Of Old Friends and Old Times

[fai_believes]

Originally written for the gift exchange at hp_holidaygen in 2007.

Title: Of Old Friends and Old Times
Author: slam_girl (fai_believes)
Rating: PG
Character(s): Neville Longbottom, Seamus Finnigan, Luna Lovegood, Hannah Abbott, Ernie Macmillan, Ginny Weasley
Word Count: 4,179



Seamus hurried down the lane towards Hog's Head, ducking his head to avoid some of the biting winds and mentally cursing his occasional inability to -Apparate- to his exact desired location. He burrowed his hands further into his pockets wishing he had thought to bring gloves; Mina had been nagging him before he left, which is why he was so late. Come to think of it, she had probably nagged him about bringing gloves, that was the sort of thing she'd do.

He entered the pub bringing in a gust of cold air with him. A few regulars shot him dirty looks. He just grinned at them and waved at his mates in the corner who greeted him with a chorus of cheerful hellos, and made his way over to the counter to order a drink.

"All right, Aberforth? I'll have the usual," he said. Aberforth raised an eyebrow and poured him a drink. "The pub still treating you well?"

"No worse than usual. But it's been over a year and I still have to put up with your lot," he replied gruffly.

"And we're still good business. Keep the place from being too slow. If my spot was closer, you might have some real competition on your hands, mate," Seamus said good-naturedly.

Aberforth just gave him a look and slid his drink across the counter toward him. Seamus took a sip; for some reason, Aberforth always gave him something different every time he came here.

"You might want to check it out, guaranteed to have a good time at The Cheeky Monkey," said Seamus.

"Take your lot over there then if you're so interested in good times."

"Cheek Monkey's not that great," he heard Anthony Goldstein call out. He waved a rude hand gesture his way.

"But it's tradition to come here. Cheers," Seamus replied brightly and headed over to join his friends.

Dean patted him on the back as he sat down next to him. "Hey, mates, sorry I'm late. Mina's been giving me the run around again."
"Isn't she always giving you the run around?" Dean said.

"Well you know Mina," Seamus shrugged.

"Scarily, yes," Dean replied.

Seamus punched him in the arm. "So what I'd miss?"

"Well, I just got back from my very long, very lovely holiday," Hannah said. "Dad wasn't too pleased that I used most of the money he'd saved for me; he wanted me to use it on something a bit more practical, but traveling around Europe for a few months was definitely worth it. The experience was just what I needed, and absolutely amazing. But I am glad to be home again."

"That sounds fantastic," Susan said. "I'd really love a holiday."

"I'm glad you're back safe and sound. Now I can stop being envious of your adventures while I'm working long hours at St. Mungo's and smelling like a bad brew of the smelliest potions," said Padma.

"She's not the only one glad to see you back, I know some of us are very glad to see you," Parvarti piped up, glancing at Neville in a completely obvious way.

Neville blushed and took a sip of his drink. "So, do you, um, have any pictures?" he asked, clearing his throat.

Seamus laughed to himself while Hannah exclaimed excitedly. "Of course!"

"Ooh, I can't wait to see them," Lavender said.

"So Ernie," Seamus said, turning towards him, "the goblins haven't run you out of Gringotts yet? I heard they still weren't too trusting of humans."

"Oh no, human goblin relations have really improved this past year. Thanks in large part to all those new laws being established by the new Department of Human and Magical Creature Cooperation I believe things will only get better," Ernie said confidently.

"Ron mentioned something about that, something about Hermione spending too much time at work," Dean said.

"Hermione is very busy at the Ministry. I see her there all the time," Susan said.

"That lot is all busy at the Ministry, rebuilding it from the inside out or whatever Hermione's always going on about," Seamus said.
"Hermione's only been working there a few months but all her hard work is already paying off," Ernie said fondly. "Her enthusiasm for good relations between humans and magical creatures is really spreading, and she really cares about the issues and equality and she's-"

"Trying to charm a date, Ern, or are you just going to skip straight to proposing?" Seamus teased.

Ernie's face started to redden. "Don't--don't be silly. I only admire Hermione for her strong sense of moral responsibility and intelligence."

"Sure. Just don't let Ron hear you go on about Hermione's strong sense of moral responsibility was it? He's still got all the sensitivity of a bludger," Seamus said.

