Chapter Text
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I Do Not Own Harry Potter.
All Characters Appearing In This Work Are Fictitious. Any Resemblance To Real Persons, Living Or Dead Is Purely Coincidental.
Chapter 1: Decisions and Agreements.
While most of the audience — Muggle and wizard alike — had decided to take up the offer to tour the ancient castle, some, like the Weasleys and their extended circle of friends and family, were content to remain where they were, gathering in small clusters as old bonds rekindled and new conversations sparked.
Arthur sat alone in his seat, Molly for once not at his side — she was deep in conversation with Madam Pomfrey in her office, comparing notes on health care and magical remedies. Left to himself, Arthur indulged in one of his favourite pastimes: people-watching.
His eyes fell on his children. Percy and Audrey looked every bit the lovestruck fools, Audrey locked in an asinine argument with Fleur over French wine versus English, while Percy sat quietly, content to absorb the atmosphere, his hand clasped tightly around Audrey’s as though she might vanish if he let go. Every few moments Audrey’s thumb brushed over his knuckles, comforting, even as she sparred with Fleur.
Arthur smiled to himself, remembering a few days earlier when Percy had stumbled into the Burrow half-drunk, dishevelled, smelling of cigarettes and firewhisky, yet grinning like the happiest man alive. One hand clutched an empty firewhisky bottle — the Portkey that had brought him — the other wrapped firmly around Audrey’s waist as he introduced her to the family, at least officially, before whisking her away again to parade her before the rest of the clan.
Watching now, Arthur chuckled. His sons were all the same in their own way — each needed a strong woman to steer their boat through this ocean called life. Even Harry, whom Arthur had long considered a son, was no exception. An Introvert by nature, Harry had been drawn out of his shell by Ginny. Though he only half-complied most of the time, it was still something remarkable to see.
Hermione was at first reluctant to allow her parents to accompany Hagrid all by themselves as he offered to show them the magical creatures that the castle held. Because unlike her parents she knew that Hagrid’s definition of “cute and harmless” was the complete opposite of what everyone else considered those words to mean. However, her fears were allayed when Professor Grubbly-Plank also teamed up with Hagrid to help show everyone around.
Since the group was so large the two professors decided to pair up, although Hagrid was at first reluctant. He conceded the fact that Professor Grubbly-Plank, being Muggle-born herself, would be able to relate better to the Muggles, and with both of them present there was less chance of facing a situation that could endanger the lives of their guests. With her parents in the capable hands of a half-giant and a full-fledged witch, Hermione was finally able to rest easy and turned towards Neville’s grandmother to strike up a conversation.
Before Hermione could engage the old woman further, Percy leaned across and pulled her into a conversation about a Muggle idiom he had recently overheard. Hermione, half-amused and half-exasperated, began explaining its meaning, her sharp wit sparking laughter from those nearby. Augusta, watching this exchange, found herself momentarily lighter, almost alive again, as she drifted toward the refreshment stand. There she encountered Minerva, who had just finished speaking to a house-elf about the dietary requests of one of the Muggle guests. Seeing her old friend once more, Augusta allowed herself to be drawn into conversation, all the while much like arthur observing the young teens... No, not teens anymore they were now young adults.
Although Neville’s Gran had a tough exterior and was very slow to warm up to her, it was obvious that she was proud of her grandson’s achievements and that she held his friends in high regard, especially Hermione, whom Neville had spoken a lot about. At first Augusta had wondered if Neville’s fond words hinted at a boyish crush on the round-faced Muggle-born, but seeing the youngest Weasley and Hermione together, that thought quickly vanished.
The recent recipient of the Order of Merlin, Second Class, was happy that her grandson had finally found some friends. However, her instincts and experience told the old woman that her grandson still had much growing to do.
With the death of Bellatrix Lestrange and after meeting her grandson’s friends, she had finally come to the realization that Neville had his own path to walk — and that path might very well differ from the one her son had walked in his prime. So engrossed was she in her thoughts that she did not even notice Minerva walking next to her as she strolled across the grounds.
McGonagall could sense the old woman’s thoughts as plain as day, but then again it was not surprising; Augusta only ever thought about her grandson and how he measured up to his father.
Minerva understood her friend’s pain and over the years had tried her hardest to help her relieve some of it. However, over the years her grief at the loss of her son and daughter-in-law had transformed into something else — an unhealthy obsession for her grandson to walk in his father’s footsteps.
This time however Minerva decided on the direct approach with her ikdvdriend.
“I do hope you are finally proud of Neville, Augusta. Has he not proven himself to be a fine wizard?
True, he does not have his father’s confidence and charm, however he has seen and accomplished much in this last year.
If you require any more proof of that then remember, he was not only able to stand up to Voldemort but he was also able to pull the Sword of Gryffindor out of the Sorting Hat to slay his beloved snake.
In this past year he has seen horrors that I doubt even Frank and Alice might have seen at the height of Voldemort’s reign.
He has matured greatly in this past year. He might not walk his father’s path, however it is unfair to measure father and son by the same yard stick. By doing so you unnecessarily burden Neville with a weight he should not bear.she smiled briefly and said although I doubt even Drank with all his talent and charisma could have accomplished what Neville has in a single year with a rag tag group of students. true the Castle sheltered them some, but that does not distract from his deeds if anything, i would say it elevates them. He has shown a loyalty to this school few ever have before and i doubt and hope never will be required ever again.
It is time you take pride in Neville’s accomplishments and stop comparing them to his father’s.”
Augusta released a large sigh and said, “Are you finished with your lecture, Minerva? I am very proud of Neville, thank you very much, and although it might not seem like it, I realized long ago that Neville was not his father. These past few weeks have finally helped me realize that he has his own path to follow and that path might very well differ from his father’s. I regret deeply that the blood of the young had to be shed and that too on these hallowed grounds."
As for Neville I know why he is joining the Aurors; he is doing so because part of him wants me to be proud of him.
While another part of him thirsts for the recognition and respect he will receive amongst his peers for not only joining but succeeding in such an elite unit.
Although if you ask me, I think with his personality and calm nature — not to mention his passion and love for Herbology — I wouldn’t be surprised if he ended up being a Herbology Professor.”
Minerva smiled and said, “So you haven’t been ignorant all these years, have you, Augusta? As for his passion for Herbology, I wouldn’t be surprised if he ended up replacing Pomona Sprout as Professor of Herbology one day.
Who knows, perhaps the next generation of Hogwarts students might be attending Herbology class held by Professor Longbottom. It has a nice ring to it, don’t you think?”
While the two women were laughing and sharing experiences, George Weasley was speaking with the owner of Zonko’s Joke Shop, Marko Ramius — grandson of the founder and original owner of Zonko’s.