Springfic: "His Own Way" for velvetmouse
Title: His Own Way
Author: Pili204
Recipient: velvetmouse
Character(s): Neville Longbottom, Arthur Weasley, Hannah Abbott
Rating: PG
Word-count: 2,090 words
Warnings (highlight to view): None
Summary: A walk through Diagon Alley and an spontaneous conversation gives Neville the focus and direction to find his way.
Author's Notes: velvetmouse, you asked for something happy, I hope this brings a smile to your face.
Betas: queenbe23more, who I thank for being enthusiastic, supportive, detailed, and an all-around awesome beta.
His Own Way
When Neville Longbottom was recruited by the Ministry of Magic to join the Auror Department nine months ago, he naturally accepted. After all, he was following in his father's footsteps and making his Gran proud. So for nine months, he had investigated, gone after, and arrested Dark Wizards in hiding. In between long hours and hard training sessions, he had been fleetingly enjoying the flirty smiles and free drinks from good-looking witches at pubs. And to his surprise, some even considered him a hero.
But Neville was not truly happy.
He couldn't quite understand his unhappiness. Didn't he always want to shine? Didn't he always dream of being like his father, of doing the Longbottom name proud?
Setting aside his weekly report and putting down his quill, he looked around the office he shared with three other newly appointed Aurors and sighed. The walls were covered with pictures of the Most Wanted Dark Wizards along with the pictures of the ones who had already been caught. Neville knew he was partially responsible for locking some of those wizards away in Azkaban, and it made him feel accomplished and satisfied but not wholly fulfilled.
Here he was, making a difference in the wizarding world, and yet he wanted something different, something where he would literally get his hands dirty. He missed Hogwarts.
Neville had arrived his first year as a shy and awkward boy, afraid of not fitting in, but desperately wanting to find his place. That first year he melted too many cauldrons, trembled at the sight of Professor Snape, failed at learning to fly a broom, and had been laughed at numerous times, but he had also given Malfoy a black eye, making him understand that he was worth twelve of him. He had stood up to Harry, Ron, and Hermione, the hardest thing he remembers doing that first year, earning for Gryffindor House the ten points that made them school champions.
Little by little, Neville had grown into his surroundings. Hermione, with all her patience, had taught him the right wrist movement to dozens of spells and the exact measurement and proportions to add to his potions. Harry and the DA had given him confidence and assurance, helping him master hexes he never thought possible. Luna, with her unorthodox view of the world, had taught him to simply be, to feel comfortable in his own skin, quirks and all. Professor Sprout had became a mentor of sorts, helping him discover not only what he loved doing but also what he was, without any doubt, very good at. And during his sixth year, Susan Bones had made sure he knew that Quidditch players were not the only fanciable blokes at Hogwarts, giving him a healthy boost of self-esteem.
At Hogwarts, Neville had found friends. He had found a home away from home. He had found himself, grown from a boy into a man.
But here, at the Ministry or away on his assignments, Hogwarts and all that he had experienced there seemed so far away, so out of reach. His new surroundings, day-to-day experiences, and, for the most part, his peers were completely different. Neville wasn't sure he fit in. He wasn't sure this was his place. Not that he was completely uncomfortable; he was, after all, respected and well-liked, but there was a strong inkling deep within him reminding him that there was someplace else where he did fit it, where he did belong, where he was needed, where he felt at home. He had to find a way to go back.
The office Neville shared with Harry, Ron, and Terry was too small and cramped. Suddenly, he felt trapped. There was no fireplace, no window, and no view. He needed some fresh air, needed to breathe something other than parchment and ink. Neville hastily put away the half-finished report of his last assignment and moved toward the door. Although it wasn't like him to do so, he decided to spend his lunch hour outside the office. He usually stayed in and took advantage of the empty office to read one of his many Herbology books. But today he needed a change, deciding that he might as well catch up with Harry and Ron, who liked to have lunch at the Leaky Cauldron. Without a second thought, he put on his traveling cloak and headed down to the fireplaces on the first floor.
*****
Instead of Flooing straight to the Leaky Cauldron, Neville opted for taking a walk around Diagon Alley first. The streets were unusually empty, and Neville took his time looking at the window displays. It was good to see that businesses were up and running again. The Ministry had deployed a group of people to help the shoppe owners fix-up all that the Death Eaters had destroyed. And although the work wasn't quite finished, Diagon Alley was starting to look bright and colorful like it always had.