"Would you boys shut up already. I'm trying to tell you all about my holiday party and you're all coming to this one so don't think you can worm out of it like you did for all the other parties," Lavender said.

Dean and Seamus groaned. "Another party, Lav?"

"Yes, another party and you ought to consider yourselves lucky to even be invited to a party that'll actually have civilized people."

"My parties are plenty civilized," Seamus said crossly.

"Hardly," Lavender scoffed.

"No offense, Lav, but your parties are all girly and prissy and well, not much of a party."

"Well, getting smashed and throwing chairs at each other doesn't really constitute a party."

"I think it sounds lovely, right Hannah," Susan said, nudging Hannah with her elbow.

"Er, yeah, lovely."

"See, lovely is no way to describe a party."

Lavender just rolled her eyes. "Can Luna make it, Dean?"

"I dunno, she's still off looking for those er snorksnacks with her dad. Shut it, you," Dean said before Seamus could say anything.

"Well, make sure to invite her when she gets back. It's not for a few more weeks. I know Luna would be thrilled to come at least," Lavender said.

"I'm sure she would."

"Wow, Lavender Brown going out of her way to invite Loony Lovegood to a party, didn't ever think I'd see the day. In fact, Lavender Brown trying to force me to come to her party-I'm not sure I feel comfortable with this nicer version of Lavender," Seamus said.

"What are you talking about? I've always been nice," Lavender insisted.

"Oh, of course you were, love, so thoughtful and kind. I must be thinking of a different Lavender Brown."

"You sad, little Irish man are the biggest prat I've ever had to-"

"Whoa, am I going to have to separate you two?" Dean said. "And tell Mina that you're insulting other women, Seamus. I think we know what that means, Mina won't be pleased."

"What, no! It doesn't mean anything, I swear," Seamus said.

Neville shook his head. "You're all mad."

~*~*~*~*

Five Years Later…

"Oh, Luna, how much longer before you leave for, where was it again, Turkey?" Ginny asked.

"Greece," Luna corrected.

"Right, Greece," Ginny said with a wave of her hand.

"Will you be looking for hinkletails?" Lee Jordan asked with a laugh.

"No, hippocampus, they're-"

"Hippocampus? Those are just mythical creature," Hermione interrupted.

"Oh, no, there's documented proof of them," Luna replied. She had thought over time with everything that Hermione experienced, her mind would expand beyond the ordinary but it seems her senses were perpetually limited; still, perhaps there was some hope for her. Odder things had happen, after all.
Turning back to Lee, she asked, "I've never heard of hinkletails, have they been spotted in that region before?"

"Er, no, I don't think so," Lee replied looking a little confused.

Luna made a mental note to look into hinkletails later. "I was thinking of leaving at the beginning of the year," she said to Ginny.

"Good, you'll be here for the Harpies game then? If we win these next two, we'll be able to play for the cup."

"Oh, yes, I'll be there," Luna said. She actually found Quidditch to be quite dull after a while with the way it went on and on sometimes with no one doing much of anything but flying around looking for some sort of ball, but she did like to support her friends. Quidditch was very important to some of them. They had grown used to what they had deemed her 'eccentrics' over time, and she had grown used to theirs.

"And why wasn't I invited to your game?" Lee said.

"Aren't you doing the commentary?" Ginny asked.

"Yeah."

"Then why are you making such a fuss?"

"It's nice to be invited places."

Ginny pulled a face at him. "Oh, piss off, Lee."

"Angelina didn't invite me to her game or accept my latest date invite either," he said.

"She enjoys rejecting you, you know," said Ginny.

"Yeah," Lee sighed.

"No!" Luna heard Seamus exclaim. She looked at him, wondering what exactly was buzzing around in his head. "What are you, blind? That was definitely a cheap shot at Gillian, everyone who actually watched the game knows it," he said.

He appeared to be arguing over Quidditch with Dean, Michael and Ernie. There was definitely something fluttering about in there or maybe he really was just very boisterous.

"You're just sore because they lost. Back me up here, Ron," Dean said.

"Do not back him up, Ron."
"I'm sorry, mate, I have to agree. You guys do get really upset whenever the Kestrels lose," Ron added.

