professor longbottom

She laughed. “It was the same when we were in school.” Cassie smiled at him, nodding when he agreed. “I thought so. It wouldn’t seem as formal, more personal. I think the kids would like that a lot, honestly.” She rested her chin in her palm. “I guess once or twice a week. Tuesdays and Thursdays, so it wouldn’t interfere with quidditch. I guess I could get a master schedule from McGonagall to make sure we aren’t overlapping with anything else important.”

“Seems to be a never-ending cycle that I’ve been trying to put out since I became a professor here. Each year we get a little better. At least I like to think so,” Neville smiled as he leaned back in his seat and rubbed his jaw. “That sounds good. Maybe we can have dinner for them or snacks -- something that isn’t offered in the Great Hall to give them a little more initiative to join us.”

“I think they’d like that. You’re definitely at the top of their favorite professors list,” she said with a small smile, looking up at him. “Might help to see us in a less formal setting too, you know? I was even thinking of seeing if we could do it after school in Hogsmeade like at Hog’s Head or something so it seems more like a get together and not so much a lesson or lecture.”

“How I don’t know,” he laughed quietly. “But I won’t question it,” he held a hand up for a moment before he slowly lowered it as he nodded his head. “That’s a wonderful idea, actually. It’ll take the pressure off of them and maybe we can see what’s going on in some of their lives as well. There are too many who seem to be in another world during lessons,” he shook his head, knowing that feeling all too well. “Are you thinking of making it a once a week thing, or spread it out more?”

“Does it matter, Longbottom?” she said, her arms folded across her chest. “Can’t you stop playing hero for one day and do me this favor?”

“Sounds like you have me confused with Potter. I don’t do the hero business,” he waved his hand dismissively. “How about you tell me the entire plan, from the beginning, before I decide if I want to help or not.”

“Mm,” she hummed and nodded. “I feel really bad. A lot of them are trying so hard and struggling with it. Honestly, I was worried it was just my class, so I’m glad to hear it isn’t just me.” Cassie smiled, taking the book from him. “Thanks.” She sat it on the desk beside her. “Poppy and I were thinking of doing some after school sessions in the Great Hall.”

“No, definitely not just yours. I was working on putting together a few tutoring plans for those that are worse off,” Neville dropped down to sit across from Cassie and he rested back to make himself more comfortable. “I think they could benefit from that. If you want an extra set of hands, I’d be more than willing to pitch in as well. We don’t need a repeat of my years at Hogwarts when we had less than ideal professors and failing children.”

“Tutoring session. And extra credit.” She sat on the corner of her former professor’s desk and looked over at him. “A bunch of my third years are borderline failing. I thought it was the class, but it looks like it’s a running theme for third years in general this year.” Cassie shrugged, “I figured I could get them to come by after school once a few nights a week to try some potions not in the curriculum. The more out there potions are a little more interesting. I want to see if it’ll click in their heads better if they’re interested.”

“Ah, double whammy then. So it’s extra important,” he replied as he turned to look through his shelves for the one book he had in mind that would have the information that Cassie needed. “The third years are in rough shape this year all around for some reason, and I can’t quite put my finger on why.” When he found the book he needed he made his way back to where Cassie was and took a seat on the chair across from his desk. “This should do the trick for you though,” he held the book out to her.

When Neville spotted his wife, he weaved his way through the crowd at the reception before he held his hand out to her, “do you remember our wedding day, love?” Neville stepped closer to her and gently guided Luna into his arms. 

Harry looked up, thinking Neville was going to question him on it. He paused, waiting for him to, but when he didn’t, Harry relaxed - just a little. “Probably, yeah.” He huffed a laugh at Neville’s teasing question and shook his head. “I think I’m overdue for some time off. I barely even had any time at Christmas. And I know she’s taking some time off work for Reese’s wedding soon anyway, so…” He stopped at that, realizing he’d answered on Hermione’s behalf and and not his wife’s. “I mean, you know, we all are.” Harry looked up at Neville, catching his gaze briefly. He cleared his throat and nodded towards him, taking his half empty glass back to the counter. “Need a refill?”