The employees at Flourish & Blotts were busy setting up the new window display by sorting through a stack of books, seeing which one would attract more people into the store. A purple-haired wizard held up a copy that Neville automatically recognized. It was the newest edition of One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi. Rumor had it that Professor Sprout had contributed to the new edition. He had to buy it!
Without giving it a second though, Neville went into the store and approached one of the store's employees. "Hello, I'm looking for the new edition of One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi."
"I'm sorry, but it won't be out until May."
"But I've just seen it on display," Neville said, pointing toward the window.
"Oh, yes…but that's the only copy we have, for advertising purposes. It won't be available to the public until May."
"Oh."
The witch must have noticed Neville's crestfallen expression because she quickly added, "But I've other books you might be interested in. We have a large collection of Herbology books." She pointed towards the back of the store.
"Maybe another time. Thanks," Neville said politely as he left the store.
Somehow, being inside Flourish & Blotts increased his longing for Hogwarts. Not that he was ever a star student, far from it, but at Hogwarts he had found he could excel at something. He especially missed the greenhouses - trimming, feeding, and watering the larger variety of plants Professor Sprout grew in them. There was so much that could be done with those plants; the healing aspect of some of them was just one of the many great things about them.
Once outside, Neville took a false step and, for a moment, lost his balance.
"Careful, there, Neville," a familiar voice said. At the same time, an arm reached out to steady him.
Neville looked up to find Arthur Weasley smiling at him and he flushed with embarrassment. "Thank you. I… I was distracted."
Mr. Weasley smiled kindly. "It happens to all of us. Out for lunch or on assignment?"
"Lunch. I thought I might catch up with Harry and Ron at the Leaky Cauldron."
"Oh, is that where Ron is? I was looking for him at the Ministry. I have message Molly wants me to deliver."
"How is Mrs. Weasley?" Neville asked politely.
Mr. Weasley let out a heavy sigh. "Missing her boys. The house is now so empty, and Fred's absence… well, Molly is still not herself."
Neville didn't really know what to say. "I'm sorry."
Mr. Weasley must have noticed his discomfort. "Enough about that. How are things in the department? I've heard you guys recently made an important arrest… Macnair, was it?
"Yeah. We had reports that he had been hiding in Northern Wales for months; it took us quite a bit to track him down. But now he's where he's supposed to be."
"Was he already sentenced?"
"No. The Wizengamot will hold his trial next month, I believe."
"He has no chance of being set free. Ron said there's too much evidence against him."
"I hope so. I can't stand seeing Death Eaters go free, claiming there were under the influence of the Imperius Curse."
"You're good man, Neville. No wonder Kingsley and Robards are so pleased to have you on the team of Aurors."
Neville could feel himself blushing; he was never good with compliments. He managed a half smile and muttered, "Thanks."
"How about you? Are you happy where you are?"
Neville wanted to chose his words carefully. Mr. Weasley had been a Ministry employee for years, and he didn't want to sound as he was dismissing the place. "I like knowing that what we do has a positive impact, that criminals will be locked up unable to cause any further harm… but… I wonder if, perhaps, it isn't the best place for me," he finished quietly.
"Why is that?"
"Don't get me wrong, Mr. Weasley. The Ministry is great, but I would rather be doing something else."
"I understand. The Ministry is not for everyone. Do you know what is it that you would rather be doing?"
Neville shrugged his shoulders. He would love to be at Hogwarts… but doing what? Professor Sprout was more than capable of teaching her classes and taking care of the greenhouses. He couldn't really claim that he could teach any other subject or referee the Quidditch matches, as fun as that could be.
There's nothing there for me, Neville thought dejectedly. He willed those depressing thoughts away and concentrated on giving Mr. Weasley an answer. "Something to do with Herbology. I'm really good at it, even Professor McGonagall has said it," he said, looking at Mr. Weasley from the corner of his eye.
"Well… St. Mungo's is always looking for people with knowledge of Herbology to research healing capabilities of plants and how to best turn them into potions."