"You bloody tossers-"

Luna turned her attention away from them. They had always called her odd, but really, they were the odd ones to get so worked up over a game. She would probably never understand but she was comfortable with that.

"I just don't think I'm cut out for this teaching thing. I'm not authoritative enough for it. Kids are rough," Neville said.

"You've been saying that for months now. Honestly, Neville, it can't be that horrible. You're just still getting used to it. You just have to get comfortable being authoritative. I'm sure it doesn't happen overnight," Hermione reassured him with a hint of exasperation.

"Whenever I try to be stern, I keep getting these images of Professor Snape putting me down for potions and then I start feel bad," Neville said dejectedly.

"Oh, Neville, I'm absolutely positive you are not that horrible to any student. You have to get past that," Hermione said.

"I know, I know," he moaned.

"She's right, Nev, you have to get over that already. It's physically impossible for you to be that awful to anybody," Hannah said.

"You're still going on about the woes of teaching, Neville?" Ron asked. "How bad can teaching midgets be? We weren't that bad."

Hermione snorted. "Oh, really, Ron? Who modified your memories?"

"Well, we weren't gits like Draco and the rest of those Slytherins. Whenever you're having a particularly hard time, just take comfort in the fact that you're not batty like Trelawney or a complete toad like Umbridge or as boring as Binns or the most comforting idea yet, you're not Snape," Ron said.

"He does make a good point," Ginny said.

"I think you're very nice, Neville, and a good leader," Luna added.

"And Luna makes an excellent point," Hannah said, leaning into Neville. "And before you say anything about Harry or Dumbledore being a better leader, we all think you make a damn good leader."

Ron and Hermione both nodded but Neville's eyes were focused on Hannah. He smiled at her. "Thanks."

"Of course," she said, kissing the corner of his lips.

They were very cute together. Luna was glad to see her friends so happy.

"I'm sorry," said Neville, turning towards everyone again. "I didn't mean to hog the conversation."

The conversation shifted very quickly back to Quidditch after that, and Hermione and a rather tired looking Susan Bones started to converse about Ministry business. Her mind started to wander a bit; she couldn't help but wonder if there were any goats in here every time she was here. Snatches of the conversation did float over her way.

"Are you going to use that move I told you about in your next game?" Ron asked.

"For the hundredth time, no, Ron. I'm not going to use the move you told me about just because the Cannons used it and actually won a game for once," Ginny said.

"You know, I was surprised you actually used that move I showed years ago in your last game," Michael said.

"What move?" Ron demanded before Ginny could say anything.

"That triple fake cross corner cut move," he replied.

"Oh, please, that's not your move," Ron said.

"Yes it is. Why do you think it's called the triple fake cross corner cut?"

"How nice-you claim a move that's not your own and then name it after yourself."

"It is mine. Ginny got me to show it to her while we were dating-my downfall, and then stole it and used it against us whenever she played Chaser," he said.

"Don't be ridiculous, I didn't steal it. You were the one who showed it to me and I made some improvements on it. What I used in the last game was something slightly similar. You weren't that good, Michael," Ginny smirked.

"Ha, see, I knew it," Ron said. "The only unedited moves Ginny's ever used are mine," Ron said.

"I never used your moves, Ron. You were a Keeper."

"So you really did go flying those times you went out with Michael," Luna said. "Hmm, I always thought that was just a cover."

"It was, for the most part," Ginny whispered to her.
"Oi! I heard that," Ron said.

"I'm sure you did, Ron," Ginny replied.

"So who's going to Lavender's annual holiday party tomorrow?" Seamus asked. "Or better yet, who's not going? Mina won't let me use her as an excuse anymore."

"Well, my husband will be home tomorrow so we'll be celebrating his return. Sorry, Seamus, it's going to be a private affair so you can't use us as your excuse either," Ginny said.

"Why weren't you working with Harry this time, Ron?" Anthony asked.

"It's the weekend," Ron shrugged. "And it's my policy to try and get out of working as much weekends as possible."

"Wish I could get out of more weekends," Anthony said. "Double shifts at St. Mungo's makes sleep a luxury."

"I don't envy you St. Mungo's lot. Anyway, Hermione and I have that, er, thing tomorrow," Ron said. "Right, Hermione?"