This was starting to get more interesting by the minute, but Neville was still unsure whether or not to push Harry considering his already fragile state. He took in a deep breath as he waved his hand, “still nursing my first, but thank you,” he replied, his gaze following his friend as he moved about the kitchen. “What’s going on, Harry?” He finally asked, his resolve breaking. “With you and Hermione?”

She nodded her head, holding back a laugh. Liz was a little impressed that Iris had managed to keep it alive. Though she had a feeling it was more so from Neville’s care than the child’s. “I’m doing really well actually!” She gave him a genuine smile before looking at Iris. Taking a moment to fix her daughters hair. “Did Iris tell you that I moved in?” She asked a little hesitantly. Before she could even finish her sentence the young girl was nodding her head and bounced up. ‘I did! I told him and everybody else of course!’. She said rather excitedly. 

Neville’s gaze remained on Iris as she tended to her plant and his gaze went to the similar one in the window that was actually alive. He didn’t quite trust Iris yet to not kill it, but they were making strides towards her being allowed her own living plant, and he was sure she’d be there in no time. Neville was about to part his lips to reply to Elizabeth, only to laugh when Iris beat him to the punch. “Yes you did, sweetheart.” Neville leaned down to kissed his granddaughter on her cheek before he gently squeezed her shoulder, “why don’t you go grab your snack from the kitchen, love. Let Liz and I talk.”

Harry nodded, cradling his glass in one hand as he leaned back against the counter. “It was a little more than a connection,” he mumbled in reply, before he could stop himself. Harry instantly regretted having a drink or two before Neville came over, blaming the alcohol for the slip-up. He paused, feeling the other man’s gaze on him, and shook his head, determined to move past it. Harry sighed, finally bringing his glass to his lips. “Yeah, they have been,” he agreed. “Maybe we can get everyone together sometime.”

“More than a connection,” he repeated once and mulled over the words in his mind for a moment. He had a feeling what Harry meant by it, and part of him wanted to pry, but he thought better of it so he didn’t push further. He rested back in his seat and lifted his drink to his lips. “I wouldn’t be opposed to that at all. I think we all need the distraction, honestly, but can either of you afford time away from work for such a thing?” Neville was teasing and a small smirk crossed his face. “Maybe a weekend away might do us all some good.”

Elizabeth smiled at the man, “Of course.” She chuckled before giving him a quick hug. As soon as she let go, Iris was pulling at her. “I’m coming! Relax.” She told the child, following her so she could see the plant. “What kind of plant is it?” She asked Iris before turning to Neville and quietly whispering. “Is it plastic?” 

Neville chuckled as he followed behind them. He slipped his hands into his pockets and leaned against the doorframe as he watched the two of them. “A mimbulus mimbletonia, just like the one I had when I was younger,” he gave her a small smile before he nodded. His voice dropped so he could reply to Elizabeth though, “of course this one is. I have a real one for her set up off to the side that I’ve been taking care of,” he smiled. “How have you been, Liz?”

Through all the loss Harry endured, he’d never had to go through the loss of a child. He couldn’t begin to imagine what it would feel like to lose Ted, Al, James or Lily. If the conversation hadn’t naturally shifted, Harry would have done it himself so Neville wouldn’t have to think about any of that. “She does,” he agree, thankful for the topic change himself. That was until Neville’s next question. Harry furrowed his brow and reached out to take the glasses, “Everything’s fine, I think. I didn’t realize I was doing that.” He opened the bottle to pour their drinks. “I’ve been around her a lot more lately, I guess.” Harry thought about that for a moment, before shaking his head. “She just - I don’t know. Gets it. For a long time there, when we were looking for the horcruxes, it was just me and her.” Harry leaned back against the counter, just cradling his drink. “I think after that, we just understood each other more. When I get in my head like this, she’s the only one who can really help me out for some reason.”