Neville raised his eyebrows. He had never considered St. Mungo's; it could be an interesting option.
"Hang on… I recently heard from Griselda Marchbanks that Professor Sprout is thinking of an early retirement, and she's looking for a trainee to shadow, assist, and learn from her next school year. If it all goes well, and with the approval of the school's governing board, that person will then take Pomona's job as the new Herbology Professor beginning the year after. Why don't you owl Minerva and inquire about it? You just might be the man they're looking for."
Suddenly, Neville's heart started beating a little faster and his palms were sweating. What Mr. Weasley was saying seemed too good to be true. "You think?" he asked shyly, still having a hard time believing that what he had secretly longed for so long could one day become a reality.
"Sure. I don't really know what requirements Minerva and Pomona are looking for. But it sounds to me that you could be a good option. If you want a change, Neville, don't hesitate. Get in touch with Professor McGonagall. I'm sure she would be pleased to hear from you. As her former pupil, she's the best person to know if you're qualified for this."
Neville smiled. It was worth a try. "I will. Thanks, Mr. Weasley."
"Don't mention it. Ah, here we are," Mr. Weasley said opening the door to the Leaky Cauldron. "Where could those boys be?"
"I'll go ask Hannah if she's seen Harry and Ron," said Neville, his eyes traveling to the bar in search of the lovely witch he fancied.
As Neville made his way to the bar, he felt the tension in his body ease up. He suddenly had a very clear picture of what he wanted, and he was going to do everything he could to reach that goal. Deep down, he knew that at Hogwarts he could shine, he could do the Longbottom name proud. He would end up not following his father's footsteps… but he would be doing something even better: finding his own way.
"Hi, Neville," said Hannah, a dazzling smile brightening her whole face.
She was a sight to see. Every time Neville saw her, she made him feel extremely nervous and happy and excited and flustered and… blimey, he had it bad.
"Hello, Hannah. How are you?"
"Splendid. It's time for my break. Want to share a couple of butterbeers?"
"Sure."
And as he and Hannah chatted over butterbeers, sitting on a conveniently small table, Neville decided that being the new Herbology Professor at Hogwarts wasn't the only dream that was within his reach. The witch sitting next to him was another one.
Author: Pili204
Recipient: velvetmouse
Character(s): Neville Longbottom, Arthur Weasley, Hannah Abbott
Rating: PG
Word-count: 2,090 words
Warnings (highlight to view): None
Summary: A walk through Diagon Alley and an spontaneous conversation gives Neville the focus and direction to find his way.
Author's Notes: velvetmouse, you asked for something happy, I hope this brings a smile to your face.
Betas: queenbe23more, who I thank for being enthusiastic, supportive, detailed, and an all-around awesome beta.
His Own Way
When Neville Longbottom was recruited by the Ministry of Magic to join the Auror Department nine months ago, he naturally accepted. After all, he was following in his father's footsteps and making his Gran proud. So for nine months, he had investigated, gone after, and arrested Dark Wizards in hiding. In between long hours and hard training sessions, he had been fleetingly enjoying the flirty smiles and free drinks from good-looking witches at pubs. And to his surprise, some even considered him a hero.
But Neville was not truly happy.
He couldn't quite understand his unhappiness. Didn't he always want to shine? Didn't he always dream of being like his father, of doing the Longbottom name proud?
Setting aside his weekly report and putting down his quill, he looked around the office he shared with three other newly appointed Aurors and sighed. The walls were covered with pictures of the Most Wanted Dark Wizards along with the pictures of the ones who had already been caught. Neville knew he was partially responsible for locking some of those wizards away in Azkaban, and it made him feel accomplished and satisfied but not wholly fulfilled.
Here he was, making a difference in the wizarding world, and yet he wanted something different, something where he would literally get his hands dirty. He missed Hogwarts.
Neville had arrived his first year as a shy and awkward boy, afraid of not fitting in, but desperately wanting to find his place. That first year he melted too many cauldrons, trembled at the sight of Professor Snape, failed at learning to fly a broom, and had been laughed at numerous times, but he had also given Malfoy a black eye, making him understand that he was worth twelve of him. He had stood up to Harry, Ron, and Hermione, the hardest thing he remembers doing that first year, earning for Gryffindor House the ten points that made them school champions.