"Huh, oh yes, that…thing we have, so we won't be able to make it either," Hermione replied.

"I like Lavender's parties," Luna said. "They're very lovely."

"Well, of course you'd think so," Seamus said. "But for us sane folk..."

~*~*~*~*

Eight Years Later…

"Okay, everyone's got a refill then?" Hannah asked.

"Yes, yes, now sit down already, Hannah. You shouldn't be up on your feet making sure everyone's cup is refilled," Hermione chastised. "Neville!"

Neville shrugged helplessly. "Don't be too rough on him, Hermione. If you thought I was fussing after you too much, 'acting as though you couldn't do for yourself' when you were pregnant, your wand would have been pointed at some of my more sensitive spots," Ron said.

"True, but a husband should fuss after his pregnant wife the appropriate amount," Hermione replied.

Ron looked as though he were going to make a smart reply to that and then thought better of it and took a swig of his drink.

"Oh, I can't help it, it's just what I do, Hermione," Hannah shrugged. "But I think I will have a seat. Baby's taking her frustrations out on my back again."

Neville scooted over, making room for his wife and pulling her close. She smiled at him sweetly. Truthfully, one of his favorite parts of his wife's pregnancies was that she was always so warm. As he was always rather cold unless a fire was blazing, this was very useful. Of course, he kept that to himself as she probably wouldn't care for the idea so much when she was complaining about how hot she was, which she did often.

"We were thinking of naming her after my mum and Neville's mum," Hannah said to Hermione.

"Oh, that's lovely," Hermione said.

That idea had been Neville's, and Hannah had loved it immediately. He was looking forward to the birth of his daughter, which was only two months away. They had already had a son, Jared, who had just turned four. He had been much more nervous during this time with Jared, and while he was still nervous about his daughter, he felt much calmer when he thought of it. Neville was naturally a nervous person; his whole life, he had dealt with those nerves and had done his best to overcome them. Despite the initial nerves that came with fatherhood, he knew that whenever he looked at his children, he'd feel instantly calm. That seemed to be apart of the never ending surprises that came with being a parent and possibly just with life in general.

There was a shout to his left. Seamus, Ron, and Harry arguing over a Quidditch match with Angelina and George. Farther down the table, Lavender and Parvati were gossiping about co-workers or husbands while Padma joined in occasionally and looking rather guilty for it. Hermione, Susan, and Ernie were enthralled in a conversation about a new Ministry law. Aberforth was over at the bar shooting the occasional dirty look at them for disrupting his pub with their loudness and general merriment. Neville was glad to see that some thing never changed no matter how many years had passed.

He felt a gust of cold air hit him and looked over at the door to see a few students enter. They hurried over to the bar in a tight group as though trying not to attract attention. He noticed Teddy Lupin, who was growing like a weed, desperately trying to crouch among his friends in what Neville assumed was an attempt to remain unseen by everyone here. Neville nudged Harry with his elbow and nodded his head toward Teddy. Harry watched his godson with an amused expression.

"Enjoying you Hogsmeade trip?" Neville called out to the group loudly.

Some of them jumped. "Yes professor," Mickey, a rather troublesome fourth year, answered.
"Hog's Head quite a change of pace from the usual, isn't it?" Neville said.

"Just wanted a break from the crowds, professor. We're just nipping in for a quick drink."

"Ah, of course. I expect that'll be Butterbeer you're trying to order then," Neville said.

"Y-yes, just Butterbeer, that's all," Cherise, a fourth year, stammered.

"Aren't you going to come say hello, Teddy, and introduce us to all your friends?" Harry said. "Or just stay crouched behind them like that the whole time?"

Teddy straightened up and waved at their table. "Er, hello everyone. These are my friends. We were just leaving."

"You're don't want to come over here and join us for a drink," Harry said. "Seeing as how fortunate we are all running into each other today."

"No, no thank you. Lots of stuff to be doing before we head back to school. Best get it all done now so we can get back on time," Teddy replied.

"Glad to hear that you're planning on coming back to school on time for once," Neville said. "See you all at dinner."

"See you, professor."

"See you later, everyone."

The kids shuffled out of their quickly with hurried replies. They really weren't so bad; he couldn't really even remember what he had been nervous about when he had first started teaching.