Neville took a sip of his drink as his gaze rested on his friend. Everything that Harry had endured growing up it made sense to him that he had a connection with Hermione more than most, especially given the last leg of their journey together. “I can understand that,” he replied after a moment and he reached out to place his drink down on the counter. “It’s easier to connect with someone who has been through similar to you.” He knew that far too well when it came to his own relationship with Luna. No matter how unconventional it seemed to the outside world when they were younger, they had a connection that others didn’t understand. “It’s been awhile since I’ve seen her. I’ll have to reach out soon. With all that’s going on plus the holidays, things have been a little crazy.”

Harry gave his friend a small smirk at the teasing, but it wasn’t there on his face for long. He sighed and reached up to pull off his glasses. “I know,” he said, quietly. Harry shook his head, “I hate to be the one to tell you, Nev, but I think that ship’s already set sail.” He fell silent as the other man spoke. He knew Neville was right. That is who Harry was, but that didn’t mean he always liked it. He hated that he couldn’t turn it off, especially when he initially thought he’d be able to turn off being the hero after the war. Harry had his mouth open to say that no, no one else was going to die over this, but quickly shut it. That was a battle he’d lost years ago. He knew it was a useless argument were his friends were concerned. Harry met his friend’s gaze. “I know,” he said again, this time with a smile. “I know you do.” He placed his hand on his shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze, before getting up from the couch and started towards the kitchen. “So long as you’re here - drink?” Harry looked back at him. “Before you say anything, don’t worry. ‘Mione already confiscated most of the alcohol in this place so i wouldn’t,” he paused to mimic her voice, “drink myself to death.”

This was all truly something Neville thought they’d have to deal again, and honestly, he had been keeping his distance from everything since the war ended years ago. After the death of his daughter though, he found himself slowly getting sucked back in, and he was ready to fight, no matter the cost to himself. In a way, he felt as if he had to get revenge for his daughter, but even then he wasn’t entirely sure if that was the only reason. “She knows you all too well,” Neville said as he stood to his feet and followed his friend into the kitchen. He raked his fingers back through his hair, his thoughts drifting for a moment before he shook his head. “I think I’ve heard you mention ‘Mione more lately than Ginny. Is everything alright at home?” He asked, reaching up to grab two glasses for them. 

“I’d much rather look at your pretty face, yes.” Harry looked up at gave his friend a small smirk, before letting out a breath. “I know. And I keep telling myself that. I didn’t miss anything. Me, Hermione, and Ron - we didn’t miss anything. But there’s that little voice in my head telling me they thought he was dead the night my parents died, right? Or maybe he really did pass everything off to someone else if I won.” Harry realized he was rubbing at his forehead and immediately dropped it when he did. Phantom pain. Neville was right.

“You know I will, though,” he said, after a moment of silence met Neville’s words. Harry looked up at him again. “You know I will fight, regardless of if I have to or not. That’s the thing. I can fuck back off to America, say I’m not the hero anymore, but I will be. I wish I knew how to stop.” Harry sighed again and leaned back a little. “I’m sorry. I know it’s not an easy topic for you either.”

“I always knew you had a crush on me,” Neville teased and nudged his arm against his friends before he rested back and closed his eyes. “That’s anxiety, you know. You’re overthinking the situation,” Neville looked over at his friend after a moment. “Which is completely normal considering all the trauma you endured growing up. But you’re going to drive yourself mad if you keep this up.”

Neville hated seeing his friend like this, and wished he could do something, anything to help other than talk. “That’s because that’s who you are and that’s what you do. It’s how all of us are after what we went through. We don’t want to see This Successor win, and even if it kills us, we’ll be there fighting. You’re not alone though, Harry. I’m worried too, but I’m not running. I’ve got your back, just like I did back in Hogwarts.”