Little by little, Neville had grown into his surroundings. Hermione, with all her patience, had taught him the right wrist movement to dozens of spells and the exact measurement and proportions to add to his potions. Harry and the DA had given him confidence and assurance, helping him master hexes he never thought possible. Luna, with her unorthodox view of the world, had taught him to simply be, to feel comfortable in his own skin, quirks and all. Professor Sprout had became a mentor of sorts, helping him discover not only what he loved doing but also what he was, without any doubt, very good at. And during his sixth year, Susan Bones had made sure he knew that Quidditch players were not the only fanciable blokes at Hogwarts, giving him a healthy boost of self-esteem.
At Hogwarts, Neville had found friends. He had found a home away from home. He had found himself, grown from a boy into a man.
But here, at the Ministry or away on his assignments, Hogwarts and all that he had experienced there seemed so far away, so out of reach. His new surroundings, day-to-day experiences, and, for the most part, his peers were completely different. Neville wasn't sure he fit in. He wasn't sure this was his place. Not that he was completely uncomfortable; he was, after all, respected and well-liked, but there was a strong inkling deep within him reminding him that there was someplace else where he did fit it, where he did belong, where he was needed, where he felt at home. He had to find a way to go back.
The office Neville shared with Harry, Ron, and Terry was too small and cramped. Suddenly, he felt trapped. There was no fireplace, no window, and no view. He needed some fresh air, needed to breathe something other than parchment and ink. Neville hastily put away the half-finished report of his last assignment and moved toward the door. Although it wasn't like him to do so, he decided to spend his lunch hour outside the office. He usually stayed in and took advantage of the empty office to read one of his many Herbology books. But today he needed a change, deciding that he might as well catch up with Harry and Ron, who liked to have lunch at the Leaky Cauldron. Without a second thought, he put on his traveling cloak and headed down to the fireplaces on the first floor.
*****
Instead of Flooing straight to the Leaky Cauldron, Neville opted for taking a walk around Diagon Alley first. The streets were unusually empty, and Neville took his time looking at the window displays. It was good to see that businesses were up and running again. The Ministry had deployed a group of people to help the shoppe owners fix-up all that the Death Eaters had destroyed. And although the work wasn't quite finished, Diagon Alley was starting to look bright and colorful like it always had.
The employees at Flourish & Blotts were busy setting up the new window display by sorting through a stack of books, seeing which one would attract more people into the store. A purple-haired wizard held up a copy that Neville automatically recognized. It was the newest edition of One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi. Rumor had it that Professor Sprout had contributed to the new edition. He had to buy it!
Without giving it a second though, Neville went into the store and approached one of the store's employees. "Hello, I'm looking for the new edition of One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi."
"I'm sorry, but it won't be out until May."
"But I've just seen it on display," Neville said, pointing toward the window.
"Oh, yes…but that's the only copy we have, for advertising purposes. It won't be available to the public until May."
"Oh."
The witch must have noticed Neville's crestfallen expression because she quickly added, "But I've other books you might be interested in. We have a large collection of Herbology books." She pointed towards the back of the store.
"Maybe another time. Thanks," Neville said politely as he left the store.
Somehow, being inside Flourish & Blotts increased his longing for Hogwarts. Not that he was ever a star student, far from it, but at Hogwarts he had found he could excel at something. He especially missed the greenhouses - trimming, feeding, and watering the larger variety of plants Professor Sprout grew in them. There was so much that could be done with those plants; the healing aspect of some of them was just one of the many great things about them.
Once outside, Neville took a false step and, for a moment, lost his balance.
"Careful, there, Neville," a familiar voice said. At the same time, an arm reached out to steady him.
Neville looked up to find Arthur Weasley smiling at him and he flushed with embarrassment. "Thank you. I… I was distracted."
Mr. Weasley smiled kindly. "It happens to all of us. Out for lunch or on assignment?"
"Lunch. I thought I might catch up with Harry and Ron at the Leaky Cauldron."
"Oh, is that where Ron is? I was looking for him at the Ministry. I have message Molly wants me to deliver."
"How is Mrs. Weasley?" Neville asked politely.
Mr. Weasley let out a heavy sigh. "Missing her boys. The house is now so empty, and Fred's absence… well, Molly is still not herself."