"Seems the kids haven't changed so much since we were kids," Ron said. "Still a bunch of troublemakers trying to sneak in here for a drink."

"Like a certain prefect," Hermione said, the corner of her mouth lifting in a slight smile.

"That was just part of business," Ron said.
"I remember that first meeting like it just happened," Ernie said.

"Yeah, I do too," Lavender said."Funny how that works."

"It seems like it was another lifetime ago for me, "Padma said.

"I thought it was the most important thing we were doing that year. I supposed I was right," said Ernie.
"I think we ought to make a toast," Dean said, raising his glass. "To the D.A."

"To old times," Dennis said.

"To breaking the rules," George said.

"Hear, hear," several of them called out.

"To old friends," Luna added thoughtfully. "And Dobby."

"I'll drink to that."

They laughed and clinked glasses, some of them spilling their drinks.

"When we first walked in here sixteen years ago, under much more serious conditions, I couldn't imagine us all sitting around here together years later, actually all getting along. We started the D.A. up again because we wanted a way to still fight, even if it was only against the idiot Death Eaters placed at our school. Each time we pulled one over on them, which was frequently as they were idiots, felt like a small victory. It seemed like the least we could do for our family and friends who were out there braving much worse, for the founders of the D.A., and of course, for Dumbledore himself," said Neville, looking around at all of them. "And now all of us managing to get together like this every so often seems like the least we can do to honor that and I'm glad you're here to still honor that with me. I know some of us couldn't make it here today and some of us just can't be here but none of them are forgotten."

"Hear, hear."

"And thankfully, the situation is quite a bit less dire," Harry quipped. "I think you deserve your own toast, Neville for keeping the D.A. together."

"Well, it wasn't just me," Neville said, feeling his cheeks warm.

"You were the heart though," said Ginny.

"Yeah, mate, you took charge when those three had gone. And you gave those Death Eaters hell like the best of them," Seamus said, clapping him on the back.

"And your inner rebellious streak was pretty impressive," Hannah said, grinning widely at him.

"Well, none of us would be here if it weren't for Hermione, Harry, and Ron," Neville replied.

"Technically, none of us would be here if it weren't for that toad Umbridge, but you don't want to start toasting her do you?" Katie said.
"Well, I, for one, hope that wherever she is, she's suffering quite nicely," Ginny said.

"Hear! Hear!"

They clinked glasses again and drank and refilled their cups and laughed and drank some more.

"Neville, you sap," Ron said, reaching over to pat him on the back. "I think you're getting soft in your old age."

"Neville was always sweet and sensitive even when he was younger," Hermione said. "Unlike a certain person I could name."

"Aw, Hermione, don't pick on Harry like that. You know he's had it rough, look at who he married," Ron said, twisting around in his seat to avoid Ginny's hand.

"You're lucky there's lot of people around, Ron," Ginny said.

"Does anyone have their D.A. Galleon anymore?" Dean asked.

There a few blank look and shrugs.

"I think I still have mine somewhere," Lee Jordan said.

"I think I lost mine over the Liffey or in a card game," Seamus said.

"I've still got mine," Luna said. "I was thinking about making it into a necklace actually."

"I keep mine in my desk," Neville said.

"Expecting an emergency meeting, Nev?" Ron said.

"It just feels right to have it there," Neville said simply.

Ginny smiled at him and patted his arm before being pulled into conversation with Angelina. Ernie had taken out a picture of his fiancée and was showing it to everyone who hadn't seen it yet and to brag a little more about her recent promotion at the Ministry.

"So I take it you've moved on and have stopped fancying Hermione then," Seamus said. "Sorry, mate, couldn't resist. You know me."

"Even Mina making an honest man out of you couldn't get you shut it," Ron said.

"A man like me can't be silenced," Seamus proclaimed.
"Just a reminder everyone, my holiday party is two weeks from now. Roger and I are looking forward to it," Lavender said. "So you had all better come. Including you Seamus. And bring Mina."

"Ah, no, why must you subject me to this every bleeding year," Seamus said.

"Well, why must you act like a prat every year, you short, thickheaded, pillock …"

Neville listened to his friends bicker and laugh and nearly thump each other over Quidditch, smiling to himself. He was pleased some things hadn't changed too much.