“I like you better than my mind healer,” he teased lightly, but the smile didn’t reach Harry’s eyes like it usually would. “I don’t have to fight it again, though. I don’t have to be the superhero that swoops in and saves the day, but you and I both know I will anyway.” Harry absentmindedly pulled at a thread on the sofa cushion and sighed. “I don’t know if I can mentally handle it all again.” He shook his head and dropped his hand, gesturing to his forehead before resting it on his lap. “It’s been hurting. And I know it can’t, but I think it is.” Harry met his gaze and looked at Neville. “The night I was attacked, when I gave that speech, my head was hurting. And now my mind’s telling me - okay, I missed something. He didn’t die. Instead of being like it was just a coincidence. I get tension headaches all the time, especially before public speaking shit like that.” Harry paused after Neville spoke and nodded. “I know. It feels like it was for nothing if our kids have to deal with it. I already hated myself enough for trying to find reasons not to send Ted out on the field.”

“I’m easier to look at, I know. Maybe I missed my calling with mind healing,” Neville teased but the small smile fell from his face as their conversation continued. He hated seeing Harry like this and knew that the other man had had too much thrown on his plate from a young age. Despite what Neville was going through, today wasn’t the day to bring those things up - it was a time to focus on Harry and how he could best help him. “You didn’t miss anything, Harry. Sometimes when people go through a traumatic event like losing a limb, they still get phantom pains where the limb once was. That’s probably all this is. Your mind connects this with what happened back at Hogwarts and it’s making it seem like it’s pain from your scar.” 

He shook his head, “You need to take a step back before you drive yourself mad. It’s not your war to fight this time around. You don’t need to be the hero again. You can help, but you don’t need to save the world.” Neville sighed softly, “And our kids, we can’t always protect them, sadly, no matter what we do,” he trailed off when he thought of Pandora and he shook his head. “We just need to know that we raised them well enough to do what’s right.”

Harry shrugged, but didn’t say anything. Neville was right. Running from it or ignoring it altogether had been Harry’s choice in dealing with his issues. But that historically hadn’t turned out well for him, even if it did seem to work temporarily. Harry was finally starting to feel the weight of everything he’d pushed aside. “I know,” he sighed. “They said that the first time too though, didn’t they? They said he was dead. I just keep thinking what if I missed something or if Dumbledore didn’t tell me everything. It’s not like he didn’t do that the entire time.” Harry ran his hand through his hair again, before shaking his head. “I told you it sounded stupid.” He looked over at his friend for the first time really since Neville had gotten there. “I can’t do it again, Nev. I can’t. I cannot deal with all of this again.”

“It doesn’t sound stupid. It was terrifying and your concerns are valid,” he said as he shook his head. There were still nights where Neville struggled to sleep because of the weight of their teen years. All of it was a lot to put any child through. “I don’t think we have much of a choice, Harry.” Neville wanted nothing more than to hide away from the current issues in the wizarding world, and pretend like they didn’t exist but he knew that wouldn’t be possible. “But we know more this time around then we ever did when we were kids, so that’s an advantage.” He paused, “I never wanted our kids to go through any of this. It’s not fair.” Of all his kids, Neville was worried about Evie most. He knew that she was right in the line of fire with who she was dating. 

Harry watched him as it became obvious he wasn’t going to let this go. “I really hate how well that woman knows me sometimes,” he mumbled. “You too, for that matter.” Because if Hermione could read him better than anyone else, Neville was a close second. Harry let out a breath and ran a hand through his hair, not bothering to comment right away. “Honestly, I kinda like the theory that if I ignore it, it’ll go away,” he replied, finally. Harry shook his head and dropped his hand, fighting the urge to rub his forehead. His scar. “He’s gone, right?” Harry looked up at Neville after another moment of silence passed between them. He knew he didn’t have to elaborate on who he was. “I know it sounds stupid, but I feel like I’m going crazy. He’s not – I mean, I killed him. He can’t come back. I need someone to tell me that.”

“It comes with knowing you for that long,” Neville shrugged, not even bothered. There weren’t many people that Neville let into his inner circle, but his relationship with Harry had always been good: even when they were younger. “Because that theory has went well for you in the past,” he shook his head then glanced at his friend. “He’s gone, Harry. He’s dead. We all saw it,” Neville turned completely to face Harry. “Whoever this Successor is...they’re someone who didn’t live through the horrors that we did, They didn’t see any of that horror, or if they did, they’re heartless and are just putting us through the same level of horror again.”