Neville didn't really know what to say. "I'm sorry."
Mr. Weasley must have noticed his discomfort. "Enough about that. How are things in the department? I've heard you guys recently made an important arrest… Macnair, was it?
"Yeah. We had reports that he had been hiding in Northern Wales for months; it took us quite a bit to track him down. But now he's where he's supposed to be."
"Was he already sentenced?"
"No. The Wizengamot will hold his trial next month, I believe."
"He has no chance of being set free. Ron said there's too much evidence against him."
"I hope so. I can't stand seeing Death Eaters go free, claiming there were under the influence of the Imperius Curse."
"You're good man, Neville. No wonder Kingsley and Robards are so pleased to have you on the team of Aurors."
Neville could feel himself blushing; he was never good with compliments. He managed a half smile and muttered, "Thanks."
"How about you? Are you happy where you are?"
Neville wanted to chose his words carefully. Mr. Weasley had been a Ministry employee for years, and he didn't want to sound as he was dismissing the place. "I like knowing that what we do has a positive impact, that criminals will be locked up unable to cause any further harm… but… I wonder if, perhaps, it isn't the best place for me," he finished quietly.
"Why is that?"
"Don't get me wrong, Mr. Weasley. The Ministry is great, but I would rather be doing something else."
"I understand. The Ministry is not for everyone. Do you know what is it that you would rather be doing?"
Neville shrugged his shoulders. He would love to be at Hogwarts… but doing what? Professor Sprout was more than capable of teaching her classes and taking care of the greenhouses. He couldn't really claim that he could teach any other subject or referee the Quidditch matches, as fun as that could be.
There's nothing there for me, Neville thought dejectedly. He willed those depressing thoughts away and concentrated on giving Mr. Weasley an answer. "Something to do with Herbology. I'm really good at it, even Professor McGonagall has said it," he said, looking at Mr. Weasley from the corner of his eye.
"Well… St. Mungo's is always looking for people with knowledge of Herbology to research healing capabilities of plants and how to best turn them into potions."
Neville raised his eyebrows. He had never considered St. Mungo's; it could be an interesting option.
"Hang on… I recently heard from Griselda Marchbanks that Professor Sprout is thinking of an early retirement, and she's looking for a trainee to shadow, assist, and learn from her next school year. If it all goes well, and with the approval of the school's governing board, that person will then take Pomona's job as the new Herbology Professor beginning the year after. Why don't you owl Minerva and inquire about it? You just might be the man they're looking for."
Suddenly, Neville's heart started beating a little faster and his palms were sweating. What Mr. Weasley was saying seemed too good to be true. "You think?" he asked shyly, still having a hard time believing that what he had secretly longed for so long could one day become a reality.
"Sure. I don't really know what requirements Minerva and Pomona are looking for. But it sounds to me that you could be a good option. If you want a change, Neville, don't hesitate. Get in touch with Professor McGonagall. I'm sure she would be pleased to hear from you. As her former pupil, she's the best person to know if you're qualified for this."
Neville smiled. It was worth a try. "I will. Thanks, Mr. Weasley."
"Don't mention it. Ah, here we are," Mr. Weasley said opening the door to the Leaky Cauldron. "Where could those boys be?"
"I'll go ask Hannah if she's seen Harry and Ron," said Neville, his eyes traveling to the bar in search of the lovely witch he fancied.
As Neville made his way to the bar, he felt the tension in his body ease up. He suddenly had a very clear picture of what he wanted, and he was going to do everything he could to reach that goal. Deep down, he knew that at Hogwarts he could shine, he could do the Longbottom name proud. He would end up not following his father's footsteps… but he would be doing something even better: finding his own way.
"Hi, Neville," said Hannah, a dazzling smile brightening her whole face.
She was a sight to see. Every time Neville saw her, she made him feel extremely nervous and happy and excited and flustered and… blimey, he had it bad.
"Hello, Hannah. How are you?"
"Splendid. It's time for my break. Want to share a couple of butterbeers?"
"Sure."
And as he and Hannah chatted over butterbeers, sitting on a conveniently small table, Neville decided that being the new Herbology Professor at Hogwarts wasn't the only dream that was within his reach. The witch sitting next to him was another one.