chair every emotion known to man crossing his face.

‘Okay everyone show’s over go home!’ Ron called going to the door ‘Sorry’

Quickly and discreetly everyone disapparated to their homes until just Bill, Charlie, Percy, George, Ginny, Fleur, Charlie’s girlfriend Charlotte, Hannah, Hermione, Angelina, Mr Weasley, Kingsley and Neville’s two healers were left.

‘Well at least it wasn’t me who fucked things up’ George slurred holding his seemingly never emptying tumbler of Firewhiskey aloft ‘Cheers!’

‘Oh for fucks sake George have some tact you piss head’ Percy snapped.

‘I’ll go and look for her’ Mr Weasley said getting to his feet.

‘I’ll come too’ Harry said getting to his feet.

‘No you won’t you’re in no condition to go looking for anyone or anything’ Kingsley said commandingly as he joined Mr Weasley ‘Arthur and I will. You stay here’

‘Try and make me’ Harry hissed ‘I want to track that woman down and kill her for leaving us here like that’

Neville and Ron grabbed Harry and pushed him back into his chair.
‘Don’t be stupid mate the mood you’re in you’re likely to do something stupid’ Ron said firmly.

‘Are you saying I’m stupid?’ Harry said his hackles rising once again.

‘If you head out the door willy nilly then yeah you are’ Ron said gripping his shoulder ‘Just calm down and have a Firewhiskey’

‘Yeah come on Harry join me I have loads!’ George exclaimed with a drunken giggle.

‘George Weasley utter another word out of line and you’ll regret the day you were born!’ Angelina hissed.

‘Too late luv!’

Angelina leapt to her feet and in a perfect imitation of Mrs Weasley grabbed George by the ear and dragged him off his seat causing him to knock over his glass and spill his drink. Then with George screaming like a Banshee she dragged him upstairs where another argument ensued that was quickly silenced by (Neville guessed) Angelina.

‘We’ll be back with some news’ Kingsley said to the group.

And with a simultaneous snap he and Mr Weasley disapparated. There was yet another awkward silence so to break it Neville went to the stove and helped Fleur make a pot of tea.

‘This eeez not charmant’ Fleur said to Neville as stilted conversation broke out ‘Zair eez no warmth ‘ere anymore ze Burrow was always so-so-so ‘appy and alive! It ‘ad a certain je ne sais quoi eet is not ‘ere anymore’

‘Yeah well there’s not a lot of that going around right now’ Neville said softly summoning some cups and saucers to the table ‘I don’t think there will be much happiness or life anywhere for a while yet’

‘And zat eez sad’ Fleur said stoically ‘’Appiness and life eez what zis world needs to recover. Or Voldemort will ‘ave succeeded. You don’t ‘ave to be alive to ‘ave an impact on ze world good or bad!’

‘I think whatever happens what Voldemort did will have an impact on the world for a long time to come’ Neville said ‘Look how much he’s done to the world up to this point’

‘Yes but ‘e eez dead ‘e cannot do any fur’zer damage’ Fleur countered ‘Yes what ‘e did for all these years eez bad but ‘e cannot do more. I meant if we all stay miserable eet will just be like ‘e is still alive! Won’t it?’

‘Yeah I suppose so’

It was well after the sun had gone down that Kingsley and Mr Weasley returned.

‘Any news?’ Came the collective question.

‘None absolutely none’ Mr Weasley said tiredly flopping down into his usual chair ‘We went to her house and all her wardrobes and drawers have been cleaned out. Wherever she’s gone she’s gone for a long time’

‘Fuck!’ Harry cussed so loudly he made everyone jump.

‘I’ll try and find out more in the morning’ Kingsley said ‘See if any unauthorised portkeys have been activated or if the international floos at the Ministry have been used surreptitiously used. There’s no point now it’s too late’

‘I knew she was grieving but I honestly didn’t see this coming’ Harry said in a defeated tone a moment later ‘It sounds like she was planning this.....what the hell am I going to do with Teddy? I don’t know how to be a parent! I’ve never had anyone show me how to be one!’

‘Don’t worry Harry Molly and I will help you’ Mr Weasley said ‘This is not something you’ll have to do alone’

‘We’ll all help’ Neville said ‘That’s what friends do help each other out’

‘Hear hear’ came the refrain.

‘Um Neville I don’t want to be rude and interrupt but Marie and I really ought to be getting you back to St Mungos’ Tony said ‘We should’ve had you back there at six o’clock. Crockford will be packing it’

Neville made a face.

‘No mate you better go’ Harry said getting to his feet ‘Thanks for coming today your words at the ceremony were wonderful’

‘Ah it was nothing’ Neville said feeling his face warm.

‘No it wasn’t it meant a lot to me and I’m sure it would’ve meant a lot to Remus too’

‘No worries Harry’ Neville said shaking his hand ‘See you soon eh?’

‘Of course’

Neville got into the wheelchair and with Hannah pushing it left the Burrow with Tony and Healer Ferguson in tow. Giving him time to ponder on the extraordinary events of the day.

‘Poor Harry never seems to get an even break does he?’ Hannah said as they made their way along the long lane.

‘Nah he doesn’t’ Neville replied sadly ‘But he’s made of strong stuff he’ll come back from this....however long it takes. He’s got Ginny, Hermione and all the Weasley’s to rally around him’

‘I’m not sure how much help George will be’ Hannah said dryly ‘I’ve never seen anyone so drunk and that’s saying something some of the guests at parties I’ve been to have made George look like a teetotaller’

‘But that’s a party where most people get pissed as a once off’ Neville said ‘From what Angelina said at the first D.A meeting and others since he’s been in a constant alcoholic stupor since the end of the battle. Not that I can blame him. I’d be like that too if my twin who I was so close to died so suddenly’

‘Hmm well the good thing is all the funerals are done and dusted with now and the wizarding world can finally start to heal’ Hannah said ‘In twelve months time the wizarding world will be a totally different place you’ll see’

‘I hope so Han I really hope so’

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

A/N: This chappie is dedicated to my good friend LadyVoldemort87 who inspires me every day when I write. She inspired the argument scene between Harry and Andromeda and even suggested what swear words to use!...lol. She even said to me shortly after this chappie was written that my chappies and getting better with every update and that she doesn't think I need a BETA anymore. Of course I think that's a load of bollocks but that compliment made me feel warm and fuzzy all the same. Thanks Big V you're amazing!

The next chapter is where things between Neville and Hannah really HAWT up. I hope the few of you who read this fic will stick around and read it!.